Why members choose to upgrade

But don't just take our word for it!

"After qualifying in February 2011, I decided to postpone upgrading my membership as my baby was due in April. I had briefly looked into the process but it seemed quite complicated so I decided to wait a while. In December 2011, I realised that I only had a year within completing my qualification to upgrade for free, so I contacted the CIPD upgrade team who were really helpful and advised me that the process had since changed to simplify matters. All I needed to do was fill in a short form, and ask two managers to provide a testimonial of my capacities and then submit to the CIPD via email with a current CV.

I took myself off to a coffee shop to get some peace and quiet and it was finished within a matter of hours (and I got to enjoy a slice of cake too!). I would really encourage anyone wanting to upgrade, to take that step. It’s worth it for the extra recognition of your professional standards."

“I chose to upgrade as it gives my clients a level of confidence in my experience and ability to deliver their needs. Having the Chartered Member status is also an indicator that I can work at a strategic level with businesses to enhance and deliver against their goals.”

“Being a member of the CIPD is more than just a professional qualification, it is about being part of a network of HR Professionals. I became a Fellow of the Institute a few years ago and as well as recognising my experience and credibility, which helps give clients confidence, I am also proud to be part of our professional body which is at the cutting edge of issues in employment and challenges its members to continually develop.”

"Having recently completed the Certificate in Human Resource Practice and with six years experience within HR, it seemed perfect sense for me to upgrade to CIPD Associate member. The process was straight forward and I was fortunate enough to have two supportive colleagues to endorse my application. It has provided me with a professional level of membership to go alongside my experience. It also instils confidence in employers that anyone who has CIPD membership, not only has the HR knowledge, but also has the experience and behaviours to fulfil the role."

“I decided to upgrade to a Associate member as I had just finished my Certificate in Human Resource Practice and wanted a way to show my colleagues/external customers that I was now a qualified HR Professional. The process turned out to be very rewarding as it made me think just how much I already did adopt all the 8 behaviours of the HR Profession Map without even realising!"

“My Associate membership is a really good way of being able to demonstrate to the CIPD that I have the required level of professional experience and knowledge in my day to day work, whilst being able to do it at my own pace, when I wanted to. I think it’s great that the CIPD require certain standards to be met because I am now able to communicate to my organisation that I meet these standards which helps to foster a professional reputation for the HR team. If you have been putting off an upgrade I would say take a look and get started, see what it’s all about and what the questions are like.”

"I decided to apply to upgrade my membership as part on my ongoing CPD. I work for a forward thinking Marine Safety Company who values a "can do" attitude and approach. Our customers and clients are wide spread - not only from the UK but worldwide, as such having professional membership at this level in my chosen profession brings a certain level of respect and admiration from these clients and customers but also from my colleagues and employers. I intend to build on this platform and progress further with the CIPD."