Professional competence is recognised by the award of the Institute's designatory letters (eg MIMMM, FIMMM). The Institute works actively for its membership and related communities worldwide through the services and facilities that it offers. All members are encouraged to participate in the Institute's schemes for education, training and professional development.

The Institute of Materials, Minerals & Mining offers the following grades of membership. Click on a grade for full details and an application pack.

Fellow (FIMMM)
A prestigious grade for those with an established and enhanced reputation and can demonstrate the contribution they have made to the communities served by the Institute. (Typically anyone under 35 is unlikely to have gained sufficient experience at a senior enough level)

Professional Member (MIMMM) (with or without CEng CSci or CEnv)
The main professional grade requiring an accredited Masters degree, or equivalent, in a relevant science, technology or engineering field, coupled with at least four years' approved training and responsible experience. 

Associate Member (IEng AIMMM)
Requires an accredited honours degree or equivalent academic qualification, and typically 5 years' approved training and practical experience, plus registration as an Incorporated Engineer with the Engineering Council. (Typical age 23)

Professional Graduate (ProfGrad IMMM)
Available to all Graduates with an accredited degree who have two years’ relevant experience in employment after graduation.

Graduate (Grad IMMM)
For graduates with a degree in an IOM3 related discipline, who will normally transfer to either Professional Graduate with an accredited degree and 2 years relevant work experience or MIMMM with at least four years' approved training and responsible experience.

Technician (Eng Tech)
For those who apply proven techniques and procedures to the solution of practical problems, this grade is open to all those with a qualification such as BTEC, National Certificate or Diploma in an acceptable subject, or an agreed group of SCOTVEC modules plus four years' training and experience in materials, minerals and mining. (Typical age 21)

Student
Open to students following an approved full time course of study at undergraduate or postgraduate level leading to admission to one of the above grades. (Typical age 18)

Affiliate
For persons engaged in, or interested in, materials, minerals or mining science and technology who do not conform to any of the above grades. You can join the Institute immediately at this grade.

What do the grades signify?

• The grades of Fellow, Professional Member, Associate and Technician carry equal privileges, including the right to vote at and serve on General Meetings, and to serve on and elect members to Council , the governing body of the Institute.
• Fellows and Professional Members can qualify for registration as Chartered Engineers (CEng) with the Engineering Council, Chartered Scientist (CSci) with the Science Council and/or Chartered Environmentalist ( CEnv) with the Society for the Environment.
• Associate Members (AIMMM) can qualify for Incorporated Engineer (IEng) and Technicians (TIMMM) for Engineering Technician (EngTech) registration with the Engineering Council.
• Eligibility for registration is assessed by the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining on behalf of the Engineering Council, Science Council and the Society for the Environment and is available only to persons who have produced evidence of relevant qualifications, training and engineering or scientific experience.

IOM3 Code of Conduct
Members are expected to apply their respective codes of professional conduct, to undertake work within their expertise and to exercise a responsible attitude to society with a regard to the ethical, economic and environmental impact of technical change and need. In addition, members of IOM3 adhere to the Institute’s own code of conduct.

For general enquiries about membership, or further advice and information, please use our online enquiry form or phone +44 (0)1782 221717.