Chartered Civil Engineering Surveyor (CCES) designation: A Benchmark in Civil Engineering and Survey
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The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors (CICES) have launched a landmark partnership agreement, offering access to a new Chartered Civil Engineering Surveyor (CCES) designation available for professional members of both institutions.
This prestigious designation formally recognises your expertise and verifies your commitment to operating at the highest professional and ethical standards upheld by both RICS and CICES.
Why the CCES Designation Matters
RICS brings global recognition, regulatory confidence, and credibility, while CICES contributes unparalleled depth in geospatial, commercial, and engineering surveying. Together, they provide a professional identity that positions you at the forefront of the industry.
Professional recognition
Demonstrates that you have met rigorous professional standards of both RICS and CICES.
Use of CCES post-nominal letters
Officially distinguish yourself as a Chartered Civil Engineering Surveyor (CCES).
Joint CICES-RICS membership subscription
Reduced administrative complexity and offers potential cost savings* (At present, access is limited to UK-based members and fellows).
How to access the new designation
Who is eligible?
If you meet the criteria below, you will be able to use the new Chartered Civil Engineering Surveyor (CCES) designation from 1 January 2026.
Are a Chartered Member of RICS (MRICS or FRICS)
Are a Full Member of CICES (MCInstCES or FCInstCES) (find out more here)
Have qualified through:
- RICS Route: MRICS via the Geomatics pathway, with Engineering competency at Level 3
- CICES Route: MCInstCES via:
- Geospatial Engineering core with Engineering specialism
- Geospatial Engineering core with Land specialism
- Commercial Management core with Cost Engineering specialism
- Commercial Management core with Quantity Surveying specialism
You can find out more information in our full list of FAQs here.
If you are already a dual RICS–CICES Member
- If you meet all eligibility requirements, you will be automatically awarded the CCES designation and notified directly.
- UK-based dual members can also access the new Joint Membership Subscription, even if they do not hold CCES status*.
If you do not meet the eligibility criteria
- You must be MRICS or FRICS and qualified via the RICS Geomatics pathway, including the Engineering competency to Level 3*.
- You must also be a member of CICES (MCInstCES or FCInstCES).
Once qualified with CICES, and if you meet the stated eligibility criteria, you will be awarded the CCES designation.
If you do not meet the CCES designation eligibility criteria, you can also apply via the new Chartered Civil Engineering Surveyor designation assessment. For more information, find the applicant guide here. To submit your application, click here.
Want more information about CCES or support on the assessment?
RICS and CICES will be hosting an expert-led webinar on Wednesday 13 May at 10:00 - 11:00 BST, giving an overview of the designation and key requirements for the assessment in more detail with a live Q&A.
To register for this webinar, please click here.
To apply
You can apply via the new Chartered Civil Engineering Surveyor designation assessment. For more information, find the applicant guide here. To submit your application, click here.
*If you are based in the UK, you will also be given access to the joint membership subscription. If you are eligible, we will auto-enrol you, and you can expect to receive an invoice from RICS.
Hear from existing dual members
“The dual designation of MRICS and CICES is a truly meaningful recognition of the breadth and depth of expertise that geospatial professionals bring to the table. Many of us began our careers rooted in civil engineering surveying and have evolved into roles that demand a nuanced understanding of both engineering and surveying disciplines and the data that supports and enables both. This collaboration between RICS and CICES is not just a membership milestone—it’s a strategic alignment that reflects the realities of modern practice. It signals a shared commitment to technical rigour, professional integrity, and the kind of interdisciplinary thinking that’s essential to shaping resilient infrastructure and delivering geospatial and location data intelligence at scale. For our sector, it’s a future-facing move that validates the hybrid skillsets we’ve cultivated and reinforces the value we add across the built and natural environment.”
Simon Navin MRICS MCInstCES CCES,
Head of Geospatial Services, Ordnance Survey
“This designation marks a significant step forward in recognising the unique blend of expertise held by professionals working at the intersection of civil engineering and surveying. I, like many other geospatial surveyors, started my career in civil engineering and this collaboration between RICS & CICES has been a long-held ambition for our growing sector. It reflects not only technical excellence but also a commitment to the highest standards of professional integrity and competence. By formally acknowledging this dual capability, RICS and CICES are reinforcing the value of interdisciplinary practice and collaboration in shaping the built environment, and future proofing the growth of our geospatial and construction sectors.”
James Kavanaugh MRICS MCInstCES CCES,
Head of Professional Practice, Land and Development RICS
Need more information?
We have compiled a list of FAQs here.
If you’d like more information, you can contact RICS at contactrics@rics.org, or contact CICES at membership@cices.org.