MCIPD vs FCIPD: Key Differences and Which Is Right for You

Here at MOL, we are dedicated to helping you advance your HR career through one of our CIPD courses. But with quite a few different courses, and many different levels of CIPD membership, we often get asked which course or qualification is the right one for you. 

One of the questions we often see is about the differences between MCIPD and FCIPD and which one is the right fit. 

To help answer those questions, our experts have created this helpful guide, so that you can confidently aim for the qualification best suited for your career and skillset. 

What are CIPD membership levels? 

CIPD stands for the Chartered Institute for Personnel and Development. This institute is the primary governing body that oversees all matters related to HR and people development. 

There are multiple different levels of membership within the CIPD. They can be reached by completing certain qualifications, each with their own benefits for different career paths. CIPD qualifications are still valuable in 2026, as being a qualified HR professional is now more important than ever before. 

These levels of membership are: 

• Affiliate Membership 
• Student Membership 
• Foundation Membership 
• Associate Membership 
• Chartered Membership 
• Chartered Fellow Membership 
• Chartered Companion 
• Academic Membership 

In this article, we will be exploring the Chartered Membership (MCIPD) and Chartered Fellow Membership (FCIPD). We will tell you what sets them apart from each other, how to reach these levels and what benefit they each bring.  

With many different levels of membership, it is good to understand what is the best HR course for you. If you’re a senior in your field, both MCIPD and FCIPD are valid accreditations. Let’s explore them further.  

What is MCIPD? 

MCIPD stands for Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development. 

It is a well-recognised and well-respected status of professionalism in HR. It shows you’ve reached a high level of respect and dedication to the industry. 

To reach MCIPD status, you need to do the following: 

1.  Complete a Level 7 Qualification, which is the highest level of CIPD qualification available. 

2. Get some relevant work experience to prove you’ve been successful at a senior level. 

3.  Apply for a MCIPD membership. 

Of course, we’d always recommend you keep your skills sharp by keeping up to date with the latest trends within HR as a bonus. 

What is FCIPD? 

FCIPD stands for Chartered Fellow Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development. This is the highest level of membership you can achieve without nominations from those within the chartered community. 

Achieving this level means you’re considered to be a thought leader and a true expert in the workplace. It will give you the weight and respect to shape policies and work on building a strong team of people. 

To reach this level, you can follow several routes: 

• Qualification-based Routes: If you have a Level 7 CIPD Advanced Diploma or a degree from an accredited university, you can get an FCIPD upgrade by completing an Upgrade Assessment. 
• Experience-based Routes: If you feel that you are already working at the level expected from a Chartered Fellow and believe you can prove this, you can complete an Experience Assessment. 

What Are the Key Differences Between FCIPD And MCIPD? 

Though similar in name, there are some distinct differences between the two titles. These are found in the level of seniority, experience and competency expected. 

Differences in Seniority 

An MCIPD is usually a senior HR professional, while an FCIPD works at a board-influencing level, like a director or senior manager. 

Differences in Experience & Competency 

For MCIPD, it is expected that you have at least one year of experience in HR at a senior level. You need to lead efficiently, create people-first strategies and resolve complicated HR-related issues. 

For FCIPD, you are usually expected to have serious and significant experience over at least two years. In addition to the experience needed for MCIPD, an FCIPD certification requires you to lead at the highest level.  

CIPD Membership Benefits 

One of the big benefits of having a CIPD qualification is the fact that they are globally recognised by employers as a signal of excellence. It shows you’re invested in developing your career, which is a positive sign for any business that is looking to hire. 

A CIPD qualification is also a very commonly requested certification in vacancies, so a CIPD qualification will put you in high demand. 

With an MCIPD or FCIPD qualification, you can also expect a higher salary. According to the CIPD, between March 2022 and February 2023, jobs that requested CIPD qualifications were offered up to 15% more salary than jobs that did not request the qualifications. 

Is a MCIPD or FCIPD Right for You? 

Whether MCIPD or FCIPD accreditation is the right fit for you depends on your experience, your role and your responsibilities. 

MCIPD is the right fit for you if: 

• You are in a senior position, but not executive. 
• You are respected in your position, but not at a board level. 
• You are leading the strategy within your team but not the whole company. 

FCIPD is the right fit for you if: 

• You are operating at an executive level or higher. 
• You frequently work alongside the C-suite or stakeholders. 
• Your strategies and work impact the entire business. 

Work towards your MCIPD or FCIPD qualifications with MOL  

If you want to grow your HR and L&D career and advance into either qualification, sign up for our CIPD Level 7 advanced diploma. 

For more information about MOL’s courses, you can get in touch with our team, we’re always happy to chat and help you find the right way to take the next step in your career!