Become a member
Strengthen your work with exclusive member-only resources, professional connections and essential support
What can membership do for you?
- Professional credibility and recognition for your skills and abilities.
- The support and shared experience of almost 160,000 people professionals in the worldwide CIPD community.
- Boost your career prospects and earning potential.
- Exclusive member benefits to add impact to your work every day.
How to become a member
Whether you’re just starting out, building your career, or working at the highest level, there’s a route to membership to suit you and a membership grade to demonstrate your level of knowledge and experience.
Two ways to achieve membership
You can become a member either by studying a CIPD qualification or having your professional experience assessed. If you’re already studying a CIPD qualification, join as a Student Member today.
Study a qualification
- If you’re beginning or developing your career in the people profession.
- You enrol at a study centre to take a qualification, completing relevant modules and coursework and/or sitting an exam.
- It takes eight to 12 months to complete our new Foundation qualification, 12-16 months for our Associate qualifications, 16-24 months for our Advanced qualifications.
- Depending on the qualification you study, you’ll become either a Foundation or Associate Member, and may be able to upgrade to Chartered Member or Fellow if you have the required experience.
Have your experience assessed
- If you’re an experienced people professional and can demonstrate how you meet the membership standards.
- You’ll complete a series of online assessments and have a professional discussion with an experienced assessor. The knowledge you’ve gained, the way you work, and your impact as a people professional will be reviewed and assessed.
- Experience Assessment can take as little as four months. This route does not require study or exams.
- You’ll become an Associate Member, Chartered Member or Chartered Fellow, depending on your experience.
Next steps to membership
If you’re an experienced people professional
Go to Experience Assessment >
Are you a current CIPD member?
Learn how to progress your career by upgrading your membership
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