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Opinion
TechCIOB grade takes membership to another level
Caroline Gumble CIOB
Institute’s new membership grade extends support to construction’s technical specialists, writes Caroline Gumble.
CIOB’s new TechCIOB grade validates the competencies of technical specialists
Just a few weeks ago, I was delighted to attend CIOB’s first ever graduation ceremony at which we were able to recognise TechCIOB members, which is very exciting. It was a privilege to be able to welcome them into the CIOB community.
CIOB’s new TechCIOB grade is a significant development for us. Some of you may have read the piece about it in January’s Construction Management, in which it explains the purpose of the new, non-chartered, grade – our director of education and standards, Ros Thorpe, put it simply and concisely: “To provide a validation of competencies at non-managerial level.”
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The introduction of the TechCIOB grade is important as it allows CIOB to extend our support to even more professionals working in our industry. It is a hugely positive development that we are now able to recognise and award post-nominals to technical specialists. They have become experienced professionals and are often thought leaders in their area of expertise.
The decision to introduce a new grade for technicians and specialists was originally driven by members and has taken time to put in place, with the final step of Privy Council approval coming through last year and the completion of our pilot programme.
Globally recognised qualification
In keeping with our corporate plan theme of modern professionalism, offering a route for technicians and specialists to gain a globally recognised qualification (and the TechCIOB post-nominal) is of value in an environment in which we want to support those who set the standards and offer leadership in their fields.
In the speech that I give at our graduation events, I sometimes reflect on the fact that, as built environment professionals, those who are graduating and have taken on the challenge of earning a professional qualification, have done so against the background of having particularly demanding jobs, with exacting standards and often challenging timetables. Gaining a CIOB post-nominal is a real accomplishment and I hope those who achieve it feel proud.
They join a growing global community, all of whom are important to our industry. As modern professionals, our members have a much-needed role in helping to set and maintain the high standards we need to leave a positive legacy.
The new grade is now open for applications and we have produced some new resources to explain more. You can read further about the TechCIOB grade on CIOB’s website, in the Membership Grades section.
The November/December 2025 issue of Construction Management magazine is now available to read in digital format.
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