Leading the people profession
Chartered Fellow is a clear sign of your proven strategic abilities, people expertise and business impact. It shows you are committed to inspiring and shaping the future of the people profession.
You are recognised as a thought leader, influencer and expert change agent in today’s evolving workplace. You are advancing people strategy as a positive force for good, and proving its value in the world of work..
Being a Chartered Fellow also gives you a respected platform to influence change, shape policy, and deepen your engagement with the people profession.
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.
This grade 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 impact 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.
When you’re a Chartered Fellow, you can use the designation Chartered FCIPD after your name.
The Chartered Fellow grade is aligned with the corresponding level in the Profession Map. If you are interested in becoming a Chartered Fellow via Experience Assessment or upgrading. Use our membership standards to determine if this is the right membership grade for you.
What does it mean to be a Chartered Fellow of the CIPD?
Debbie Alder, Chartered FCIPD and DWP HR Director General, explains what being a Chartered Fellow means for her as a senior HR professional.
Three options to become a Chartered Fellow:
1. Study a qualification
When you successfully complete a CIPD Advanced Diploma, you’ll be awarded Associate membership at the end of your studies. You can then apply to upgrade to Chartered Member or Chartered Fellow, depending on your professional experience.
2. Complete experience assessment
Our non-study route into membership allows you to use your current experience when applying for membership.
3. Upgrade your membership
If you're an existing Associate Member and hold a CIPD Advanced Diploma, you may be eligible to upgrade to Chartered Member or Chartered Fellow, depending on your professional experience.
Use our interactive tools to find the best route into membership for you. If you were previously in membership, find out how to come back to ensure your expertise is professionally recognised and trusted.
We also have Academic membership grades for academics and researchers working in the field of HR and L&D.
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.
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Additional information
These terms and conditions govern your membership with us
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.
Use the membership standards to identify if a membership grade is right for you.
Help articles about CIPD membership.