There's a route to suit you
Whether you want professional recognition through studying a CIPD qualification or assessment to become a professional member of the CIPD, or you simply want to access to member-only HR resources, support, networking and discounts, there's a route to suit you.
Below are the ways of gaining professional membership of the CIPD (Associate, Chartered Member or Chartered Fellow). If you just want to take advance of member benefits straightaway, you can also join as an Affiliate, which is our non-professional membership option.
CIPD qualifications
Choosing a CIPD qualification is the most popular way to become a member, as most of our professional qualifications provide you with the underpinning knowledge to enable you to apply to upgrade to CIPD professional membership after study. You'll join us as a Student member and then can apply upgrade once you've successfully completed your qualification. Professional membership includes Associate member, Chartered Member or Chartered Fellow.
We offer a wide range of nationally-recognised qualifications at Foundation, Intermediate and Advanced level, designed to suit everyone; from those with little or no experience to those in more senior positions.
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Experience Assessment
Experience Assessment enables HR professionals with experience to access one of the three professional levels of CIPD membership (Associate, Chartered Member and Chartered Fellow). It allows you to use your current and previous work experience to demonstrate that you have the knowledge and expertise required to hold a professional level of CIPD membership.
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Rejoining membership
Previously been a member? By rejoining the CIPD you'll be on your way to demonstrating your professionalism to employers, lcients and peers. Plus you can take advantage of the invaluable member benefits you've been missing out on.
Whether you've recently left the CIPD or it's been a few years since you were a member, we'd love to welcome you back.
New - Academic membership
If you work in teaching or lecturing, research or management of academic programmes within the field of HR, you can now apply to become an Academic Associate, Member or Fellow of the CIPD and receive designatory letters after your name.
Academic membership is a new route recognising the unique contribution made in the HR profession by individuals engaged in teaching, lecturing and non-academic research. It has been developed to provide a suitable alternative route into professional membership for those who would otherwise be excluded through the HR practitioner route.
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Affiliate membership
Affiliate membership is a simple way to become part of the world's largest Chartered HR and Development professional without having to demonstrate your study or professional credentials. Affiliate membership gives you access to CIPD member benefits, but is a non-professional level of membership.
Find out more about Affiliate membership