Earn the letters that set your work apart
IOC membership is a professional credential for people who work in wood. It is assessed, not bought – it demonstrates that your skills have been assessed and recognised by the craft’s professional body.
A credential that works for you
Win trust before you’ve picked up a tool
Post-nominals such as MIOC and FIOC show clients and main contractors you meet a recognised standard. Members from MIOC upwards are listed on Find a Professional, where customers look for vetted craftspeople.
Get on site and get on
Fellows with a pass in the CITB Managers’ and Professionals’ HS&E test can apply for the CSCS Professionally Qualified Person (PQP) card – the main way sites check competence.
Keep getting better – and prove it
All IOC eLearning is on the WOMA Academy, at a significantly discounted rate for members. Your learning is logged as you go, building a CPD record that supports your case for stepping up a grade.
Be part of the craft’s professional body
A network of carpenters, joiners, shopfitters and furniture makers – and a voice, through WOMA, in how skills and standards are set.
Earned, not bought
Not everyone who applies is accepted. That is what a client is relying on when they see IOC after your name.
- Qualifications, or a pass in the IOC assessment Coming soon
- Years of experience in the trade
- Evidence of your work
- References
- A commitment to our Code of Conduct
Our Code of Conduct
Every grade, from Student to Fellow, is held subject to the Code, which you agree to when you apply.
- 01IntegrityProtect the standing and reputation of the Institute and its members.
- 02CompetenceKeep improving skills and knowledge, and help raise standards across the sector.
- 03ProfessionalismConduct yourself professionally and deliver high-quality work in the client’s interest.
- 04DevelopmentCommit to life-long learning, training and personal development.
- 05ComplianceComply with all applicable laws, regulations, standards and codes.
- 06RelationshipsRespect others and act in a way that is inclusive, ethical and collaborative.
Being a Fellow means everything. That’s why I wear it. I love it when I put my letters on a quote. Clients can see you didn’t just go to college and stop. You carried on.
From first day of training to Master Carpenter
Every grade, what it asks of you, and where it leads. Minimum requirements shown – equivalents considered.
Qualification + experience
A recognised wood-trade qualification and years at the bench or on site.
IOC assessment + experience Coming soon
Soon you’ll be able to prove your competence online through the WOMA Academy, with no need to go back to college.
Student
FreeIn full-time education, studying a wood trade. Free at an IOC member college.
→ Apprentice, Associate or Member
Apprentice
Employed on an apprenticeship in a wood trade. Linked to the Wood/Work programme.
→ Time served counts towards Member
Associate
Working towards Member
Who it’s for
Makers starting out, or experienced but not yet qualified.
To join, either
Qualified at Level 2 (or equivalent) and building up the 3 years’ experience Member needs, or experienced but unqualified and working towards the IOC Member assessment Coming soon.
→ Supported to reach Member within three years
Member
MIOCAn established, competent craftsperson
ANVQ Level 2 or C&G Craft Certificate (or equivalent) in a wood trade
ORBPass the IOC Member assessment Coming soon
Plus 3+ years working as a craftsperson. Apprenticeship time counts.
Listed on Find a Professional
→ Fellow: take Level 3, or pass the Fellow assessment Coming soon
Fellow
FIOCAn advanced craftsperson with depth of experience
ANVQ Level 3 or C&G Advanced Craft Certificate (or equivalent) in a wood trade
ORBPass the IOC Fellow assessment (upper end of Level 3) Coming soon
Plus 5+ years working as a craftsperson, and ongoing CPD.
For IOC members at Fellow grading who hold a pass in the CITB Managers’ and Professionals’ HS&E test.
→ Master Coming soon, by the Craft or Leadership route
Master
MstIOCHolds the title Master Carpenter
Craft route
Mastery on the tools- 7+ years as a working craftsperson with a record of high-quality work
- A portfolio of work and the IOC Master craft assessment
Leadership route
Off the tools, leading others- 7+ years in the trade, including supervisory or managerial experience
- A Level 4+ managerial qualification (or equivalent), e.g. World Class Manager
Both routes: normally Fellow first; a contribution to the trade (mentoring, teaching, judging competitions or writing for Cutting Edge); ongoing CPD.
The IOC assessment Coming soon
Coming soon, online through the WOMA Academy, so you can take it anywhere in the UK, at a time that suits you. It will complement your qualifications rather than replace them.
Status
These sit alongside the grade you hold, so you never lose your standing.
Not sure which grade fits?
Tell us about your qualifications and experience and we’ll advise.
Earn your mark. Join today.
Choose your grade and apply online. We’ll review your application and let you know the outcome.
Minimum requirements shown · Equivalents considered · #MarkOfTheMaker