Frequently Asked Questions

 

 

 

The competencies were introduced to make the process of applying for, and being assessed for membership, more logical, objective and certain. They apply to applications for Technical Member and Member, and in some cases Fellow.

At first sight they may appear off-putting, but they just need to be worked through carefully.

The competencies are specific statements of what an applicant understands and has experience in. Each one is split into ‘activities’ which break down the competency into smaller chunks. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about them.

 

 

Q I have experience of more than one of the specialist routes, should I get myself signed off in more than one of them?
A

I would advise just to choose your strongest suit and keep to one set of specialist competencies. If you have broader experience than this you can draw attention to this via your detailed C.V.
   
   
Q Do I have to complete the General Competencies?
A All applicants for Technical Member and most for Member need to have the general competencies signed off. However, those on the ‘accelerated routes’ to the grade of Member (senior applicants, applicants with prior related qualifications and established Associate Members) must meet different requirements and do not need to address the general competencies.
   
   
Q

Who can sign off the competencies for me (i.e. be my supervisor)?
A

Ideally this would be both your line manager and an ICES Member or Fellow. But your line manager is still the right person even if he or she is not a member of ICES or other construction professional body. It is essential that the person reviewing the competencies with you has a real understanding of your skills, comprehension and experience. The sponsors of your overall application will, in effect, be vouching for you and your manager in the sense that your competencies have been thoroughly reviewed and decisions carefully made.
   
   
Q What happens if there are one or two activities that I can't get any experience in, even though I have been reading up on them?
A If you are genuinely ‘stuck’ on one or two areas and your employer just can’t offer you experience in them, then I suggest the following. Firstly, make some enquiries if there are any opportunities to shadow someone who is working in these particular areas. This might even be with another firm, particularly one that works closely with your own. If this is not possible, then get in touch with us and we will advise you if there is any flexibility in terms of balancing the omission with a close alternative within the activities listed for that competency.
   
   
Q How long does it take to get the competencies signed off?
A

If you are signed up for an ICES Approved Development Scheme, then the norm is for the competencies to be signed off over a three year period, with quarterly meetings and gaining a progress signature every year. However, this is not set in stone and those with prior experience may have their competencies signed off in a much shorter period, possibly just a few weeks or months. The time taken will in that case depend on how long it takes to work through them with your manager. This may take quite a while and can be done more easily if it is split into a series of meetings..

   
   
Q What's all this about cross-referencing?
A This causes quite a few problems, but really it is very simple. All we ask is that, somewhere in your application documents there is a reference to each competency. The reference may be to the overall competency or to an individual or group of activities within it. This reference should be put in the narrative of your detailed C.V., Experience Report or even your CPD record. The reference can just be put into the narrative (e.g. GECORE01 B).The purpose of this is to help the examiners link the competencies with the experience and learning events described in your reports. Keep it simple – too many references are just confusing and won’t improve your application.
   
   
Q What kind of evidence do I need to produce to back up the competencies?
A There is no need to produce a portfolio in support of the signed-off competencies. Your manager will know your strengths and weaknesses in detail and will essentially be vouching for your claimed competencies. The cross-referencing against the other documents in your application allow the examiners to understand how and where you gained your knowledge and experience and this in turn will become the focus of questioning at the review interview. Some Approved Development Schemes do insist that trainees keep a portfolio or a diary, and this is used within the review and appraisal system in the organisation. These documents do not have to be submitted to ICES.
   
   
Q I think I have a higher grade of competency in a number of the activities. Should I claim a higher level than is asked for in the optimum grade column?
A

If you have a great deal of experience then it does make sense to claim the real grades of competency that you have achieved. Having said that, I suggest being modest with any additional claims. After all, you are being assessed up to the standard being laid down, and not beyond that.
   

 


For further queries, please contact the ICES membership department +44 (0)161 972 3100