CIPD membership levels
Find the membership level that reflects your expertise, enhances your professional impact and supports your career growth.
Find the membership level that reflects your expertise, enhances your professional impact and supports your career growth.
We're rolling them out over the next couple of weeks, so keep an eye on your inbox as your digital badge could be on the way soon.
Our membership levels are tailored to support you throughout your career journey. Your membership level showcases your commitment and value as part of a community of like-minded people professionals, earning recognition from colleagues, clients, and employers. Discover the level that's right for you!
What do you want from your CIPD membership in 2026? Complete the survey by 12 October.
Who it’s for: Those seeking instant resource access without the need for studying or assessments.
Benefits: Access to all member benefits, resources and support.
Routes to this grade: Simple, instant sign up!
Explore Affiliate membership or sign up today
Who it’s for: Those currently studying or about to start a CIPD qualification.
Benefits: Full access to resources and member benefits to support you while you study.
Routes to this grade: For anyone enrolled onto a CIPD qualification or apprenticeship.
Explore Student Membership
Who it’s for: People beginning to build their experience and looking to advance their career growth.
Benefits: Use the Foundation CIPD designation and access to resources and the community.
Routes to this grade: Complete a CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate in People Practice.
Explore Foundation Membership
Who it’s for: People professionals experienced in HR operational work.
Benefits: Use the Assoc CIPD designation and refine your expertise to make an impact.
Routes to this grade: Complete an Associate or Advanced Diploma or achieve via our Experience Assessment route.
Explore Associate Membership
Who it’s for: Experienced people professionals with strategic and operational expertise.
Benefits: Use the Chartered MCIPD designation and leverage your operational and strategic expertise to have influence in your organisation.
Routes to this grade: Upgrade if you have Advanced Diploma or equivalent (Level 7) qualification, the Level 7 apprenticeship or go through our Experience Assessment route.
Explore Chartered Membership
Who it’s for: Highly experienced professionals, influencing at senior levels, who are shaping the future of the people profession.
Benefits: As a role model you'll drive impact in the people profession with Chartered Fellow membership (Chartered FCIPD). Expand your influence, and shape the future of the profession.
Routes to this grade: Complete an Advanced Diploma (or equivalent) and apply to upgrade, or go via our Experience Assessment route. Or if you are already a Chartered member you can upgrade.
Explore Chartered Fellow Membership
Who it’s for: This status is reserved for exceptional leaders who have demonstrated extraordinary impact on the profession over the course of their careers and for those who contribute to good work and society.
Benefits: Chartered Companion is the most prestigious and exclusive level of membership awarded by the CIPD - an nomination-only accolade reserved for outstanding role models who have made a transformative impact on the profession.
Routes to this grade: Nominations from those in the chartered community.
Explore Chartered Companion
Who it’s for: Experienced lecturers, tutors, senior researchers, or HR or L&D academics.
Benefits: Achieve professional designation that showcases your significance and experience.
Routes to this grade: Complete an assessment taking into account workplace feedback and peer reviews.
Explore Academic Membership
