FAQs

The majority of new members can apply online via our application form. Please make sure you fill in as much information as possible, including copies of all relevant certificates, so we can process your application.

However, for those undergoing the assessment route e.g. those operating in the industry under grandfather rights, there is a separate application process. Please contact the membership team via email membership@ciphe.org.uk or by calling 01708 463116.

Yes, for new members, (excluding Trainee) there is an additional small non-refundable entrance fee to cover the application assessment cost. This is a one-off payment alongside the annual membership fee.

Fees are dependent on the level of membership applied for. You can find a list of fees in our membership hub.

You can join online today. However, please note that applications received are also then vetted by the CIPHE membership team, so there may be further information to be provided once your application has been submitted. In the instance that further information is required the team will aim to contact you as soon as possible.

If you have any concerns about your application, the membership team will be happy to help, please email membership@ciphe.org.uk or call 01708 463116.

CIPHE membership runs annually from four points in the year:

• 1st January until 31st December
• 1st April until 31st March
• 1st July until 30th June
• 1st October until 30th September

Membership paid by Direct Debit can be paid either annually or via monthly instalment and members are written to before each year of renewal.

You can also renew online in the Members section.

Membership fees are calculated based on the level of membership you hold. You can find a list of fees in our membership hub.

Yes members can change how they pay their membership online, by contacting membership@ciphe.org.uk or by calling 01708 463116.

You can update your details either online via the CIPHE website or by talking to our membership team. Please either visit the Members section,  email membership@ciphe.org.uk or call 01708 463116.

Yes. For existing members applying to upgrade their category of membership, a transfer fee is charged to cover assessment and administration. Please email membership@ciphe.org.uk or call 01708 463116 for further details.

Yes, the whole of the CIPHE subscription is allowable for tax relief (subject to status) for members in the UK. Further details are available via the Approved professional organisations and learned societies (list 3) at GOV.UK.

Yes, we do have discounts available for members who are either temporarily or permanently not working. Please email membership@ciphe.org.uk or call 01708 463116 for further details.

CIPHE members can call 01708 463117 or email technical@ciphe.org.uk for advice and guidance on the planning, maintenance and installation of plumbing & heating systems.

Call the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering legal line via Law Express on 01275 405 600 to speak to an advisor. Lines are open from 8am-8pm, Monday-Friday and 9am-12pm, Saturday-Sunday (GMT). Please tell the call handler that you’re a member and make sure that you have your membership number with you.

CIPHE membership comes with a range of membership services and benefits that you won’t find anywhere else. Head over to our exclusive benefits hub  to find out more.

The CIPHE’s membership magazine is printed four times a year and sent to members as a membership benefit. You can also visit the P&H Engineering website at www.pandhengineering.co.uk

You will need to let the membership department know. Please email membership@ciphe.org.uk or call 01708 463116.

Head office is open Monday-Friday, from 9am-5pm. The office is closed at weekends, on bank holidays and also between Christmas and New Year.

The CIPHE’s six-point code is covered in full on our Code of Professional Standards page. It applies to all those in individual membership of the CIPHE and Registered Plumbing Companies.

The CIPHE’s complaints procedure is an independent and impartial service, with conflict resolution at its core. While the service is in place to protect consumers, it also provides valuable protection for members against unwarranted accusations, that could be harmful for business.

Often, when a formal complaint is made to the CIPHE, its a result of a breakdown in communication. So in the first instance, the procedure is about listening to each side, allowing everyone to explain their issues and actions. The CIPHE therefore advises members to be fully engaged in the process and provide as much detail as possible.

You can find out more about the process on the complaints support page.

Head office is open Monday-Friday, from 9am-5pm. The office is closed at weekends, on bank holidays and also between Christmas and New Year.

Look for a member of the CIPHE. You can find professional engineers in your area 24/7 via our online find a plumber tool or by contacting head office during office hours via phone on 01708 472791 or email info@ciphe.org.uk.

Yes CIPHE members are vetted for their qualifications and experience. Additionally, all members volunteer to abide by a Code of Professional Standards, to ensure high levels of professionalism.

The CIPHE’s six-point code is covered in full on our Code of Professional Standards page. It applies to all those in individual membership of the CIPHE and Registered Plumbing Companies.

Members of the CIPHE are awarded designatory letters after their name. Many go on to attain further professional awards such as registration with the Engineering Council.

ACIPHE - An individual who has attained the Associate level of CIPHE membership
MCIPHE - An individual who has attained the Member level of CIPHE membership
FCIPHE - An individual who has attained the Fellow level of CIPHE membership
RP - An individual enrolled on the Register of Plumbers as a Registered Plumber
RHP - An individual enrolled on the Register of Heating Professionals as a Registered Heating Professional
EngTech - An individual registered as an Engineering Technician with the Engineering Council
IEng - An individual registered as an Incorporated Engineer with the Engineering Council
CEng - An individual registered as a Chartered Engineer with the Engineering Council
LCGI - An individual awarded Licentiateship, a professional recognition award from City & Guilds.

Not all of our members choose to advertise their services on our find a plumber tool. However, you can still double check your engineers’ CIPHE credential via our verify a member tool.

Our careers and trainees section will tell you all you need to know about joining the plumbing and heating industry.

If a CIPHE member breaks any aspect of the six-point Code of Professional Standards, they can be liable for a complaint to be made against them. The CIPHE’s complaints procedure is an independent and impartial service, with conflict resolution at its core. You can find out more about the service and how to make a complaint on our complaints support page.

Sorry, the CIPHE’s technical helpline is only available to members of the CIPHE. However, you can find advice on dealing with common plumbing problems on our plumbing emergencies page or visit our blogs for helpful advice on a range of plumbing and heating matters.

You can either visit our about us section, or you can view our latest news and blogs.