How to join the CIPD

There are a number of routes to CIPD membership, which take into account your skills, experience and personal objectives. The following diagram will help you create a tailored shortlist of possible options for you.

Simply consider the statements below and answer 'yes' or 'no'. Please start with statement 1 and consider each statement in the order it appears.

Choosing a CIPD qualification is the most popular way to become a member. We offer a wide range of qualifications designed to suit everyone; from those with little or no experience to those in more senior postions. All our qualifications are nationally recognised and lead to a professional grade of membership (Associate, Licentiate or Graduate).

• View our list of qualifications 

If you’ve got five years’ recent managerial-level experience, three of which are in a specific HR or development role (you can currently demonstrate through recent work-based evidence and documentation), then you can become a member is through professional assessment of competence (PAC).

PAC will assess your existing experience, skills and competencies and fit alongside your busy work schedule, providing you with a seamless route to becoming a Chartered Member (Chartered MCIPD).

• Find out more about PAC

Affiliate membership (non-studying) is an individual grade that's open to all. It allows you to access all of member services without having to demonstrate your professional knowledge and competence.

• Join today as an Affiliate member

Organisation membership offers named individuals within a company full access to member services. The number of named individuals will depend on the size of your organisation and names can be changed at any time.

• Find out more about Organisation membership

If you've already been awarded a CIPD qualification or a relevant NVQ/SVQ within the last ten years, then you can join through direct admission for approved qualifications. Your qualification could lead to a professional grade of membership (Associate, Licentiate or Graduate).

• Find out if you're eligible for direct admission for approved qualifications

If you've achieved a relevant postgraduate-level qualification, then you can become a member is through accreditation of prior certificated learning (APCL). Please note that APCL is only open to postgraduate programmes.

You can achieve Licentiate membership through APCL as well as get exemptions from our approved postgraduate-level qualifications which lead to Graduate membership.

• Find out if you're eligible for APCL

If you've been awarded a relevant MBA within the last 10 years you automatically qualify for Licentiate membership.

If you’re still studying for your MBA you can join us immediately as an Affiliate member and take advantage of all the benefits that membership brings. As soon as you complete your MBA we’ll upgrade you to Licentiate membership. 

• Find out more about the MBA route

If you've been a member of the CIPD, or the former Institute of Personnel and Development (IPD) you will be able to rejoin at the grade you previously held. 

Previously a member of the IPM or ITD?
You'll need to complete the returning to membership application form and send it back to us, you'll also need to enclose a copy of your qualification certificate. 

Graduate member?
Please provide us with a copy of your CV and evidence of your Continuing Professional Development (CPD). You'll need to enclose a development record that covers the past year and a development plan for the forthcoming year.

Chartered Member or Fellow?
If you're applying to return as a Chartered Member or a Chartered Fellow, your CV will need to demonstrate that you can still meet the current Chartered criteria. .

• Find out more about returning to membership