Membership grades

 

We have seven membership grades to reflect your career stage, employment and experience.                   

  • Student: Entry level membership open to you if you are in full-time education and interested in a future career in PR

  • Affiliate: Ideal if you are interested in the profession but not working in a PR role

  • Global Affiliate: A starter membership that could be right for you if you are working overseas and would simply like to be part of the CIPR community

  • Associate (ACIPR): Right for you if you have up to two years of PR experience or the CIPR Professional Certificate/a CIPR-recognised qualification

  • Member (MCIPR): Right for you if you have two years or more of PR experience or the CIPR Professional PR Diploma

  • Fellow (FCIPR): Open to existing MCIPRs by nomination only

  • Honorary Fellowships: Granted by the Board of Directors in exceptional circumstances

We also have a Professional Student category of membership at a reduced rate: Open only to those studying for CIPR professional qualifications

Check the detailed entry criteria  for each grade.

Some grades of membership only provide access to a selection of CIPR membership benefits. You can compare grades and benefits using our grade comparison tool. 

 

membership Fees

 

Membership can be paid by annual or monthly direct debit (save £20 when you pay this way). You can pay in one instalment by invoice or card too.

From 1 January 2025, our membership subscription fees have changed. You can view the new fees here.

You can read the membership terms and conditions  here. 

 

Tax relief on membership fees

Did you know if you pay for your own membership you can claim tax relief? This means you can take home more of your income and pay less tax. Let HMRC know what you have paid and they will deduct your membership fee from your taxable income. Find out more on the Gov.UK website.

financial assistance for existing members

Pay monthly
If your membership is due to renew, email our membership team (at least ten days before your renewal) to pay your annual fee by monthly direct debit. Membership will cost less than £18 per month.

Payment breaks
If you are a CIPR member in financial difficulty, ask us about a membership payment break. We can freeze your payments for three months or more depending on how long you have been a CIPR member.

Changes in circumstances
If you are an existing member who has reduced your working hours or retired, we may be able to help with a reduced membership fee depending on your circumstances.

Maternity/Paternity package
CIPR members on parental leave are eligible for up to 12 months' payment holiday from CIPR membership – to ease the financial burden of Statutory Maternity/Paternity Pay, and up to 12 months discretionary CPD credits – to maintain levels of accreditation.

Contact us to find out more
Email our membership team to discuss any of the above flexible payment options.

If you have a query please contact the membership team on 00 44 (0)20 7631 6900 or email us to learn more.

 

Not sure if your experience counts?

If you are currently working in PR and have more than two years' experience in a related discipline such as journalism or marketing, you can fast track to Member (MCIPR) grade via the career conversion route.

 

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