FACTSHEET A21

Competence Criteria
for Associate (ACIBSE)

The competence criteria for the Associate grade of CIBSE

(ACIBSE) is directly aligned to the Competence Statements
issued by the Engineering Council, as part of UK-SPEC, for
Incorporated Engineer (IEng) registration

To become an Associate member (ACIBSE) you will need

to demonstrate your competence within the field of Building
Services Engineering. You may have broad based experience
and responsibility or specialise in one or more aspects of
building services.

Associate members and Incorporated Engineers maintain,

operate and manage applications of current and developing
technology, and may undertake engineering design,
development, manufacture, construction and operation. You
will need to satisfy the 17 objectives in the competence criteria
when applying for ACIBSE or ACIBSE IEng.

The examples given are intended to help you identify activities

you might quote to demonstrate the required competence
and commitment for Associate. These are not exhaustive and
you are not required to give multiple examples to demonstrate
competence and commitment.

Use this competence criteria framework and the Associate

Application Guidance (Factsheet A20) for reference when
putting together your Application and Engineering Practice
Report. Tell us about your career, education and training;
explaining how this has made you more competent.

For further information and guidance please visit

www.cibse.org/associate

072015

1  Factsheet A21
A. Use a combination of general and specialist engineering knowledge and
understanding to apply existing and emerging technology.
No Objective Range Evidence Examples

A1 Maintain and extend a sound Engage in formal Identify, through project or operational involvement areas
theoretical approach to the learning. Learn new for personal development.
application of technology in engineering theories Read technical journals via paper/electronic media.
engineering practice. and techniques
This could include an ability to: in the workplace, Attend courses and seminars.
• Identify the limits of own at seminars, etc. Participate in group peer reviews.
personal knowledge and skills Broaden your
Engage in post project or operational change analysis.
• Strive to extend own knowledge of
technological capability engineering codes, Identify elements of work which have particular reference
• Broaden and deepen own standards and to more sustainable solutions and reducing carbon
knowledge base through new specifications. emissions.
applications and techniques.

A2 Use a sound evidence-based
approach to problem-solving
and contribute to continuous
improvement.
This could include an ability to:
• Use market intelligence and
knowledge of technological
developments to promote and
improve the effectiveness of
engineering products, systems
and services
• Contribute to the evaluation
and development of continuous
improvement systems
• Apply knowledge and
experience to investigate
and solve problems arising
during engineering tasks and
implement corrective action.
Manage/contribute Establish effective ways of working with multi-disciplinary
to market research, teams and building occupants.
and product and
Develop practical engineering solutions within the
process research
constraints of your role.
and development.
Involvement with Evaluate solutions to practical and physical problems.
cross-disciplinary
Participate in team and engineering reviews.
working. Conduct
statistically sound Disseminate information to others in a range of forms
appraisal of data. such as graphs, diagrams, written or spoken.
Use evidence
Devise or implement the evaluation and development
from best practice
of continuous improvement ideas.
to improve
effectiveness. Apply
root cause analysis.

B. Apply appropriate theoretical and practical methods to design, develop,

manufacture, construct, commission, operate, maintain, decommission and
re-cycle engineering processes, systems, services and products.
No Objective Range Evidence Examples

B1 Identify, review and select Contribute to Establish a clear stakeholder or project brief.
techniques, procedures the marketing of Define problem or task to be undertaken.
and methods to undertake and tendering for
engineering tasks. new engineering Use software or tabulated data in developing solutions.
This could include an ability to: products, processes Discuss solutions with peer group or quality circle.
• Establish users’ requirements and systems.
Use spreadsheets or other tools/techniques to
for improvement Contribute to the
consolidate information.
• Select a review methodology specification and
• Fully exploit and implement procurement of
current technology new engineering
• Review the potential for products,
enhancing engineering processes and
practices, products, processes, systems. Develop
systems and services, using decommissioning
evidence from best practice processes. Set
• Establish an action plan to targets, and draft
review the results of the review. programmes and
action plans.
Schedule activities.

