Grade Structure

The membership structure of The Institute was simplified in 1999 to provide a relatively straightforward progression as a member acquires either experience or qualifications or both. The grade of Associate Member was amalgamated with Member and that of Affiliate with Associate.

There are now only four grades; the corporate grades of Member and Fellow and non-corporate grades of Student and Associate. Corporate members may vote at the Annual General Meeting and thereby affect the objectives, policy and constitution of The Institute. They may also use the designatory letters MIQ and FIQ respectively.

In order of natural progression, the grades can be defined as follows;

Student

The Student grade is appropriate for persons undertaking full-time study or training relevant to the industry and with less than three years’ experience. It is usually restricted to those under the age of 21 but this limit may be extended by discretion of Council.

Associate

Associate is the standard grade for members who are gaining either experience or qualifications and are over 21 years of age. An Associate must either hold an approved qualification and have at least one year of experience, or have at least three years of experience of the industry.

Member

Members must hold an approved qualification, be aged over 23 and have held a responsible position for at least three years.

Fellow

The grade of Fellow requires evidence of experience of ‘senior managerial responsibility’ and employment within the industry for at least seven years; four of these in a senior position. A Fellow must also be aged over 33 years.

Notwithstanding the above progression, a new applicant may apply for any grade.