Member and membership FAQs
Everything you need to know about the Profession Map's impact on CIPD membership grades
Information for members about CIPD membership
CIPD membership grades are aligned to the impact levels in the Profession Map. Your CIPD membership grade reflects your level of knowledge and impact, as well as your ongoing commitment to best practice and to your own professional development.
See more FAQs below.
Why is the CIPD launching a new Foundation Membership grade?
It is important that our membership structure reflects the breadth of people practice and is aligned with the Profession Map. Foundation Members have successfully completed the CIPD Foundation Certificate in People Practice. This grade of membership illustrates that you have the knowledge aligned with the foundation level of the Profession Map. The Foundation grade of membership provides a clear route into membership for individuals meeting these standards. This new membership grade does not affect members who have previously studied or are currently studying a CIPD qualifications.
I'm an CIPD Associate Member, having completed the CIPD Level 3 qualification, will my membership be changed to Foundation?
No, only those studying the new CIPD Foundation Certificate in People Practice will become Foundation Members.
Will employers recognise Foundation Membership? Is this membership grade recognised abroad?
Once qualified you can use the designation Foundation CIPD. Yes, employers will recognise skills and behaviours at foundation level of the Profession Map. Foundation Membership is based on the foundation level of our Profession Map, which is established and accepted widely by organisations as the international benchmark of standards and behaviours for the people profession. It identifies four different impact levels and details the knowledge and behaviours required to excel at each of them, foundation being one of them. This means organisations can see exactly what it takes to make a positive contribution, whether you’re a senior leader, a dedicated specialist or just starting out in your field. Your foundation designation will enable you to showcase the knowledge and behaviours you have obtained.
I'm an Associate having studied the level 3 qualification, should I be working at the Foundation or Associate level of the Profession Map?
If you are an Associate Member, regardless of route, you should be demonstrating or working towards the Associate level standards.
Is the Profession Map only for use by CIPD members?
If you're involved in the people profession, you have a stake in the Profession Map.
Practitioners (whether CIPD members or not) can use it to navigate change, benchmark capabilities and maximise impact, from an individual or organisational perspective.
Meanwhile, employers, educators, line managers, business leaders, policymakers and others will find the Profession Map a valuable tool to gain insight into the changing world of work.
What difference does the Profession Map make to me as a member?
CIPD membership grades are aligned to the impact levels in the Profession Map. Your CIPD membership grade reflects your level of knowledge and impact, as well as your ongoing commitment to best practice and to your own professional development.
Does the Profession Map impact how the CIPD is perceived as a membership body?
As the only professional body for the people profession with the authority to confer Chartered status, it’s our responsibility to lead the way in setting the benchmark for excellence across different career stages, specialisms and geographies.
As the professional body for people professionals, we believe in the power of good people practice.
People professionals, armed with the right knowledge, behaviours, values and purpose, can do amazing things, and have a real impact on workers, organisations and wider society. We need to enable them to continue making that impact into the future, and support them as a career partner along the way.
What difference does the Profession Map make to the wider people profession who are not members?
The Profession Map is an essential, valuable, internationally recognised resource for all people professionals, whether they are a member of the CIPD or not. It can be used to navigate change, benchmark capabilities and maximise impact.
By defining the knowledge, behaviours and inherent values underpinning today’s people profession. It is the most effective way yet for people professionals globally to make sound decisions and embrace change in the modern world of work.
What is the value of CIPD membership?
CIPD membership raises your profile and credibility with professional recognition. It demonstrates to employers, clients and peers that you meet the rigorous requirements and professional standards for good practice in the people profession.
Becoming a member of the CIPD enhances your career prospects and shows your commitment to high standards and ethical compliance.