2  Factsheet A21
 No Objective Range Evidence Examples

B2 Contribute to the design and Contribute to Identify possible routes to develop projects to successful
development of engineering theoretical and conclusion.
solutions. applied research. Evaluate progress at key milestones for design and
This could include an ability to: Manage/contribute delivery.
• Contribute to the identification to value engineering
and specification of design and whole life Utilise handover / commissioning experiences to the
and development requirements costing. Work in benefit of future designs or stakeholder requirements.
for engineering products, design teams. Draft Identify operational risks and implement engineering
processes, systems and specifications. solutions.
services Find and evaluate
Present progress and solutions to others for discussion
• Identify operational risks and information from a
and development.
evaluate possible engineering variety of sources,
solutions, taking account of including online. Demonstrate presentation skills and critical thinking.
cost, quality, safety, reliability, Develop and test Validate your solutions or ideas against similar schemes
appearance, fitness for options. Identify or problems.
purpose, security, intellectual resources and
property (IP) constraints and costs of options. Use and evaluate innovative solutions or new technology
opportunities and environmental Produce detailed in specific projects with particular reference to
impact designs. Be aware sustainability and reduced carbon emissions.
• Collect and analyse results of IP constraints and
• Carry out necessary tests. opportunities.

B3 Implement design solutions and Follow the design Undertake project analysis to establish resource level
contribute to their evaluation. process through required.
This could include an ability to: into product Participate in active projects.
• Secure the resources required manufacture.
for implementation. Operate and Make progress reports to employer/client.
• Implement design solutions, maintain processes, Identify and report deficiencies.
taking account of critical systems etc.
Receive/evaluate/deliver training in implementation
constraints, including due Contribute to reports
techniques.
concern for safety and on the evaluation
sustainability. of the effectiveness Work directly or by secondment/placement on site-based
• Identify problems during of the designs, activities or at manufacturers’ works.
implementation and take including risk, Read manufacturers’ literature.
corrective action. safety and life cycle
• Contribute to recommendations considerations. Attend manufacturers’ or suppliers’ seminars and
for improvement and actively Contribute presentations.
learn from feedback on results. to product Participate in the analysis of a post-occupancy review.
improvement.
Interpret
and analyse
performance.
Contribute to
determining critical
success factors

3  Factsheet A21
C. Provide technical and commercial management
No Objective
C1 Plan for effective project
implementation.
This could include an ability to:
• Identify factors affecting the
project implementation
• Carry out holistic and
systematic risk identification,
assessment and management
• Prepare and agree
implementation plans and
method statements
• Secure the necessary resources
and confirm roles in project
team
• Apply the necessary
contractual arrangements with
other stakeholders (client,
subcontractors, suppliers, etc).
C2 Manage tasks, people and
resources to plan and budget.
This could include an ability to:
• Operate appropriate
management systems
• Work to the agreed quality
standards, programme and
budget, within legal and
statutory requirements
• Manage work teams,
coordinating project activities
• Identify variations from quality
standards, programme and
budgets, and take corrective
action
• Evaluate performance and
recommend improvements.
C3 Manage teams and develop staff
to meet changing technical and
managerial needs.
This could include an ability to:
• Agree objectives and
work plans with teams and
individuals
• Identify team and individual
needs, and plan for their
development
• Reinforce team commitment to
professional standards
• Manage and support team and
individual development
• Assess team and individual
performance, and provide
feedback.
4  Factsheet A21
Range Evidence Examples
Manage/contribute Establish critical completion or review dates/
to project planning programmes.
activities. Produce Have experience of supervising others to co-ordinate
and implement activities with objectives.
procurement plans.
Contribute to project Assist in preparation of job/person specifications or
risk assessments. adverts.
Collaborate with key Identify risks associated with the delivery of
stakeholders. Plan engineering solutions, ways to mitigate the risks and
programmes and effective checks/controls.
delivery of tasks.
Participate in selecting team members. Coach, and
Identify resources and
train and develop team spirit.
costs. Prepare and
agree contracts/work Contribute to preparation/handling of handover/closing
orders. documentation.
Assist budget projections by forecasting long-term life
costs.
Take account of effects of total life costing.
Manage/contribute Analyse and predict resource level required having
to project operations. assembled programme, delivery dates and budget
Manage the balance requirements.
between quality,
Schedule work against agreed targets and monitor
cost and time.
progress.
Manage contingency
processes. Contribute Engage in ongoing evaluation of building services
to the management engineering projects or facilities from conception
of project funding, throughout the whole life cycle.
payments and
Have experience of:
recovery. Satisfy
legal and statutory • Factory acceptance tests, witness testing, role of
obligations. Manage regulatory authorities.
tasks within identified • Documentation/commissioning activity/setting to
financial, commercial work of projects or systems within one or more of the
and regulatory building services engineering sectors.
constraints.
Carry out/contribute Prepare short, medium, long-term programmes to
to staff appraisals. meet objectives.
Plan/contribute to
Have experience of working with colleagues,
the training and
contemporaries and other professionals.
development of staff.
Gather evidence Contribute to developing team spirit to achieve
from colleagues of common objectives.
the management,
Participate in appraisal process or HR development
assessment and
scheme such as Investors in People.
feedback that you
have provided. Prepare project or progress reports.
Carry out/contribute
Supervise others.
to disciplinary
procedures.
 C4 Manage continuous quality Promote quality. Take part in quality circles or similar.
improvement. Manage/contribute
Point to examples of QA success and shortfall.
This could include an ability to: to best practice
• Ensure the application of quality methods of continuous Be aware of /participate in achieving international
management principles by team improvement, e.g. quality benchmarks e.g. ISO.
members and colleagues. ISO 9000, EFQM,
Participate in damage limitation/reparation when QA
• Manage operations to maintain balanced scorecard.
becomes compromised.
quality standards. Carry out/contribute
• Evaluate projects and to quality audits. Participate in post project reviews or internal audits.
make recommendations for Monitor, maintain
improvement. and improve delivery.
Identify, implement and
evaluate changes to
meet quality objectives.

