How to join

Become part of a network of individuals enthusiastic about the science and practice of refrigeration, air conditioning, heat pumping.

IOR members are recognised by their experience, expertise and commitment to increasing their technical knowledge. They are committed to keeping up to date with industry developments, new technologies and take an active part in our influential in this community of users, technicians, engineers and scientists.  

The Application process

Membership applications are evaluated by a group of peers based on the evidence you provide of your knowledge, skills and experience in the sector.  You will need to provide a detailed career history, copies of qualifications or certificates and the name of at least one reference who is familiar with your work.

If you wish to join as an Affiliate* or Service Engineer subscriber you do not need to provide references or a career history.  Simply complete the relevant pages of the online application form - such as contact details.

Step 1 - create your online account here.

Step 2 - complete our online application form with:

• your full career history, length and responsibilities of all job positions held whether in related or other non RACHP fields. Tip - make sure you include details of different roles held within each company eg if you started as an apprentice and ended up as a managing director, make sure you include dates that you were in each different role throughout your career. Include any roles outside of RACHP for example if you returned to study or worked in a different sector so that there are no gaps in your CV.
• any relevant national qualifications held (eg Apprenticeship, NVQ, Degree, F Gas) and upload scanned copies. Tip - have the scanned copies ready on your computer before you start completing the form. If you cant find your qualification certificates explain this on the form in the "other information" area.
• the name and email address of a sponsor who is familiar with your work and has agreed to give you a reference. Tip - this should not be a family member.
• any other relevant information or evidence. Tip - if you have a CV with fuller details of your experience or any technical articles you want to be considered these can be uploaded as well.

Step 3 - when you have completed and confirmed the on line form you will be asked to pay the the application fee of £49. Tip - have your credit card details available as your application cannot be processed until the application fee has been received. Affiliate and Service Engineer applicants will be asked to pay their full first years membership fee at this stage.

Step 4 - your application will be reviewed by our Membership Committee and you should receive confirmation of the grade allocated within a month. You may be asked to provide more detailed information by the reviewers or a telephone interview can be scheduled if there is not sufficient information to allocate an appropriate grade. Affiliate and Service Engineer applications are not reviewed by the Committee.

Step 5 - you can now activate your membership and pay for your first year's membership subscription following the payment link in your confirmation.  Once your membership is activated you can start using membership initials MInstR, AMInstR or TMInstR after your name. You will also receive your joining pack with your Membership Certificate, Badge, Guide and Password to access the Members only services on the website. IOR members can apply for Engineering Council recognition. 

 Follow this link to start your online application

Alternative ways to join

Print off a PDF application form - if you would prefer to fill in your application manually please return this form together with a CV and copies of qualification certificates held by post to FREEPOST IOR or by email to membership@ior.org.uk 

*Affiliate members can access IOR on line information but cannot use initials after their name and have limited benefits eg they cannot vote on IOR matters or join the Board of Trustees. Affiliates do not need to supply career history, references or evidence of qualifications. Simply fill in your contact details and set up your annual membership renewal payment using the online application form above.

Membership Helpline

Contact the Membership Department on +44 (0)20 8254 7840 or use our contact form.