What’s the right membership grade for you?

CIPD membership grades reflect your level of capability, knowledge and impact in the workplace. Your member grade shows colleagues, clients and potential employers what you can offer as a people professional, so make sure your grade matches up with your abilities.

There’s a membership grade to suit everyone working in the people profession, from a Student Member building their skills for the future, to a Chartered Fellow putting their years of experience into practice.

Student Member

For those studying a CIPD qualification to build their learning and boost their career prospects. Studying a qualification and becoming a CIPD Student Member puts you on the path to professional recognition, and your dedication to learning and development helps you to stand out in a competitive jobs market.

Student wearing glasses and an audio headset looking at their laptop and smiling.
Foundation Member

For people professionals who apply their knowledge to deliver strong tactical support.

CIPD
Associate Member

For people professionals whose work is operational with some complexity: you’re beginning to contribute your thinking to people issues and solutions.

Chartered Member

For people professionals who work strategically and operationally with some complexity. You’re actively driving and managing change to meet your organisation’s needs.

Chartered Fellow

For people professionals who combine strategic insight and people expertise with commercial acumen, to change the way organisations think about their people.

Academic membership

For teachers, lecturers and researchers in the HR and learning and development fields.

CIPD Affiliate Member

For non-HR and L&D professionals looking to access CIPD content, resources and events, to help you in your work.

To recognise exceptional leaders, we have a Chartered Companion grade which is the highest level of recognition awarded by the CIPD. Following a nomination process, the CIPD Board selects individuals to enter this grade.

Routes to membership

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.

Explore your options
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Member benefits

The value of
CIPD membership

Find out what CIPD membership has to offer.

Member benefits
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Get in touch

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Data protection

The CIPD takes your privacy seriously and will keep your personal information private and secure; see our privacy policy for details.

Data protection

The CIPD takes your privacy seriously and will keep your personal information private and secure; see our privacy policy for details.

Upgrade
for free

Are you an Associate with a CIPD Advanced Diploma (Level 7) or a Chartered member? Upgrade your membership for free by 31 January. 

Check your eligibility

Additional information

Membership terms and conditions

These terms and conditions govern your membership with us

Membership Fees

Ensure your career in HR or learning and development is as rewarding as it can be with the CIPD. Take a look at our current membership fees.

Membership standards

Use the membership standards to identify if a membership grade is right for you.

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Manage your membership

Help articles about CIPD membership.