Chartered institute
A chartered institute, or a chartered body, is an organisation or institution which has been granted a Royal Charter. A Royal Charter is an instrument of incorporation which confers independent ‘legal personality’, reflecting the prestigious high status of that organisation. The terms of each Charter differ according to the specific organisation.
The authority for the granting of a Charter is derived from Royal Prerogative, i.e. by the Sovereign, on the advice of the Privy Council.
Pre-19th century, the Charter of Incorporation was the optimal means of creating separate legal personalities, and these were conferred on many different universities, schools, municipalities, joint stock companies, and so on. As benevolent institutions and charities became more prominent, and as legislation was passed that incorporated commercial enterprises, the granting of Royal Charters became more common.
In the construction industry, the most prominent chartered institutes include:
- Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE).
- Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT).
- Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB).
- Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM).
- Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH)
- Chartered Institute of Marketing Construction Industry Group (CIMCIG).
- Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE).
- Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS).
- Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE).
- Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors (ICES)
- Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation (CIHT).
- Chartered Quality Institute (CQI).
- Chartered Society of Designers.
- Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)
- Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE)
- Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE)
- Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA)
- Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
- Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI)
Chartered institutes have the authority to provide individuals who meet certain educational and skills-related criteria to use a Chartered title. This recognises professional competence and conformity with an established set of career standards.
In the construction industry, the most prominent chartered professional statuses include:
- Chartered Architect (RIBA/RIAS/FRIAS)
- Chartered Architectural Technologist (MCIAT)
- Chartered Builder (MCIOB/FCIOB)
- Chartered Building Engineer (CBuildE)
- Chartered Building Services Engineer (MCIBSE)
- Chartered Civil Engineer (MICE)
- Chartered Construction Manager (MCIOB/FCIOB)
- Chartered Electrical Engineer (MIET/FIET)
- Chartered Engineer (CEng)
- Chartered Landscape Architect (FLI/CMLI)
- Chartered Mechanical Engineer (MIMechE/FIMechE)
- Chartered Structural Engineer (AIStructE/MIStructE/FIStructE)
- Chartered Surveyor (MRICS/FRICS)
- Chartered Town Planner (MRTPI)
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Architectural practice.
- Best practice.
- Chartered builders and chartered construction managers receive official recognition in Northern Ireland public procurement.
- Chartered surveyor.
- Continuing professional development.
- Construction professional.
- Institute.
- Practice.
- Professional.
- Professional body.
- Professional practice.
- Trade body.
- Types of construction organisation.
- What is a Chartered Practice?
Featured articles and news
Professional practical experience for Architects in training
The long process to transform the nature of education and professional practical experience in the Architecture profession following recent reports.
A people-first approach to retrofit
Moving away from the destructive paradigm of fabric-first.
International Electrician Day, 10 June 2025
Celebrating the role of electrical engineers from André-Marie Amperè, today and for the future.
New guide for clients launched at Houses of Parliament
'There has never been a more important time for clients to step up and ...ask the right questions'
The impact of recycled slate tiles
Innovation across the decades.
EPC changes for existing buildings
Changes and their context as the new RdSAP methodology comes into use from 15 June.
Skills England publishes Sector skills needs assessments
Priority areas relating to the built environment highlighted and described in brief.
BSRIA HVAC Market Watch - May 2025 Edition
Heat Pump Market Outlook: Policy, Performance & Refrigerant Trends for 2025–2028.
Committing to EDI in construction with CIOB
Built Environment professional bodies deepen commitment to EDI with two new signatories: CIAT and CICES.
Government Grenfell progress report at a glance
Line by line recomendation overview, with links to more details.
An engaging and lively review of his professional life.
Sustainable heating for listed buildings
A problem that needs to be approached intelligently.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson apprentice award
Deadline for entries has been extended to Friday 27 June, so don't miss out!
CIAT at the London Festival of Architecture
Designing for Everyone: Breaking Barriers in Inclusive Architecture.
Mixed reactions to apprenticeship and skills reform 2025
A 'welcome shift' for some and a 'backwards step' for others.