What IOC membership does for you
The Institute of Carpenters has promoted, supported and developed people in the wood trades since 1890. Membership gives you four things.
Where you are and where it takes you
Every member can use almost everything on this page. Here is what matters most where you are now – and where it takes you next.
Student, Apprentice or Associate
Building your foundations
- Learn and gain certificates through the WOMA Academy at the member rate
- Get noticed by employers through competitions and the Apprentice of the Year Award
- Meet working craftspeople and employers at IOC events
Next step: Member (MIOC), by qualification or the online IOC Member assessment Coming soon
Member (MIOC)
Established in the trade
- Win work with MIOC after your name and a listing on Find a Professional
- Cut business costs with the members’ insurance scheme and offers
- Build the CPD record that supports your move to Fellow
Next step: Fellow (FIOC), with Level 3 or the IOC Fellow assessment Coming soon
Fellow (FIOC)
Advanced and trusted
- Get on site with the CSCS PQP card (with the CITB HS&E test)
- Show clients you keep improving, with your CPD tracked on the WOMA Academy
- Help shape standards through the WOMA subcommittees
Next step: Master (MstIOC) Coming soon, by the Craft or Leadership route
Master (MstIOC)
Leading the craft
- Carry the title Master Carpenter
- Pass on your skills by mentoring, teaching, judging competitions or writing for Cutting Edge
- Be a leading voice for the craft through WOMA and as a Mark of the Maker Ambassador
A credential that wins work
The one thing nobody else can give you: proof, from the craft’s professional body, that you meet the standard.
Letters after your name
MIOC and FIOC are awarded only after we assess your qualifications, experience and references. Use them on your van, quotes, website and CV to show you meet a professional standard. The Master grade, MstIOC, is coming soon.
A standard you sign up to
Every member commits to our Code of Conduct: integrity, competence, professionalism, development, compliance and respect for others. Clients know what they can expect.
A CSCS PQP card
Fellows with a pass in the CITB Managers’ and Professionals’ HS&E test can apply for the CSCS Professionally Qualified Person card – the main way sites check competence and manage access.
Be found by clients
Members from MIOC upwards are listed on Find a Professional, where customers look for vetted craftspeople. One more reason to work towards MIOC.
Keep learning and prove it
Your membership grows with you, and your learning counts towards the next step.
WOMA Academy
All IOC eLearning is delivered through the WOMA Academy, at a significantly discounted rate for IOC members. Courses cover health and safety, estimating, contracts, regulation and more, with certificates on completion. Your activity is recorded on the platform, so your CPD record builds automatically – showing your commitment to development when you apply to step up a grade, and keeping you current as a Fellow.
Progress through the grades Coming soon
Coming soon: the IOC assessment will run online through the WOMA Academy, so you can step up a grade anywhere in the UK without going back to college. It will complement your qualifications rather than replace them. Until then, step up a grade with your qualifications.
A network across the craft
Carpenters, joiners, shopfitters and furniture makers – and the colleges and employers training the next generation.
Events
Members Day and the AGM, the WOMA Conference, regional events and competitions through our member colleges.
Competitions and awards
Including the Carpenters’ Craft Competition and the Apprentice of the Year Award (the Rainleaf Trophy) – recognition that employers notice. See competitions and awards
Your member platform
Your online profile, event booking and a members-only wall to share your work and connect with other members.
A voice in the industry
Through WOMA, the IOC works with government, CITB and employers on skills, standards and training. Members can join subcommittees and help shape the future of the craft.
Mark of the Maker
Share your work with #MarkOfTheMaker, or put yourself forward as an Ambassador.
Value that pays back
Useful extras that save you time and money all year round.
Cutting Edge magazine
Our quarterly magazine, in print and by email, with news, technical features and member stories. Read a sample edition to see what members receive – current editions are reserved for members.
Member offers
An IOC members’ insurance scheme, discounts on tools and materials, Wider Wallet high-street savings and reduced AA membership. The full list is on the member platform.
Your skills deserve recognition.
Join the professional body for people who work in wood.
Serving carpenters and joiners since 1890 · #MarkOfTheMaker