Membership for those with a relevant postgraduate-level qualification
What is APCL?
If you have a relevant postgraduate-level qualification then accreditation of prior certificated learning (APCL) is a suitable way for you to become a member. The APCL route to membership of the CIPD enables you to compare the post-graduate qualifications you already hold with the CIPD's professional standards.
Am I eligible for APCL?
You must hold a postgraduate diploma or a master's level degree that partly covers the content of our Professional Standards at Practitioner-level.
We will consider international qualifications providing they’re equivalent to a UK postgraduate-level qualification. If you’re applying for accreditation against modules that make reference to legislation (for example employment law), your qualification must have covered UK law.
The benefits of APCL
The APCL route helps you to achieve a professional grade of membership. If your application for APCL is successful this will mean that you do not need to repeat work you have already completed.
If you meet one field of the Professional Standards at Practitioner- level in full you will achieve Licentiate membership.
When you meet the professional standards in full you will be awarded Graduate membership. Following the APCL route to membership will enable you to achieve Graduate membership more quickly. You can apply for accreditation against up to 6 of the 12 modules of the professional standards through APCL.
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Membership for MBA holders
If you’ve got an MBA that was awarded in the last ten years, then you can immediately join the CIPD as a Licentiate member. This is possible through the MBA route to membership.
If your MBA was awarded over ten years ago, you can have it assessed against the CIPD’s Professional Standards at Practitioner-level through APCL.
How much does APCL cost?
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How do I get started on APCL?
Complete and return the APCL application form together with:
- A full syllabus for your qualification(s)
- Evidence of your results – for example a certificate and confirmation of the modules you studied
- An up to date CV and your current job description
- The appropriate APCL assessment fee and your membership fee (if you are not already a member of the CIPD)
The APCL assessment is based on your qualification not your subsequent work experience. However, we ask you to submit your CV and job description so we can provide feedback to you after the assessment on the most appropriate way for you to develop your membership.
If you have any questions about the APCL route to membership please call us on 020 8612 6208 or email us at memdev@cipd.co.uk
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How can I achieve Graduate membership?
To meet the professional standards at practitioner level in full you either need to complete the Professional Development Scheme (The CIPD’s qualification that enables you to fully meet the practitioner level standards) or have your experience assessed through Professional Assessment of Competence.
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