Is CIOB Membership Worth It

Consider becoming a member of the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB)? You are not in the world alone. However, what with Brexit, skills gaps and problems with international migration, the real question is:

Does CIOB membership really pay back, both to your career, and your wallet?

Unless you are the big end-of-town, being a site manager, estimator, quantity surveyor or even climbing the ladders via the CIOB, the question then arises is becoming a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) worth it?

All of us have heard all the hype about CIOB. You may have seen a colleague on Linkedin wearing the MCIOB after their name or heard of the CIOB Professional Review, and wondered whether it is all it is cracked up to be.

In this guide, We will simplify it to you in construction industry. This article is to anyone in the business, whether you are a fresh graduate in Manchester or a well-experienced contractor who is dealing with mega-projects in Riyadh or anywhere in the world.

What CIOB is and Why It is Such a Big Deal?

Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) is among the leading associations of construction management professionals. It was formed back in the 1800s and to have four letters after your name, MCIOB basically means that you are within the top echelon in your profession within your industry.

To be one of the members, you do not have to wear a suit and tie every day. Whether a project manager, consultant, foreman or engineers, CIOB membership is available to most professionals in the construction sector.

Quick Snapshot:

• MCIOB- Member of Chartered Institute of Building
• Chartered Membership A recognised a worldwide member including in the UK, UAE and Saudi Arabia
• Annual Fee: Approximately 200-300 (a year) (depending on level)
• Route of assessment: CIOB Professional Review or NVQ based route

CIOB: What is the Major Benefit?

Now to the point. What are the reasons to think of it? In what follows we focus on what makes CIOB worth it (or not) in terms of your goals:

1. Increases Your Credibility

The clients in the UK, notably on government-based projects as well as gigantic tenders in the privately owned sector adore having MCIOB in your repertoire. It is like a hallmark that reads I have my butt down. To the boss, it is an assurance that you are trained, serious about this job, and at the same time, committed.

In Saudi Arabia, the Vision 2030 projects are on the rise, i.e., NEOM, The Line, Qiddiya, etc. Therefore, organizations would be interested in hiring employees who have international qualifications. CIOB is a distinguished body together with PMP and RICS.

The MCIOB allowed me to be noticed during my application in the Riyadh senior position. They were charmed by the chartered status,” – Faisal A., Project Manager trained in the UK working in KSA.

2. Grabs More Employment Opportunities

Membership of the CIOB is a preferred or essential qualification on jobs posted by employers on sites such as Reed, Indeed and GulfTalent. Do you want to be the next CIO in Birmingham? Or perhaps you want to relocate to Jeddah with a tax-free salary? CIOB will help you climb a step ahead.

3. Increased Wage Opportunity

Here is the catch, the members of CIOB tend to earn more money. A very recent CIOB salary survey:

• The annual average pay gap between the MCIOB members in the UK and those who are non-chartered is 5,000-8,000 pounds.
• The MCIOB construction manager in Saudi Arabia can negotiate a 20-30% increase in packages particularly on the infrastructure and oil and gas projects.

That is not a small amount.

4. Global Recognition

CIOB enjoys international recognition particularly in Commonwealth and Middle East. And in case you are intending to practice in nations such as Qatar, Oman, UAE or Saudi Arabia, your CIOB membership will go with you just as a passport does.

When CIOB is It Not Worth It?

We will tell you straight; it is not necessarily the correct action. This is when CIOB may prove to be unworthy (at the moment):

• When you are still at a very early stage in your career: Build up practical experience in priority.
• Unless you intend to change careers out of construction in the near future: CIOB will be more useful to construction people, than to those wishing to change to finance or IT.
• In case you are seeking to climb the ladder as a short-term goal: CIOB is long-term; it is not a magic wand.

Common Myths of CIOB Membership

It is only that people with degrees can access it.

Not true. Lots of tradesmen and supervisors are chartered by the experience route (you will simply be required to show your expertise).

It is too difficult or scholastic.

Also false. That is correct, you will be required to thinking over projects and make a review. However, it depends upon your real experience. You do not have to have a PhD, only good evidence and clarity.

It is not known abroad in the UK.

Big myth. CIOB is massive in the Middle East, Australia, Hong Kong and Africa. Project sites allover Riyadh and Dubai will have CIOB logos.

Final Words: Is the CIOB Membership Worth It?

Now to the point, To most construction professionals, CIOB is worth it!

• It adds credibility to you
• Put more people to work (UK and overseas)
• Tends to result in improved remuneration
• Will make you more prominent in the process of seeking high position jobs
• Universally understood (particularly the Gulf)

Now, mind you, it is not a get rich quick badge. It has to be earned the hard way around through experience and professionalism.

Top Tips in Case you are Considering Applying

• Begin taking your experience and notes of the project.
• Seek the opinions of a mate on the way to becoming MCIOB.
• You can seek assistance of a CIOB mentor or a writing service.
• Do not over-think about the writing part, be veracious and organized.
• If you have worked on pro

Verdict

They could be a CV-alternative in any job, whether you are running a housing site in Leeds, or assisting in the construction of a smart city futuristic NEOM.

Your Quick-Bite Cost vs. Benefit Summary

Thus, in case you plan to have a long-term perspective and be proud of your job in construction, you can do it. You got nothing, and everything to make.