Frequently Asked Questions

The SoVT is a global community for professionals in the vertical transportation industry, supporting everyone from students and early-career engineers to senior specialists involved and interested in the design, installation, and innovation of lifts, escalators, and mobility systems.

Yes - SoVT membership is awarded through CIBSE. You will need to hold the appropriate CIBSE membership grade (or apply for it) to join SoVT.

By aligning with a recognised professional society in your discipline you: 

• Gain credibility and visibility in the VT sector. 

• Get access to peer-networks, leading practice and specialist CPD, enhancing your professional development. 

• Become part of a community shaping standards, guidance and innovation in vertical transportation – which can open opportunities for engagement, leadership and influence. 

SoVT membership is completely free. There is no additional subscription fee to join SoVT, you will only be charged for the relevant CIBSE membership. For our full list of CIBSE subscription fees, please visit our Subscription Fees page.

SoVT has a dedicated focus on the vertical transportation discipline within the built environment – encompassing design, operation, innovation in lifts/escalators and vertical mobility – backed by CIBSE’s global professional network and reputation. It bridges from traditional lift/escalator practice into emerging “vertical mobility” (smart systems, moving walkways, etc).  

The grades of membership, linked to the internationally recognised Engineering Council criteria, are not offered elsewhere.

Processing times vary by grade: 

Affiliate: Immediate on payment 

Student: 1-2 weeks to verify your course 

Licentiate, Associate, Member, Fellow:  There are fast track options for those who already hold professional registration or CIBSE membership.  

In order to help the process go as quickly as possible, please ensure you have all the required documents prepared. Check the requirements on our website.  

No, SoVT membership is auto renewed for the all the members.               

Yes - all members are encouraged to take an active role in the SoVT’s knowledge-sharing aims. You can contribute by attending events, offering to present to fellow members, proposing new research projects, proposing new guidance publications, informing us of relevant consultation and proposing an article for the CIBSE Journal.  

Members are also encouraged to support the SoVT’s aims by joining the committees. You’ll be informed how to nominate yourself and others for them as part of the Annual General Meeting notifications.  

• Attend SoVT events and engage actively (ask questions, connect with speakers). 

• Use the SoVT community to expand your network – connect with peers, senior professionals and leaders in VT. 

• Leverage SoVT resources for CPD and knowledge – for example the Guide D 2025 and other specialist papers. 

• Consider contributing content (case studies, articles) or volunteering in SoVT initiatives – this raises your visibility and professional standing. 

• Use your membership as part of your personal brand / CV for VT: put SoVT membership grade and year on your LinkedIn, email signature and CV. 

• Review your membership grade periodically – aim for progression over time 
• Present to fellow members: Share insights at local meetings: [email protected]. 

• Speak at or suggest topics for upcoming conferences: Reach a wider audience and influence industry trends: [email protected]. 

• Propose a new training course: Help develop the next generation of professionals: [email protected]. 

• Submit a proposal for a Journal article: Share your expertise and help drive industry innovation: [email protected]   

• Propose a research project: Support evidence-based advancements in the field: [email protected] 

• Help create or update knowledge publications: Shape industry standards: [email protected]. 

• Suggest CIBSE responses to relevant consultations: Influence government policy and best practice: [email protected]. 

• Contribute to current government policy consultations: Offer your expertise and knowledge to help CIBSE shape policy recommendations to government and other institutions: [email protected] 

Becoming professionally registered (CEng, IEng, or EngTech) demonstrates your competence. SoVT membership provides access to CIBSE's respected registration pathways, giving you guidance, support, and a clear route to achievement. 

For further information about SoVT membership, application guidance, grades or events, you can contact the SoVT Membership team via email at [email protected]. 

The below are just some of the benefits you get access to as a member of SoVT.

• Professional recognition within the vertical transportation sector.
• Access to a specialist global community working in lifts, escalators and vertical mobility systems.
• Networking opportunities: members are invited to seminars aimed at VT specialists These provide expert speakers and the chance to network with peers.
• Knowledge, learning and resources focused on VT – including the world-renowned CIBSE Guide D: Transportation Systems in Buildings 2025 edition.
• Career development: support for those at every stage, from students to industry leaders.
• Be invited to the Annual General Meeting (AGM). This important annual event is where members can voice their desires for the future focus of the Society to the committee members. The AGM is usually combined with a technical event.

SoVT offers multiple grades depending on your experience; use our membership finder tool to identify the best grade suitable. 

If you're not yet able to make an application for the professional grades, Affiliate membership gives you immediate access to the CIBSE and SoVT benefits. 

Read our membership guidance on the website. 

Yes — all membership/subscription fees are subject to review annually by the CIBSE Board.

Yes - SoVT is a global community welcoming member from around the world. All membership grades are open to professionals worldwide. Review the grade eligibility for your desired grade and follow the standard application process. 

You do not need to pay for the UK Engineering Council Professional Registration as part of your membership but you would be eligible if you meet the criteria for LSoVT, ASoVT, MSoVT, and FSoVT.  

Yes - as your career progresses, you can apply for a higher membership grade (for example, from Associate to Member, or Member to Fellow) when you have the required experience. Each grade has its own criteria, check the guidance when you’re ready. 

You’ll be part of the SoVT member community: you’ll receive communications about upcoming events, technical briefings, knowledge resources and guidance relevant to vertical transportation. You’ll be able to connect with peers, share best practice, and participate in CPD and professional development within VT. 

You’ll also be invited to the Annual General Meeting and to join the SoVT’s committees. This is an important meeting for members to voice their desires for the Society’s future.  

Yes – CIBSE membership allows you to join multiple societies under the same institutional umbrella. You just need to check whether you’re eligible to join against their membership criteria.  

Yes! We have membership grades for various roles in the industry. Affiliate membership is ideal if you're new to the sector or work in a supporting role. 

The Annual General Meeting (AGM) is an annual event in the SoVT calendar. Members of all grades are invited to hear from the managing committee of volunteers on the successes of the previous year and the aims for the upcoming 12 months. As a member, you are given direct opportunity to influence the SoVT at these meetings.