See how CIPD qualifications impact on membership grades

When you enrol on a CIPD approved or accredited programme, you have to become a member. Membership gives you access to the full range of CIPD member services, and we offer subsidised rates for student members.

Practitioner-level programmes

Graduate membership is based on achieving all four fields of the CIPD Professional Development Scheme (PDS) by any one or combination of routes.

To find out how your chosen programme affects your membership grade:

1. Search for your preferred programme.
2. Then check how many fields of the Professional Development Scheme are covered by the programme.
3. If the Specialist and Generalist Electives field is included, check that at least 4 electives are offered. Completion of 4 individual electives is required in order to cover the field fully.
4. Check the table below to see how your chosen programme impacts on membership.

You'll be entitled to the grade shown when you've successfully completed the full programme and provided you've become a member by the student route.

If you study the PDS at one of our nationally assessed centres you may be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma or Certificate as well as achieving Licentiate or Graduate membership. 

• Find out more about Postgraduate Diplomas and Certificates

The following programmes can lead to Licentiate membership:

The following programmes can lead to Associate membership:

Support-level programmes

Associate membership is based on achieving one of the CIPD accredited programmes at support level.

Related FAQs:

• What qualifications does the CIPD offer?
• Which course is best for me?
• What are the entry requirements for CIPD qualification programmes?
• How do I become a member?
• What happens if I can't finish my course?
• Can I get exemptions from CIPD qualifications for qualifications that I already have?