About the Institution

Who we are

The Institution of Engineering and Technology is one of the world’s leading professional societies for the engineering and technology community. The IET has more than 150,000 members in 127 countries and has offices in Europe, North America and Asia-Pacific. Internet services are of course fully global, and reciprocal arrangements exist with many National Institutions including Engineers Australia.

The Institution provides a global knowledge network to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and ideas and promotes the positive role of Science, Engineering and Technology in the world. Members range from students to the most distinguished and highly qualified members of the profession.

The history of the Institution can be traced back to the formation of the Society of Telegraph Engineers in 1871 which became the Institution of Electrical Engineers in 1889 and the Institution of Engineering and Technology on 31 March 2006.

The IET's Vision

To share and to advance knowledge throughout the global Science, Engineering and Technology (SET) community to enhance people’s lives around the world.

The IET's Mission

To build and continually develop an open, flexible and limitless global knowledge network supported by individuals, companies and institutions and facilitated by the IET and its members.

The IET's Values

Inclusive and collaborative with all who share our vision; innovative, flexible and nimble in pursuit of our mission; digital and global in thought and action; and professional, ethical and excellent in all that we do.

What we do

The IET

• represents the profession of electrical, electronic, manufacturing and systems engineering and related sciences.
• acts as the voice of the profession in matters of public concern and assists Government to make the public aware of technological issues.
• sets standards of qualifications for professional electrical, electronics, software, systems and manufacturing engineers.
• accredits degree courses in subjects relevant to electrical, electronic, manufacturing and information engineering at universities and colleges around the world.
• accredits professional development schemes for engineering graduates.
• awards scholarships, grants and prizes.
• issues regulations for the safe installation of electrical and electronic equipment and takes a leading part in the formulation of national and international standards.
• provides an extensive range of lectures, meetings, conferences, seminars, residential vacation schools and publications.
• sets standards for the professional conduct of its members.
• assists Government to make the public aware of technological issues.
• offers guidance on best practice in professional development.
• operates a Career Advisory Service to give advice and assistance to members on various aspects of career development.
• operates a Learning Resources Service to provide details of potential professional development activities provided by both the IET and other organisations.
• operates a computer-assisted information service, Inspec, which has the world's largest computerised database in the English language in physics, electrotechnology, computer science and control engineering.
• provides business and technical information on electrical, electronic, IT and manufacturing subjects.