For any occupational health and safety professional, getting IOSH membership should be the ultimate goal. IOSH membership can throw open countless career opportunities. Also, members who have highest membership levels can interact directly with industry leaders and bring notable changes in their profession.

How to apply for IOSH membership?

There are two options – by simply filling an online application form available on IOSH website or by getting paper application from one of the IOSH members.

The cost for an affiliate membership application is £153 per year which includes one-year subscription of a monthly magazine, weekly email dispatch, chance to participate over 300 learning events and IOSH international journal.

What are the Membership Categories in IOSH?

IOSH offers several membership levels with each requiring certain qualifications, skills and working knowledge.

Affiliate Member

To become an affiliate member, you don’t require any special requirement and CPD points are also not mandatory for this category. You can apply for the membership anytime of the year. Once became the member, you can associate with the local IOSH unit and build your networking with similar industry members. With this membership fee, you can interact with an industry specific group. Affiliate Member is an initial level of IOSH membership category, later you can be transfer to higher level membership category by IOSH based on your qualification.

Associate Member (AIOSH)

To get this membership level, one should have an accredited IOSH qualification such as IOSH Working Safely. Associate Members (AIOSH) can be workers who have given training to work safely but can’t work as health and safety professionals. Associate members having working experience can become technical members. With Associate membership, you can carry your name with letters AIOSH.

For example: If you have Nebosh IGC certificate, but you are having less than two years of experience in Health and Safety Management, you will be awarded with Associate level Membership. For this level membership CPD points are not mandatory.

Technical Member (Tech IOSH)

You can become a Technical Member if you have certifications such as NEBOSH and experience as workplace safety professionals. Members at this level are expected to undergo Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programme to maintain their level of knowledge. CPD helps to find out gaps in your knowledge and skills so that corrective measures can be taken. Technical members can carry their names with Tech IOSH.

For example: To become TECH IOSH member, you must have 2 years full time experience or 5 years part time experience in Safety Management field with NEBOSH certification then you will be eligible to apply technical level membership of IOSH.

Graduate Member (Grad IOSH)

To achieve this membership, one should have an IOSH degree or equivalent qualification such as NEBOSH National Diploma. Members can join the Initial Professional Development (IPD) program, which should be completed for those aiming for Chartered Member, which normally will take two to five years. Graduate members are expected to maintain updated CPD and can put their name before Grad IOSH.

For example: To become a Grad IOSH, you need NEBOSH International Diploma or any other qualification equivalent to level 6 certification which is accepted by IOSH and you have to prepare your detailed development plan to initiate your CPD points to transfer yourself as Graduate Member of IOSH

Chartered Member (CMIOSH)

Chartered Members are considered to have highest knowledge and skills in health and safety. Aspiring Chartered Members must do Graduate membership and then complete the IPD programme.

As a CMIOSH member, you are expected to remain up to date with CPD and you can put your name with the letters CMIOSH and also declare yourself as a Chartered Health and Safety Practitioner.

You are expected to perform some activities as part of your IPD that may include a skill development portfolio (SDP) and assessment.

Once your IPD is completed, you should go through peer review interview to become a Chartered Member of IOSH

For example: To become Grad IOSH through NEBOSH IDIP, you need to complete Skill Development Portfolio and also complete the peer review interview to become CMIOSH member

Chartered Fellow (CFIOSH)

Chartered Members are given highest regard as they possess exceptional commitment to the profession and hence are awarded Fellowship. Chartered Fellow Member of IOSH are considered to be the ambassadors of industry

For example: To become CFIOSH member, you have to spend at least five years as Chartered Member of IOSH and you must maintain the CPD points for this level membership category.