How do you become a demolition engineer in the UK?

What a demolition engineer does

A demolition engineer plans and takes professional responsibility for taking structures down safely: the survey, the sequence, the method, the temporary works and the people doing the work. It is one of the highest-risk parts of construction, which is why the profession assesses its people by examination and interview rather than by job title.

The route, step by step

1. Start in the industry

Most demolition engineers come up through the work itself, starting with the entry short courses (asbestos awareness, site safety, site fundamentals) and practical experience on site. Others come in from engineering or construction degrees. Both routes lead to the same assessment.

2. Join the Institute early

You don't have to be qualified to join. The Student grade is free while you hold current evidence of study, and the Entrant grade is for people new to the profession. Joining early gives you the Institute's CPD, papers library, seminars and events from the start, and puts you on the path to the examination.

3. Get a recognised qualification

The Institute helped develop a world first, the Foundation Degree in Demolition Management: two years, 12 modules, each combining teaching, research and coursework. It costs £3,250 for members and £3,900 for non-members, and the Institute'sbursary offers a free place, open to members and non-members alike. Engineering and construction degrees, HNCs and relevant NVQs also count towards competence.

4. Pass the Institute's examination

Entrants are expected to sit the examination as soon as they reasonably can. It has two parts, taken on the same day:

The pass mark is 70% for both parts. Examinations are held twice a year, and a preparation day beforehand is mandatory for first-time candidates. There's no limit on attempts within two years of joining.

5. Progress through the grades

The corporate grades (AMIDE and MIDE) need the examination and a professional interview with practising engineers. A £300 joining fee applies when you apply. If you're not sure where you fit, the grade finder points you to the right route.

6. Keep it current

Members keep 12 hours of CPD a year, six of them core. Full Members and Fellows whose CPD is current can hold the CSCS Professionally Qualified Person card, free, the same card held by competency-assessed members of other construction bodies.

How long does it take?

It depends on where you start. The Foundation Degree takes two years. The examination can be sat within your first two years of membership. The Membership Committee meets four times a year to decide applications. Fellowship comes later, from sustained contribution to the discipline.

Finding work

The Institute lists demolition engineering roles posted directly to members, alongside live vacancies from across the industry. Employers use the register because every member has already been examined and interviewed.

Talk to the Institute

For an enrolment pack for the Foundation Degree, a bursary application or to book an examination, contact the Institute's office. Theapplication can be started online and saved as you go.