SDE Application Guidance

Find the membership grade that reflects your experience and requirements.

Membership Grades

The Society of Digital Engineering (SDE) offers structured membership options for professionals working in digitising the built environment. Explore the membership grades to see which one best suits your current role, experience, and qualifications.

If you’re unsure about which grade to apply for there are resources to help.

• Download the Guide to SDE Membership
• For professional registration, review VT competence evidence examples
  • Licentiate
  • Associate
  • Member
  • Fellow

Routes to Membership

There are three different pathways to join the SDE. Membership of SDE is always awarded via CIBSE membership.

• New to CIBSE: apply for CIBSE membership selecting digital engineering as your discipline on the application form. Click on your preferred grade to find out what information you need to provide or to start your application.
• Already hold CIBSE membership: fast-track route to SDE membership depending on your grade and experience in digital engineering. Click on your preferred grade to find out what’s required or to start your application.
• Registered EngTech, IEng or CEng with another UK engineering institution: fast-track route to SDE membership depending on your grade and experience. CIBSE Affiliate membership is required. Click on your preferred grade to find out what’s required or to start your application.
  
  If you hold professional grade membership with another institution these will be considered on an individual basis. Contact us if you have any questions.

Fast-track applications are assessed by the SDE Membership Committee, which meets on a regular basis to assess applications. All other applications are routed through CIBSE membership.

Upgrading Your SDE Membership

This will depend on the type of SDE membership you currently hold.

• If you are professionally registered with CIBSE (LCIBSE LSDE, ACIBSE ASDE, MCIBSE MSDE) please apply here. This link will only work if you are logged in and your CIBSE membership is up to date.
• If you are professionally registered with another UK engineering institution please apply here.

Subscription Fees

A small subscription will be charged to join SDE in addition to the relevant CIBSE membership subscription fees.

Student: Free

Licentiate: £10

Affiliate: £10

Associate: £10

Member: £20

Fellow: £30