29 October 2025

Choosing a professional who has completed the CIOB Building Conservation Certification Scheme gives you confidence that your heritage project is being managed by someone who understands how to balance the preservation of historic fabric with the practical needs of modern use.

These CIOB-certified conservation specialists combine traditional craftsmanship with contemporary building expertise. Every decision they make is informed by deep knowledge of heritage construction, ensuring your project is sensitive, sustainable, and compliant with conservation best practice and building regulations.

What Makes CIOB-Certified Conservation Professionals Stand Out?

1. Proven knowledge in building conservation

The CIOB scheme ensures that certified construction professionals have expertise in working with historic buildings. They understand traditional construction methods and materials, The principles of minimising intervention and reversibility and how to preserve the cultural and historical significance of a structure while ensuring safety and usability. This is crucial because conservation projects require very different approaches compared to new builds.

2. Proven professional competence

The CIOB Building Conservation Certification Scheme is not just a course — it’s a rigorous assessment of skills, experience, and knowledge. Each candidate is independently evaluated by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) to ensure they meet high professional standards. Certified specialists also commit to continuing professional development (CPD), ensuring their expertise in heritage construction techniques and conservation practice remains up to date.

The CIOB Building Conservation Certification Scheme has three levels of competence:

Registered       (basic knowledge and skills)

Proficient         (Sufficient knowledge)

Certified           (Comprehensive)

3. Confidence in compliance and regulation

Heritage projects often involve complex planning requirements, such as listed building consent, conservation area controls, and heritage impact assessments. CIOB-certified professionals are trained to work within national and international charters, including ICOMOS guidelines, and to liaise effectively with heritage authorities. This ensures your project meets statutory obligations, avoids costly delays, and complies fully with recognised conservation standards.

4. Sensitive and sustainable project delivery

Historic buildings need carefully tailored approaches. CIOB-certified professionals understand how to integrate modern systems and sustainability measures into historic fabric while protecting its authenticity. Their approach ensures each project is environmentally responsible, long-lasting, and respectful of the original structure.

5. Greater credibility and client confidence

Working with a CIOB-certified heritage construction professional demonstrates to funders, planning officers, and the public that your project is in capable, ethical hands. It builds trust, strengthens grant and funding applications, and helps achieve smoother planning approvals and stakeholder engagement.

Trusted heritage expertise through The Arc

You can find CIOB-certified conservation construction professionals through The Arc, the online resource that helps clients find specialist historic environment professionals.

The Arc connects clients with accredited experts in archaeology, architectural technology, restoration and heritage construction management. They are all recognised by their professional bodies as highly-skilled in the study and care of the historic environment. 

Explore the CIOB Conservation Register. 

Follow The Arc on LinkedIn and Instagram for insights, case studies, and the latest updates on heritage conservation.