AIC/CIOB Agreement of Reciprocity (America)
Introduction
1. The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) and the American Institute of Constructors (AIC) are both long established bodies focusing on professional management of the construction process. Both recognise advantages in working more closely together, particularly in developing visibility, recognition, and cooperation. There is a common understanding that professional managers are the natural leaders of the construction team, and that through professional management the industry's clients receive better value for their money, consistent, acceptable quality, and fewer disputes. The AIC and the CIOB agree to work together to raise the profile and recognition of professional management in construction for the benefit of the industry, its clients, and society.
Membership Reciprocity
2. The American Council for Construction Education (ACCE) entered into a reciprocal agreement in 1993. Under this agreement, ACCE agreed to recognise CIOB accredited construction education programs as equivalent to the baccalaureate programs accredited by ACCE, and CIOB agreed to recognise ACCE accredited construction education programs as equivalent to those accredited by CIOB to fulfil the educational requirement for CIOB Corporate Membership. This agreement of reciprocity serves as the foundation on which to create a reciprocal agreement between AIC and CIOB.
3. The CIOB sets Corporate membership at United Kingdom (UK) honours degree level. AIC Constructor membership is set at a baccalaureate degree level from an accredited construction education program. In addition, both Institutes have a minimum experiential requirement of three years for Corporate membership in CIOB, and five years for Constructor membership in AIC.
4. Both Institutes have additional equivalent standards for membership including, but not limited to, direct examination, mature access, and/or additional experience.
5. Both Institutes require that their members demonstrate professional competence. Corporate and Constructor memberships require examination and screening through professional interviews and disciplinary procedures.
6. Both Institutes have sub-Corporate and Constructor classes of memberships set at requisite educational and experiential thresholds.
7. The AIC agrees to accept for membership CIOB’s Corporate grade equivalent to its Constructor membership grade where five years of appropriate experience can be demonstrated.
Likewise, the CIOB agrees to accept for membership, AIC’s Constructor and Fellow members into full membership subject to successfully passing the CIOB Professional Review. Such applicants would initially be offered Incorporate level membership while they undertake the Review.
8. The AIC and CIOB agree to advise and consult the other on modifications or new routes to Corporate and Constructor membership.
9. The AIC and CIOB agree that members of each Institute at the sub-Corporate and Constructor levels are eligible for membership of the other body based on individual educational qualifications.
Dual Membership
10. Whereas the AIC as the national Institute provides services and professional recognition for the construction industry in the United States, the CIOB's qualifications extend international recognition and credibility. Dual membership, therefore, is an attractive option.
11. AIC and CIOB agree to promote dual membership subscriptions at a reduced fee. The reduced subscription is subject to retaining the membership of the parent Institute.
12. Members in both Institutes will benefit immediately from the reciprocal agreement. AIC Constructor members will be offered complimentary membership in CIOB for six months. While CIOB Corporate members will be offered gratis membership for the same period. This complimentary membership is subject to retaining the membership of the parent Institute.
Dual Student Membership
13. The CIOB extends complimentary student membership for students of CIOB accredited and other approved construction courses. Students receive a maximum of two years complimentary membership with continued participation at student membership rates. Rather than offering CIOB student membership as a separate option, the CIOB agrees to offer dual membership in the United States whereby students receive CIOB membership as an extension of their participation in AIC.
14. The AIC and CIOB agree to promote dual student membership in the United States. Two years gratis student membership in the CIOB accompanies AIC student membership. On completion of two years complimentary membership, customary dual membership fees apply.
Marketing and Administration
15. Effective promotion and administration of dual membership benefits the partnership. The promotion and administration of dual membership will be performed in the United States including the arranging for professional interviews. Both Institutes collaborate and agree on the membership administration process.
16. The primary benefit of this agreement promotes membership growth and increased recognition. To that end, a development plan, inclusive of a business scheme and marketing strategy is subject to periodic review and revision for the purpose of promoting dual membership. This plan also allows for the development of promotional campaigns.
Information Exchange
17. An important feature of the agreement is that each Institute has a greater understanding of the other's scope and purpose. Recognising that it is unfeasible to attend each other's Council, Boards, and Committee meetings, the process of exchanging minutes, papers, journals, publications, etc., is essential. With the exception of confidential materials, each body have access to information from the other. Where possible, both Institutes disseminates information electronically.
18. Electronic communication and promotion plays an important role in reaching a global industry. Each Institute agrees to provide a reference to the Agreement of Reciprocity and to establish a link to the page of the other's Internet site.
19. The CIOB and AIC agree to exchange information in order to facilitate the understanding of the other's activities and events. Each Institute nominates one individual to serve as the point of contact. The needs of each organisation in achieving this goal require further discussion.
Duration of the Reciprocity Agreement
20. The Agreement of Reciprocity stands for review after three years from the date of signing. Both Institutes anticipate renewal and extended co-operation over time, and given the opportunity to meet throughout the duration of this Agreement, both agree to participate in informal progress reviews.
Agreed on this day of April 10, 1999
