How much is an IOSH membership?
Introduction
When it comes to workplace safety, the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) stands as a globally recognized leader. As the world’s largest professional body for health and safety practitioners, IOSH supports individuals in developing their careers, staying up to date with industry standards, and ensuring safer working environments across various sectors.
Becoming an IOSH member is a significant step for anyone looking to advance in health and safety. Membership not only enhances professional credibility but also provides access to exclusive resources, networking opportunities, and career development programs. Whether you’re just starting or aiming for senior leadership roles, IOSH offers different levels of membership tailored to match your qualifications and experience.
In this blog, we’ll break down the costs of IOSH membership based on the latest 2025 updates. We’ll also explore the different membership levels, how to progress within IOSH, and the payment options available to help professionals manage their membership fees.
Understanding IOSH Membership Levels
IOSH offers various membership levels, each designed to reflect an individual’s experience, qualifications, and commitment to professional development in health and safety. These levels provide a structured path for career growth, ensuring that members can continually develop their skills and credibility in the field.
IOSH Membership Levels Explained
- Affiliate Membership – The starting point for most new members, offering access to IOSH resources and networking opportunities.
- Student Membership – Available to individuals currently enrolled in a health and safety-related course.
- Technical Membership (TechIOSH) – For professionals with an approved qualification and relevant experience.
- Certified Membership (CertIOSH) – For those who have completed IOSH’s competency framework, demonstrating advanced skills in health and safety.
- Chartered Membership (CMIOSH) – The gold standard for experienced professionals, signifying a high level of expertise and leadership in health and safety.
- Chartered Fellow (CFIOSH) – The highest level, recognizing outstanding contributions and leadership within the industry.
How Membership Progression Works
All new members (except students) join IOSH as Affiliate Members. From there, IOSH assesses each member’s qualifications and experience to determine their eligibility for upgrading to a higher level. There is no additional cost for this upgrade—members simply need to meet the required criteria and demonstrate their professional development.
Progression often involves completing Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activities and, for higher levels like Chartered Membership, passing an assessment process. This structured approach ensures that IOSH members continuously improve their knowledge and skills to stay at the forefront of health and safety practices.
Breakdown of IOSH Membership Costs (Effective from April 1, 2025)
Understanding the cost of IOSH membership is essential for professionals looking to join or progress within the organization. IOSH has a structured fee system based on membership levels, ensuring that individuals only pay for the tier that matches their qualifications and experience.
Below is the latest membership fee breakdown effective from April 1, 2025:
IOSH Membership Fees
- Affiliate Membership: £216 for the first year (includes a one-off administration fee); £159 annually for renewal.
- Technical Membership (TechIOSH): £159 annually.
- Certified Membership (CertIOSH): £177 annually.
- Chartered Membership (CMIOSH): £200 annually.
- Chartered Fellow (CFIOSH): £219 annually.
Important Note: All new members (except those eligible for Student Membership) start as Affiliate Members. IOSH then assesses their qualifications and experience to determine eligibility for upgrades. There is no additional cost to move up to a higher membership level—only the renewal fee changes once upgraded.
Concessionary Rates for Members
IOSH offers concessionary rates to support members facing specific financial or personal circumstances. These include:
- Parental Leave – Reduced fees for members on maternity, paternity, or adoption leave.
- Earning Less Than £22,222 – Discounted membership rates for lower-income professionals.
- Unemployed – Fee waivers available for those who are currently out of work.
- Retired with CPD – Reduced rates for retired members who continue their Continuous Professional Development (CPD).
- Retired without CPD – Standard reduced membership fees for retired professionals.
- Ill Health – Concessionary rates for members unable to work due to health-related issues.
For detailed information on eligibility and application for concessionary fees, visit the official IOSH renewal page.
How to Join and Upgrade Your IOSH Membership
Joining IOSH: The Process
Becoming an IOSH member is straightforward and provides access to a vast network of health and safety professionals. The joining process is as follows:
- Start as an Affiliate Member – Unless you qualify for Student Membership, all new members begin as Affiliate Members.
- Submit Qualifications and Experience – IOSH reviews each member’s credentials to assess their eligibility for a higher tier.
- Upgrade to a Higher Membership Level – If you meet the required criteria, IOSH will automatically upgrade your membership at no additional cost.
Maintain Membership Through CPD – Higher levels such as Technical (TechIOSH), Certified (CertIOSH), and Chartered (CMIOSH) require members to actively engage in CPD to maintain their status.
Upgrading Your IOSH Membership
Since IOSH operates a progression-based system, members can move up through the levels without paying extra upgrade fees. Instead, IOSH evaluates factors such as:
- Relevant qualifications in occupational health and safety.
- Work experience in a health and safety role.
- Commitment to CPD and professional development activities.
Higher-level memberships, such as Chartered Membership (CMIOSH) and Chartered Fellow (CFIOSH), require formal assessments and peer reviews to verify professional competence.
By following this structured pathway, IOSH members can continuously develop their careers while staying updated with industry best practices.
Flexible Payment Options & Financial Support
IOSH understands that financial flexibility is important for its members. To make membership more accessible, the institution offers multiple payment options and financial support for those in need.
Flexible Payment Options
Members can choose from:
- Annual Payments – A one-time payment covering the full year’s membership fee.
- Monthly Direct Debits – Allows members to spread the cost over the year, making payments more manageable.
These options ensure that members can maintain their IOSH status without financial strain.
Flexible Payment Options
For those facing financial hardship, IOSH provides support through concessionary rates (as covered in Section 3) and dedicated financial assistance programs, including:
- IOSH Benevolent Fund – Available to existing or former IOSH members who experience financial difficulties due to unforeseen circumstances. The fund can provide grants or other financial relief to help members maintain their professional status.
- Discounted Membership Fees – Available for members who meet specific criteria, such as low income, unemployment, or retirement.
For more details on financial assistance and eligibility, visit the official IOSH membership renewal page.
Conclusion
IOSH membership offers a structured pathway for professional growth in health and safety, with different levels catering to various experience and qualification levels.
Key Takeaways
- Membership fees range from £159 to £219 annually, depending on the level.
- All new members (except students) start as Affiliate Members and can upgrade at no additional cost.
- Flexible payment options (annual or monthly) make membership accessible.
- Concessionary rates and financial support are available for eligible members.
Higher-tier memberships enhance career prospects and credibility in the industry.
NEBOSH and IOSH Membership
For those looking to progress within IOSH, certain NEBOSH (National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health) qualifications are recognized as meeting the criteria for membership upgrades. For example:
- The NEBOSH National General Certificate is often a key qualification for achieving Technical Membership (TechIOSH).
- The NEBOSH Diploma is widely recognized and can support progression to Certified or Chartered Membership levels.
Holding a NEBOSH qualification can significantly enhance your eligibility for higher IOSH membership tiers, demonstrating professional competence and commitment to health and safety.
Next Steps
If you’re considering IOSH membership, choose the level that best aligns with your qualifications and career goals. For more information or to join, visit the official IOSH membership page.
Start your IOSH journey today and take your career in health and safety to the next level!