How to Become an MCIPD
Wed 15 Jan 2025

Emily Allen
Product Manager - CIPD
In the HR world, everyone knows that becoming an MCIPD (Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development) is a major step up and a respected milestone to reach.
Getting to MCIPD status shows that you’re serious about your career in HR, have lots of in-depth knowledge, and you’re ready to take on bigger challenges and responsibilities.
To achieve MCIPD status, you’ll need to follow a few essential steps:
-
Complete an accredited CIPD Level 7 qualification
-
Get some relevant work experience under your belt
-
Apply for Chartered Membership
-
Keep your skills fresh with continuing professional development (CPD)
One of the best ways to become MCIPD is to complete the CIPD Level 7 Advanced Diploma here at MOL.
With our flexible study options, our CIPD courses are designed to fit around your busy schedule, making your goals achievable no matter where you are in your HR journey.
In this blog, we’ll go over everything you need to know about becoming MCIPD – what a Chartered Member is, why it’s worth it, and how to get there.
Let’s begin.
What is MCIPD?
MCIPD stands for Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute for Personnel and Development. It’s a well recognised and very respected professional status in the HR industry which shows that you’ve managed to reach a high level of ability and expertise.
Becoming a Chartered CIPD Member isn’t just for show, though! It proves that you’re serious about the work you do and about making a positive difference - in your organisation and the entire field.
In the global HR community, MCIPDs are really highly regarded. They’re an international sign of professionalism, advanced knowledge, and your ability to take on senior and strategic HR roles.
How to become an MCIPD
Getting to MCIPD status is a process that involves a mix of education, work experience, and continuous professional development (CPD).
Here’s what you’ll need to do:
-
Complete a CIPD Level 7 qualification: a CIPD Level 7 Advanced Diploma is the highest level of CIPD qualification currently available, and it’s a major part of achieving Chartered Membership.
-
Gain relevant work experience: if you want to get to MCIPD status, you’ll need hands-on HR experience – especially at a strategic or senior level.
-
Apply for Chartered Membership: once you’ve got the qualifications and HR work experience under your belt, it’s time to apply for Chartered Membership with the CIPD!
-
Continuous professional development: with new tools and approaches always in the works, the HR industry is always changing. Because of this, keeping your skills and knowledge up to date is absolutely essential – even after you reach MCIPD status!
Here at MOL, our CIPD Level 7 Advanced Diploma in Strategic People Management is the perfect way to put yourself on the path to becoming an MCIPD.
When you learn with us, you’ll get access to top learning provisions, flexible study options, and advice from experts in the HR industry. There’s no better way to prepare for becoming a Chartered Member!
MCIPD vs. FCIPD
If you’re familiar with the CIPD and their membership grades, you might be wondering: what's the difference between MCIPD and FCIPD (Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development)?
If you’re feeling a bit muddled and aren’t sure which grade is for you, don’t worry! We’re on hand to keep you on the right track.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
MCIPD
Chartered Membership (MCIPD) is awarded to HR professionals who’ve completed a CIPD Level 7 Advanced Diploma or have otherwise demonstrated their expertise in the field of strategic HR through a CIPD experience assessment.
MCIPD recognises advanced professional know-how and experience, and it’s ideal for people in senior-level HR roles.
FCIPD
Chartered Fellowship (FCIPD) is the highest level of CIPD membership that can be awarded. Achieving FCIPD status is a clear sign to others that you’re someone who’s made a real difference to your profession and are a thought leader in the field.
It gives you a respected platform to influence progression and allows you to engage with how HR practices work on a deep and very strategic level.
As such, FCIPD status is reserved for people with substantial experience, who’ve made a significant impact on their organisation or industry.
Should you go for MCIPD or FCIPD?
If you’re aiming for a leadership position or want to take the next step into more strategic or senior-level responsibilities, MCIPD is ideal for you.
If you’re already in a senior HR role and are ready to showcase the influence of your leadership across the industry, FCIPD might be the goal for you.
MCIPD FAQs
Is it easy to get MCIPD?
Becoming a Chartered Member takes a lot of time and effort, so it’s not an ‘easy’ process. However, it’s definitely achievable with the right qualifications, experience, and determination.
If you want to learn more about the length of the MCIPD process, read our guide on how long a CIPD course takes.
Is MCIPD a recognised qualification?
Yes! MCIPD is highly respected in the industry, and a very valuable asset to have as an HR professional. In fact, it’s often seen as essential for senior roles in the HR career sector.
What is MCIPD equivalent to?
MCIPD status is roughly equivalent to a post-graduate level qualification, and it demonstrates significant HR expertise and professional ability.
Take the next step with MOL
Becoming an MCIPD is a really impressive achievement which can open major doors to exciting opportunities in the HR industry.
With a CIPD Level 7 Advanced Diploma in Strategic People Management, we’ll put you well on your way to reaching this incredible career milestone.
So don’t wait - enrol with MOL today to start your journey and see how far you’ll go!

Human Resources
Qualifications
We're proud to be a CIPD Organisational Delivery Partner and deliver all levels of CIPD qualifications from Foundation Certificate to an MSc.

Learning & Development
Qualifications
We understand the L&D profession like no other training provider. That’s what makes our courses great.