IStructE Core Objectives – Introduction
The purpose of the IStructE Core Objectives is for the Institution to determine if you are ready to sit the exam, and to demonstrate that you have a suitable breadth of knowledge, and level of understanding and awareness that they expect of a Chartered Structural Engineer.
The way that you prove the 13 Core Objectives is by completing a final report form for each one, which is backed up by the information provided in your portfolio (more on them later).
During the Professional Review Interview, the panel will question you on things you have mentioned in your submission, to verify that you do in fact know what you have said you know, and to fill in any gaps that they have spotted in your information (see the interview section). You can even read how one of our bloggers got along with theirs.
In the following pages we look at each Core Objective in turn, describing how you can meet the necessary requirements and giving examples of what is suitable for submission.
It is useful to remember that you can use examples of experience you gained before you graduated from university. For example, any work experience you had before or during summer placements can be just as relevant to you now. You can also use examples of work you did as part of your degree course, but do not rely heavily on this, because the Institution will want to see that you have a good level of professional post-graduation experience too.
The IStructE's Core Objectives are split between three broad headings:
Personal:
Engineering:
- 2.1 – Conceptual Design
- 2.2 – Analysis and Design
- 2.3 – Materials
- 2.4 – Environment
- 2.5 – Construction
Management and Commercial:
- 3.1 Management Skills
- 3.2 Law
- 3.3 Health and Safety
- 3.4 Commercial Awareness
- 3.5 Contract Documentation
- 3.6 Quality Systems
There are four different skill levels used to decide your competence: Appreciation “A”, Knowledge “K”, Experience “E” and Ability “B”. Ideally you should aim to hit “Ability” for every Core Objective, which means you are working competently and independently.
The most common failures at Professional Review Interview lie in the “Engineering” section, specifically Conceptual Design, Analysis and Design, Materials and Construction.
Read our commentary on each Core Objective to learn more and to avoid the pitfalls.