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Progress to your next IOSH membership grade

Your upgrade request is free to submit, your new membership fee applies at your next renewal date

Make sure you get the most out of your membership – ensure your grade accurately reflects your health and safety experience and qualifications. If you’re a new member, you can request an initial review to see if you’re eligible to upgrade to Technical or Certified membership. This page shows you the qualifications and experience needed for each grade.

What's your current grade?

Select your membership grade to see upgrade options

Upgrade at end of your studies

  • Technical Member (TechIOSH)

    You will need:

    • Level 3 health and safety qualification (IOSH accredited)
    • One year of relevant experience
    • £165 per year (paid at your next renewal date)

  • Certified Member (CertIOSH)

    You will need:

    • Level 6 or 7 health and safety qualification (for example, a Bachelor’s degree)
    • Two years of relevant experience
    • £177 per year (paid at your next renewal date)

Upgrade options

  • Technical Member (TechIOSH)

    You will need:

    • Level 3 health and safety qualification (IOSH accredited)
    • One year of relevant experience
    • £165 per year (paid at your next renewal date)

  • Certified Member (CertIOSH)

    You will need:

    • Level 6 or 7 health and safety qualification (for example, a Bachelor’s degree)
    • Two years of relevant experience
    • £177 per year (paid at your next renewal date)

  • With 5+ years of senior-level experience

    For senior health and safety practitioners without formal qualifications. This costs £1,080 and takes up to six months. You can become either a Certified or Chartered Member using this route.

    • At least five years in a senior health and safety leadership role
    • Knowledge assessment, evidence portfolio and interview

Contact us with official confirmation from your course provider showing your new end date. We'll extend your Student membership at no extra cost.

Upgrade options

  • Free upgrade to CertIOSH

    For those working in senior health and safety roles. It’s free to request and you'll need:

    • A Bachelor’s degree-level qualification (UK level 6)
    • Two years of relevant experience
    • £177 per year membership fee (paid at your next renewal date)

  • With 5+ years of senior-level experience

    For senior health and safety practitioners without formal qualifications. This costs £1,080 and takes up to six months. You can become either a Certified or Chartered Member using this route.

    • At least five years in a senior health and safety leadership role
    • Knowledge assessment, evidence portfolio and interview
    • £177 per year membership fee (paid at your next renewal date)

Upgrade to Chartered

  • Join our Professional Development Assessment route

    This is the route for Certified Members to become Chartered Members. It costs £550 and takes up to 18 months.

    • Knowledge assessment
    • Evidence portfolio
    • Professional discussion interview

Upgrade to Chartered Fellow (CFIOSH)

  • Chartered Fellow

    Be recognised for your leadership, influence and commitment to occupational safety and health. Becoming a Chartered Fellow is our highest grade. You’ll need:

    • A minimum of five years as CMIOSH
    • Evidence of sustained professional impact and leadership
    • Full compliance with your CPD requirements and ethics training

Frequently asked questions

    No. It's free to request an upgrade to Technical or Certified membership by submitting your qualification and CV.

    You only pay if you choose to upgrade based on your experience or are upgrading to Chartered Membership or Fellowship.

    You pay the annual fee for your new membership grade at your next renewal date, not immediately.

    We offer reduced membership fees in some circumstances. Check if you’re eligible for help with membership costs.

    Most standard upgrade requests for Technical and Certified membership (with correct documents) are reviewed within three weeks.

    The professional development assessment (PDA) route to Chartered membership takes between three and six months. 

    The experiential route to upgrade to Certified or Chartered membership based on your experience can take up to 18 months.

    You’ll receive confirmation of your new grade and get access to all the benefits that come with it. 

    Your new annual fee starts at your next renewal date.

Experiential route

    It's a way for experienced health and safety practitioners without a degree to move up our membership grades.

    If you have more than five years of senior-level health and safety experience, you can use this route to become a Certified or Chartered Member.

    It can take up to 18 months and includes a knowledge assessment, evidence portfolio and professional discussion interview.

    Yes, it takes up to 18 months months compared to the usual three years for a Bachelor’s degree.

    It costs £1,080 and involves detailed assessment.

    Experiential route (£1,080) is for those with at least five years of senior experience but no health and safety degree.

    PDA (£550) is only for Certified Members upgrading to Chartered.

    Both involve assessment, but they’re different pathways.

Need help deciding?

Our team can review your qualifications and experience to help you understand your options.

  • Contact us