Upgrade to Chartered Fellow

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.

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.

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.

Simon Brown - Chartered FCIPD, HR Director - Interim Projects, Simon Brown Associates Consulting

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.

What's involved

Your steps to upgrading to Chartered Fellow:

Step 1 - Take the 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.

More information on how to complete your video assessment

Upgrading via video 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."
Hema Patel, Chartered MCIPD

How to apply

Read the Candidate Guidance for video assessment.
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.
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.
Read the terms and conditions of the upgrading video assessment. You will need to agree to these before your assessment.
Undertake the assessment: During your assessment you will be asked to talk about your experience with one of our experienced assessors.
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.

What help and support is available through the process?

We want to give you every chance to successfully complete your upgrade assessment.

You’ll receive a comprehensive candidate guidance pack which will help you every step of the way. It also includes examples of the types of evidence we’re looking for and the impact you need to demonstrate.

Reasonable adjustments

Please let us know if you need reasonable adjustments. We’re committed to supporting all candidates through their Upgrading journey. We aim to do everything possible to give you the best chance of a successful outcome. A dedicated assessor will contact you to chat through what adjustments you may need and how best we can accommodate these.

Our aim is that our Upgrading route to membership is inclusive and accessible to all people practitioners. We work with all candidates as individuals and with sensitivity.

How much does it cost?

The video 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.

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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.