D. Demonstrate effective interpersonal skills.

No Objective Range Evidence Examples

D1 Communicate in English1 with Reports, letters, Prepare agendas, participate in and minute meetings.
others at all levels. emails, drawings, Be confident in presenting ideas and information in
This could include an ability to: specifications and written, electronic and verbal form.
• Contribute to, chair and record working papers (e.g.
meetings and discussions meeting minutes, Develop communication channels with other team
• Prepare communications, planning documents, members or stakeholders and be familiar with
documents and reports on correspondence) in a document control and information transfer.
technical matters variety of formats.. Involve third parties such as professionals,
• Exchange information and Engaging or interacting contractors, service providers, manufacturers, in
provide advice to technical and professional networks. continuous dialogue.
non-technical colleagues.

D2 Present and discuss proposals. Presentations, records Participate in receiving and developing a brief or
This could include an ability to: of discussions and technical documents, having due regard to cultural
• Prepare and deliver appropriate their outcomes. and commercial backgrounds of clients, stakeholders
presentations or colleagues.
• Manage debates with
Participate in analysis of stakeholder feedback.
audiences
• Feed the results back to Develop and practice skills in presentation, using the
improve the proposals appropriate software, flip charts or overheads, having
• Contribute to the awareness prepared the material.
of risk.
Attend seminars or courses; feedback the knowledge
gained, ask questions and debate answers.
Participate in Risk Assessments and planning
of risk mitigation.

D3 Demonstrate personal and social Records of meetings. Select and use a variety of communications styles
skills. Evidence from (formal and informal). Write for different uses such as
This could include an ability to: colleagues of your memos, formal letters, reports, e-mails, minutes, etc.
• Know and manage own personal and social
Exhibit listening skills and contribute to solution of
emotions, strengths and skills. Contribute to
problems. Develop inter-personal skills, for example
weaknesses productive working
assertiveness, negotiation, compromise and dealing
• Be aware of the needs and relationships. Apply
with conflict.
concerns of others, especially diversity and anti-
where related to diversity and discrimination Have the ability to communicate in a foreign language.
equality legislation.
• Be confident and flexible in
dealing with new and changing
interpersonal situations
• Identify, agree and work
towards collective goals
• Create, maintain and enhance
productive working relationships
and resolve conflicts.

1 Any interviews will be conducted in English, subject only to the provisions of the Welsh Language Act 1993 and any Regulations which may be made in implementation of European Union directives
on free movement of labour.

