What Is CIHT and What Does It Offer Highways and Transportation Professionals?

Updated

CIHT stands for the Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation. It is a charity, learned society and membership body for the highways and transportation infrastructure profession, based in the UK with regional and international groups. If you work in planning, designing, building, managing or operating transport and infrastructure, CIHT is the professional body that offers qualifications, CPD, training, events and networking. The main decision it presents is whether to join as a member, and which membership option fits your career stage.

What CIHT is

CIHT describes itself as a respected Chartered body and "the leading voice" for the highways and transport infrastructure profession. Its stated purpose is to inspire, influence, inform and improve. It serves "qualified professionals" who plan, design, build, manage and operate transport and infrastructure.

Two things distinguish it from a general industry association:

  • It is a charity and learned society as well as a membership body, so part of its role is advancing knowledge and standards in the field.
  • It is the only organisation to award the full spectrum of highways and transportation qualifications, according to its own description — from Chartered Engineer to the Chartered Transport Planning Professional (CTPP).

Who it is for

CIHT is aimed at "ambitious transportation professionals" who want recognition, tools and support to guide the future of the sector. In practice that covers people whose work involves the transport and infrastructure lifecycle: planning, design, building, managing and operating.

If you are earlier in your career, the relevant question is which membership grade matches your experience. If you are already chartered or working toward chartership, the relevant question is which qualification route CIHT supports. The site's own framing is that members are "industry leaders" who "set the standard for the profession."

What membership offers

Based on the CIHT membership page, members gain:

  • Exclusive access to resources designed to advance your career and enhance your expertise
  • Expert insights and training
  • Professional qualifications
  • A network that "opens doors and accelerates careers"
  • CPD support to develop your career prospects
  • Events and webinars — thought leadership delivered to your desktop
  • Podcasts on current hot topics in the sector
  • CIHT Connect, a member community for joining the conversation
  • CIHT News, for updates from CIHT and the sector
  • A jobs board (CIHT Jobs Board) for roles in the profession

Existing members can manage their membership through MyCIHT, update preferences, renew, and access CIHT Connect.

Qualifications CIHT awards

CIHT states it awards the full spectrum of highways and transportation qualifications. Two named examples from the page:

Qualification What it is
Chartered Engineer (CEng) The standard chartered engineering qualification
Chartered Transport Planning Professional (CTPP) Described by CIHT as "uniquely recognised"

The page does not list every qualification in the spectrum, so if you need a specific route (for example, an incorporated or technician-level qualification), check directly with CIHT rather than assuming from this summary.

Current joining offer

CIHT's membership page states: join today and lock in 2026 membership rates throughout 2027, with your first renewal not due until January 2028. New joiners get instant access to member benefits and do not need to renew until January 2028.

The page mentions an "upgrade" option in its keyword signals but does not publish prices or payment details in the material available here. Do not assume membership is free or that no login is required — check the membership pages or contact CIHT for current fees and terms.

How to decide and next steps

  1. Identify your career stage and goal. If you want chartership or CTPP, or you want CPD, events and a professional network, membership is the relevant path. If you only want sector news, some content may be publicly available.
  2. Find the right membership grade. The site directs you to "Find the right membership for you." Compare grades against your qualifications and experience.
  3. Talk to CIHT if you are unsure. The page offers: "Discuss your membership options with us today" and a phone number, +44 020 7336 1555 (Option 1). There is also an "Enquire about membership" route.
  4. Check the current rate and renewal terms before joining, since the page promotes locking in 2026 rates but does not publish the figures.
  5. If you are already a member, use MyCIHT to manage your membership, update preferences, renew, or access CIHT Connect.

The practical test: if you work in highways or transportation and want recognised qualifications, structured CPD and a professional network, CIHT is the body to evaluate. If you mainly need news, start with its public news and podcast content, then decide whether the member benefits justify joining.