Upgrade to Chartered Fellow

Upgrading to CIPD Chartered Fellow reflects your status as a leader in the people profession. Find out more about becoming Chartered FCIPD

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Accreditation

Who's eligible

You could be eligible if you are currently an Associate Member who successfully completed the CIPD Advanced Diploma (or its past equivalent) or a Chartered Member. You also need to be able to demonstrate that you have a minimum of one year's experience working at Chartered Fellow grade.

If you're not sure what qualification you hold, please call our Customer Services team on +44 (0)208 612 6208.

Find out if you’re ready to upgrade, complete the online Pre-Assessment.

What we're looking for

Upgrading to Chartered Fellow could be for you if...

  • you have experience working at Chartered Fellow level for a minimum of one year within the last five years. This is a minimum requirement, and it’s likely that you will need more than a year
  • you are an experienced people professional who is working strategically with high levels of complexity
  • your work will usually be entirely strategic in thinking and/or delivery
  • you’ll lead the thinking on people function across the organisation
  • your work changes mindsets and attitudes, transforming the way organisations think about and value their people
  • your evidence-based thinking is driving complex people programmes which have a significant long-term impact (sustained over a period of years) on the organisation, its sector and in the wider profession
  • your expertise influences at senior levels and is shaping the future of the people profession
  • you’re a role-model for the people profession, making ethical decisions backed by professional integrity

The Chartered Fellow grade is aligned with the corresponding level in the new Profession Map. If you are interested in upgrading to Chartered Fellow, use the membership standards to determine if this is the right membership grade for you.

Inspire others

Why upgrade

Upgrading your membership is rewarding, straightforward and can take as little as 60 minutes of your time.

  • Get recognition for working at Chartered Fellow grade and use the designation Chartered FCIPD after your name.
  • Show the world that you are a leading expert in people, work and change.
  • Join the big debates to influence change, shape policy, and deepen your engagement with the people profession.

Upgrading was quick, straightforward and slick and I received a decision promptly. I’m proud to say that I am now a Chartered Fellow of the CIPD after years of hard work and dedication.

Sarah Gosiewska, Chartered FCIPD

HR Manager, Thames Water

On reflection, I wish that I had upgraded earlier. The process was seamless and it feels good to be a Chartered Fellow of the CIPD, and great fun to finally change the letters after my name on my email signature, LinkedIn profile, and CV.

Simon Brown, Chartered FCIPD

HR Director - Interim Projects, Simon Brown Associates Consulting

Cathy Hampden

Even though I have been in this profession for over 30 years, the learning never stops. Without wishing to sound cheesy, CIPD membership has enabled me to do that.

Kathy Hampden, Chartered FCIPD

What's involved

Your steps to upgrading to Chartered Fellow:

Step 1 - Online Pre-Assessment

Find out if you’re ready to upgrade your membership, based on your current level of experience. It’s free, flexible and quick with our online Pre-Assessment Tool.

  • Gives you an immediate result. 
  • Takes around 10 minutes to complete. 
  • Can help you identify areas for development.  

Take the Pre-Assessment today

Step 2 - Upgrade assessment

Once you’ve completed the online Pre-Assessment and received confirmation of your eligibility to upgrade, the next step is to prepare for your assessment. This will be your opportunity to showcase your current people experience with one of our experienced CIPD assessors.

Upgrading by telephone assessment:

  • Choose from a range of flexible times
  • Takes around 60 minutes
  • Receive your result in 10 working days

"This is a brilliant service provided by the CIPD. The only reason I actually managed to do this is due to the phone assessment. Otherwise I wouldn't have found the time to do it.'
Hema Patel, Chartered MCIPD

How to apply

  1. Read the candidate guide for telephone assessment.

  2. Book your assessment and pay: If you’ve completed the online Pre-Assessment and received confirmation that you’re eligible to upgrade, please call our Customer Services team on +44 (0)208 612 6208 to book a date and time convenient for you. There’s a non-refundable assessment fee which must be paid by credit or debit card when you book.

  3. Send your CV: You’ll need to submit an up-to-date copy of your CV or career summary to memupgrading@cipd.co.uk at least seven working days before the date your assessment is taking place.

  4. Request feedback: You’ll be required to provide feedback from your line manager or client seven working days before your assessment. We understand it may take more time to get this ready so you can still go ahead with your assessment but be advised that your result might be delayed.

  5. Read the terms and conditions of the upgrading telephone assessment. You will need to agree to these before your assessment.

  6. Undertake the assessment: During your assessment you will be asked to talk about your experience with one of our experienced assessors.

  7. Receive the outcome: You’ll receive notification of the outcome within 10 working days. Once your membership grade has been confirmed, your membership certificate will be sent to you. If your certificate hasn’t arrived after six weeks, please contact our Customer Services team on +44 (0)20 8612 6242, or find out about other sustainable ways to demonstrate your CIPD membership.

Guidance and application forms for telephone assessment

PDF download

Candidate guide (telephone upgrade assessment)

(330 KB)
PDF download

Colleague feedback (Chartered Fellow)

(534 KB)
PDF download

Terms and conditions (telephone upgrade assessment)

(899 KB)
Pay book

How much does it cost

The telephone assessment fee to upgrade to Chartered Fellow is £250. (The assessment fee is non-refundable)

Once you've upgraded successfully, you'll start paying the Chartered Fellow fee the next time you renew your membership.

All fees need to be paid in GBP, for guidance on the euro rate click here to convert currency.

Contact us about upgrading today

Call +353 1 513 6796 *

Or

Call +353 1 513 6796 * Contact us

* Calls are routed through to the UK

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