StructuralEngineer.ie's summary of chartered engineer vs engineer: in Ireland, "Chartered Engineer" (CEng MIEI) is a protected professional title awarded by Engineers Ireland after an accredited degree, years of professional development and a professional review. Under the Building Control Regulations, a Chartered Engineer is one of three professions that can act as designer and assigned certifier on works such as extensions over 40 m².
What the titles mean
| Title | Meaning |
|---|---|
| CEng FIEI | Chartered Engineer, Fellow of Engineers Ireland |
| CEng MIEI | Chartered Engineer |
| AEng MIEI | Associate Engineer |
| Eng Tech MIEI | Engineering Technician |
| MIEI | Member of Engineers Ireland (membership grade, not chartered) |
Engineers Ireland has sole authority in Ireland to award the Chartered Engineer title. It requires an accredited honours degree or equivalent, a period of initial professional development, and a professional review interview.
Why it matters for your project
BCAR. For works caught by the Building Control (Amendment) Regulations, such as new homes and extensions over 40 m², the designer and assigned certifier must be a registered architect, a registered building surveyor or a Chartered Engineer on the relevant register.
Opinions of compliance. Solicitors check who signed. An opinion from a chartered professional with professional indemnity insurance is what most will accept.
Competence. Chartered status means the engineer has been independently assessed and is bound by a code of ethics and continuing professional development.
What to check before appointing
- Chartered status, verified on the Engineers Ireland register
- Professional indemnity insurance appropriate to the work
- Relevant domestic experience: extensions, steel, period houses
- A written fee that states what’s included, especially inspections and certificates
Bottom line
For anything going on a BCAR Commencement Notice, and for certificates that will satisfy a buyer’s solicitor, use a Chartered Engineer, an architect or a registered building surveyor. StructuralEngineer.ie’s engineer, Joachim Louw, is a Chartered Engineer (CEng MIEI). Call 01 270 9764.
Want a fixed fee for your job? Call 01 270 9764.
Callback the same working day. Fixed fee confirmed in writing before the visit.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check if an engineer is chartered?
Engineers Ireland maintains the register of Chartered Engineers. Ask for their membership number and check it.
Is a chartered engineer more expensive?
Not necessarily for domestic work. Fees depend more on the job and what's included than on the title.
What does 'MIEI' alone mean?
Member of Engineers Ireland. It's a membership grade, not the Chartered Engineer title. CEng MIEI means Chartered Engineer.
Sources
Get a fixed engineering fee
Two short steps. We call back the same working day.
Prefer to talk? Call 01 270 9764. A live person answers during office hours.