Why Chartered Membership Matters More Than Ever

Rachel Baxter-Smith explains how Chartered Membership offers global recognition, career advancement and a stronger voice in a changing profession

IN A RAPIDLY evolving profession, credibility, competence and commitment have never been more valuable. As the global challenges facing chemical engineers grow more complex, it’s vital that we demonstrate not just what we know, but how we apply it in a responsible, ethical and forward-thinking way. That’s exactly what Chartered Membership of IChemE represents – and why now is the perfect time to learn more by attending one of our interactive workshops on becoming chartered.

More than a title

As a Chartered Member, you can use the postnominal MIChemE, and the title Chartered Chemical Engineer or Professional Process Safety Engineer. These exclusive designations signify professional recognition in chemical or process safety engineering, which can only be gained through IChemE.

You can also apply for external professional registrations through IChemE alongside your Chartered Membership application, providing additional validation of your competence and commitment to the profession. Applicants for Chartered Membership can also apply for CEng registration, and IChemE is an assessment entity for Registered Professional Engineering Queensland (RPEQ) – Chartered Chemical Engineer only.

A unique offer for a unique profession

The Professional Process Safety Engineer qualification is the only internationally recognised qualification of its kind. Developed by IChemE in collaboration with industry, it recognises practitioners who specialise in keeping processes – and people – safe. At a time when process safety is under more scrutiny than ever, it provides a clear signal of your capabilities and your commitment to protecting lives and the environment.

Raising the profile, strengthening the profession

Holding Chartered Membership with IChemE enhances your employability and career progression, not to mention salary. It sends a strong message to employers, regulators and the wider world that you operate to the highest standards. But equally important, it strengthens our profession from within. By upholding rigorous standards, Chartered Members help ensure that chemical and process safety engineering remain trusted, relevant and resilient in the face of global challenges.

Your next steps

IChemE is also working hard to make the process of becoming chartered more accessible, transparent and supportive. From new guidance and application tools to mentoring and feedback opportunities, our goal is to support every engineer in preparing their application.

Whether you’re just starting out or actively working through your application to become a Chartered Chemical Engineer or a Professional Process Safety Engineer, there are plenty of resources and communities available to support you on your journey. Here are some great ways to get involved and stay on track:

• Book to attend one of our interactive online workshops on becoming chartered or catch-up to learn more: https://bit.ly/chartered-virtual-roadshow
• Join the Working towards Chartered Membership Community on IChemE Connect to interact with other members who are on the journey to become chartered: https://bit.ly/icheme-connect-chartered
• If you don’t have a mentor through your employer or local network, you may wish to sign up to Mentor Match to find a mentor to help you with your Chartered Member application: https://www.icheme.org/education-career/mentoring/