Our grades and levels of membership are set out below.
Chartered membership: achieving the recognition you deserve
There are three levels of chartered membership. These can be reached by satisfying the criteria outlined below and by embarking on a programme of Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
Chartered Companion (Chartered CCIPD)
This is gained by invitation only. It is awarded in recognition of a significant contribution to the profession or Institute.
Chartered Fellow (Chartered FCIPD)
You must be a Chartered Member (Chartered MCIPD) and be able to demonstrate ten years' relevant experience at management level, seven of which must be in a specific personnel and development role. Current and most recent roles (for at least three years) must be at a strategic management level, confirming career progression through the specified period.
Chartered Member (Chartered MCIPD)
You must be a Graduate member and be able to demonstrate three years' relevant experience at management level, two of which must be in a specific personnel or development role.
Non-chartered grades
Graduate
You must have met our practitioner-level standards in full. You can do this by taking a competence-based route or by studying the Professional Development Scheme (PDS).
Licentiate
You must have successfully completed part of our practitioner-level standards. You can do this by taking a competence-based route or by studying one or more fields of the Professional Development Scheme (PDS). Relevant MBAs, NVQs/SVQs and approved undergraduate programmes also lead to Licentiate membership.
Associate
You must have successfully completed one of our support-level qualifications. Relevant Level 3 NVQs/SVQs and SVQ HNC qualifications also lead to Associate membership.
Affiliate (studying)
Gives you full access to all our member benefits and services until you've completed your CIPD qualification or a competence-based route. All members studying a CIPD-approved or accredited programme must join us at the start of their studies and pay a subsidised membership fee.
Affiliate
Is not a professional grade of membership and carries no designatory letters or recognition. It does, however, offer you full access to our member services.
Organisation membership
Offers named individuals within an organisation full access to our member services. The number of named individuals will depend on the size of the organisation and can be changed at any time.
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