5  Factsheet A21
E. Demonstrate a personal commitment to professional standards, recognising
obligations to society, the profession and the environment.
No Objective
E1 Comply with relevant codes of
conduct.
This includes an ability to:
• Comply with the rules of
professional conduct of own
institution
• Manage work within all relevant
legislation and regulatory
frameworks, including social
and employment legislation.
E2 Manage and apply safe systems
of work
This could include an ability to:
• Identify and take responsibility
for own obligations for health,
safety and welfare issues
• Manage systems that satisfy
health, safety & welfare
requirements
• Develop and implement
appropriate hazard identification
and risk management systems
and culture
• Manage, evaluate and improve
these systems
• Apply a sound knowledge of
health and safety legislation.
E3 Undertake engineering activities
in a way that contributes to
sustainable development.
This could include an ability to:
• Operate and act responsibly,
taking account of the need
to progress environmental,
social and economic outcomes
simultaneously.
• Provide products and services
which maintain and enhance the
quality of the environment and
community, and meet financial
objectives.
• Understand and encourage
stakeholder involvement in
sustainable development.
• Use resources efficiently and
effectively.
6  Factsheet A21
Range Evidence Examples
Contribute to the Understand and abide by the CIBSE Code of Conduct.
affairs of your Exercise all reasonable professional skill and care.
institution. Work with a
variety of conditions of Give due regard to the Engineering Council (EngC)
contract. Guidelines.
Guide and regulate your work with a working
knowledge of current and impending legislation,
standards and Codes of Practice.
Undertake formal Understand health and safety policies and practices
health and safety affecting your work and exercise responsibilities for
training. Work with the safety and welfare of others.
health and safety Participate in providing information for the Health
legislation and and Safety File and to comply with the Construction
best practice, In (Design & Management) Regulations (CDM).
the UK, examples
include HASAW Understand relevant health, safety and welfare issues
1974, CDM regs, arising in design, construction, maintenance, operation
OHSAS 18001:2007 and deconstruction of built environment solutions.
and company safety Co-operate and provide relevant information required
policies. in systems to plan and manage health, safety, and
welfare.
Carry out safety audits.
Have a broad understanding of safe systems of work,
Identify and minimise
method statements and permit-to-work systems.
hazards. Assess and
control risks. Deliver
health and safety
briefings & inductions.
Carry out/contribute Have a general understanding of the principles of
to environmental sustainable development and how these are relevant
impact assessments. to your work.
Carry out/contribute Understand the environmental and social contexts of
to environmental your work, as well as the economic context.
risk assessments.
Manage best practice Understand the sustainability issues arising in
environmental the design, construction, maintenance, use and
management deconstruction of built environment solutions.
systems, e.g. ISO Actively promote solutions in the built environment
14000. Manage which pursue the principles of sustainable
best practice risk development.
management system
Actively engage in the process of reducing
e.g. ISO 31000. Work
carbon emissions, energy demands and resource
within environmental
consumption
legislation. Adopt
sustainable practices.
Contribute social,
economic and
environmental
outcomes.
 No Objective
E4 Carry out and record Continuing
Professional Development (CPD)
necessary to maintain and
enhance competence in one’s
area of practice.
This could include an ability to:
• Undertake reviews of own
development needs
• Plan how to meet personal and
organisational objectives
• Carry out planned (and
unplanned) CPD activities
• Maintain evidence of
competence development
• Evaluate CPD outcomes against
any plans made
• Assist others with their own
CPD.
E5 Exercise responsibilities in an
ethical manner.
7  Factsheet A21
Range Evidence Examples
Keep up to date Recognise and pursue opportunities to review your
with national knowledge, professional competence and your
and international professional development.
engineering issues. Be involved with CIBSE activities.
Maintain CPD
plans and records. Read professional journals and attend development
Involvement with seminars.
the affairs of your Plan short, medium and long term CPD.
professional body.
Advise others on building services engineering careers.
Evidence of your
development through Monitor, assist and guide the professional development
on-the-job learning, of others.
private study, in- Access information sources for learning opportunities.
house courses,
external courses and Exercise skills transfer between professional and
conferences. personal life.
Give an example Recognise and operate within the limits of your
of where you have knowledge and competence.
applied ethical Understand and operate within the Engineering
principles as Council’s Statement of Ethical Principles; also
described in the understand how this is relevant to the stature of the
Statement of Ethical engineering professions.
Principles as published
by the Engineering Have a general understanding of how ethical
Council and the dilemmas can arise in your work and own duties to
Royal Academy of employers and society.
Engineering. Understand and operate within your Employer’s Ethical
Give an example Standards Policy
of where you have Present only justifiable information and technical
applied/upheld ethical opinion, be receptive to concerns, other aspirations
principles as defined and contrary opinion or information.
by your organisation or
Evidence of training, advice and information given by
company, which may
your employer.
be in its company or
brand values.