In this guide
Use this material to examine your own work. Confirm current requirements, forms and dates with IStructE before applying.
Choose among three routes for demonstrating IPD according to your circumstances. IStructE states that none gives a better chance of success at interview.
The three routes side by side
| Situation | Individually managed | Accredited training records | Retrospectively collated |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who it suits | You have a mentor and are building evidence as you go | You are on a comparable scheme accredited by another body | Neither a mentor nor a scheme has been available to you |
| Mentor | A personal mentor, meeting you regularly | As your scheme requires | A Chartered Member may assist, but need not sign anything |
| Records kept | IPD quarterly report forms and a progress summary record | Your scheme's full training records, signed | Assembled from previous experience up to the point of application |
| IPD final report forms | Required, signed by your personal mentor | Required | Required |
| Sent to reviewers | Portfolio, plus quarterly reports and progress summary | Portfolio, plus signed training records | Portfolio |
| Pass rate at the PRI | No clear difference | No clear difference | No clear difference |
From the current IPD guidance. Supporting documents go directly to your reviewers, not to the Institution, and do not count towards the portfolio page limit.
Choosing an IPD route
If an experienced structural engineer can meet regularly, review your Core Objectives and discuss gaps, consider the individually managed route. Its ongoing records support preparation of the final forms.
IStructE does not accredit company training schemes, but accepts records from comparable schemes accredited by other bodies. The guidance names ICE and HKIE; the experience must be in structural engineering.
If neither arrangement is available, the retrospectively collated route lets you assemble records from existing experience. A Chartered Member may help without signing them.
Timing the record-keeping
Individually managed IPD spreads records across the development period while details are fresh. Retrospective collation requires reviewing memories and older files before applying. Whichever route you take, recording decisions as you work makes later preparation easier.
Choosing your route
Official sources
Selected publisher pages were rechecked in September 2026. Other source records were last checked in July 2026. Open the latest official document before relying on a requirement.