Upgrade your Academic member grade

Who's eligible?

You could be eligible to upgrade to Academic Member if you are:

currently an Academic Associate
recognised in the UK or internationally as an academic expert in one or more relevant subject areas.

You could be eligible to upgrade to Academic Fellow if you are:

currently an Academic Associate or Academic Member
recognised in the UK or internationally as an academic expert in at least two HR or L&D subject areas.

Why upgrade your academic grade?

Upgrading to Academic Member or Fellow:

allows you to use the designation Academic MCIPD or Academic FCIPD after your name
inspires confidence in employers, clients and peers
recognises your knowledge and experience
connects you with like-minded professionals
keeps you in touch with the HR and L&D profession
entitles you to exclusive discounts including our flagship events throughout the year.

I get a sense of belonging to something that's big and globally respected.

Kevin Haslam - Academic MCIPD, Programme Leader East Surrey College ad Associate at Acacia Learning

What's involved?

Your steps to upgrading your Academic membership:

Step 1

Read the How to Apply for CIPD Academic Membership guide and identify the Academic membership level that best fits your current experience i.e. the one for which you can demonstrate meeting the criteria through evidence from at least the last three years.

Step 2

Email all the below documents to: academicassessment@cipd.co.uk

Your up to date CV (see the How to Apply for CIPD Academic Membership guide listed above for information on what to include in your CV.)
Your completed Academic Assessment Application form.
A copy of your current job description or role profile.
A copy of your highest-level qualification certificate.

Step 3

CIPD will acknowledge receipt of your supporting documents and will contact you within 5 working days to take payment. We'll ask you for the contact details of two people for your workplace feedback and we’ll send them a workplace feedback form to complete and return to us.

Step 4

When we receive the completed workplace feedback forms, we'll contact you to book your Peer Review discussion at a convenient date/time. You'll learn the outcome of your assessment within six weeks of your Peer Review discussion and will receive a tailored report to support your continuing professional development.

How much does it cost?

You'll need to be assessed to upgrade your membership. The assessment fee* is:

Upgrading to Academic Member: £550
Upgrading to Academic Fellow: £650

Once you've upgraded successfully, you'll start paying the membership fee for the grade you’re awarded the next time you renew your membership.

*the assessment fee is non-refundable.

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Additional information

CIPD Membership: HR and Learning & Development

A CIPD membership enables you to effectively map out your people profession career path and grow your HR & L&D knowledge. Find out more with CIPD today.