How is professional recognition achieved?
Professional recognition is achieved through a formal process of Professional Review. Qualifications and experience are only part of the picture; it's all about demonstrating competence. A candidate provides evidence to demonstrate their knowledge, qualifications, experience, competence and professional commitment against a set of criteria. The candidate's evidence is reviewed by a panel of their peers. This culminates in the award of formal professional qualifications and the use of post nominal letters (e.g. MIMarEST, CEng, IEng, CMarSci, CMarTech, etc.)
What evidence will the Institute be looking for?
The IMarEST will seek evidence that your knowledge and understanding, your ability to apply knowledge in practice, your leadership and management ability, your interpersonal skills, and your professional conduct meet the criteria set out for the particular category of membership you are seeking.
What is the Professional Review?
The Professional Review is the process for making the final judgement for membership and registration. You supply your evidence by producing a written report highlighting your education, training, and subsequent career development which you discuss in detail at a Professional Review interview/discussion. It is an opportunity to demonstrate your competence and commitment against objective criteria. The interview/discussion is a structured process designed to elicit sufficient evidence for assessors to certify that you have the necessary competence and commitment required for membership. The assessors make a recommendation to the Membership Committee.
What requirements do I have to meet to become a member?
Your membership category will be awarded on the basis of your level of professional competence. This is broadly defined through your knowledge and your professional development (your experience) and demonstrated through the professional review process.
What if I haven't been on a formal training programme but have a lot of experience?
The IMarEST recognises all relevant training and experience whether or not it has been achieved through a formal programme of training and learning.
Do I have to attend an interview?
If you are seeking registration (e.g. Chartered Status), an interview is usually mandatory (there are some exceptions). An interview is not always necessary if you are applying for membership alone. It depends on the quality of the evidence you submit.
Where is the interview held and how long will it take?
The interview will normally be held locally to the applicant, and will last about an hour. The outcome will be communicated to the applicant within a month, approximately.
Who are the Professional Review Interviewers/Assessors?
Nominated members of the IMarEST with the appropriate knowledge of the specified field.
Is there a process for appeal?
Yes, which is in writing to the Membership Committee but members of staff at HQ are always available on request to help you keep on track.
