Build your professional recognition and demonstrate your skills and knowledge as a housing professional.

Known as the "industry standard" for housing professionals, this grade shows employers that you have achieved a certain level of skills and knowledge needed to be a housing professional.

Membership requirements

To be eligible for certified practitioner CertCIH membership, you must have successfully completed a CIH level 3 or level 4 qualification.

This membership grade is suitable for:

  • Housing officers
  • Middle management or have established a career path
  • Anyone studying a housing qualification.

Our membership fees

Certified practitioner (CertCIH) is available to UK members for an annual fee of £278, which can be spread across 12 months by Direct Debit at no extra cost.

£24

per month*

12-month Direct Debit plan

£278

per year

One-off annual payment

*Equivalent to less than £24 a month based on a £278 annual fee

Find out about membership fees, payment options, concessionary rates and fees for Ireland and international members. View membership fees and payment information.

The benefits of CIH membership
Professional recognition and post-nominals

CIH membership demonstrates your commitment to professionalism in the housing sector. Depending on your membership grade, you can use designatory letters after your name to recognise your professional standing and demonstrate your commitment to maintaining high standards.

Free events and webinars

Our events and webinars are free* as part of your membership. Our events calendar covers various topics, ranging from practical housing management, high-level policy discussions, to those designed to support your professional development. 

Plus, as a member you’ll get access to our recording’s library of all our past webinars, so you’ll get years’ worth of knowledge at your fingertips.


*Terms and conditions apply. Due to the way these are hosted, we are unable to include dinner events and parts of Housing Community Summit in this offer.

Stay informed with the latest insights and resources

As a member, you’ll gain access to exclusive resources, including case studies, research publications, member briefings and career advice.

You’ll stay informed with the latest policy and industry insights through our member newsletters and publications.

Developing your career and skills

As a member, you’ll have access to a range of opportunities to develop your career, expand your knowledge and skills, and support your continuing professional development.

  • Access discounted training courses covering current housing topics, delivered by policy and practice experts.
  • Through our mentoring scheme, you can set goals, build confidence, develop your knowledge and learn new skills with support from other professionals.
  • Use our member portal to record your CPD activities and track your professional development.
Supporting you and your network

We offer a range of support and volunteering opportunities for members, from influencing policy and getting involved in regional activities to connecting with other housing professionals. These opportunities can help you develop your skills, build relationships and contribute to the housing sector.

Join one of our voluntary groups and help us continue to create a future where everyone has a place to call home.

Exclusive member discounts

Make the most of your membership with exclusive discounts and savings.

  • Housing Today: Fully paid members receive full access to sector news, insight, comment and analysis, including news direct to their inbox.
  • TOTUM membership: Save hundreds of pounds a year with free TOTUM membership, or purchase a TOTUM+ discount card for even more savings, offers and vouchers.
  • Institute of Leadership: Access discounted membership to help grow your leadership potential within the housing sector.

Apply for certified practitioner CertCIH

Start your membership application online today. Your application is subject to approval. A member of our team will contact you once it has been reviewed.

Having trouble creating or logging into your account? Get help with your MyCIH account here.

Sarita Gregory-Brook CertCIH | Head of Neighbourhoods (South East), A2 Dominion

It has been invaluable reaching out to colleagues across the sector to get their help and knowledge on projects I’m working on. I’ve been in touch several times regarding fixed term tenancies and new ways of working in relation to housing management models. The conversations I have had have really helped me to gather research and information, but also get points of view and gain an insight into what others are doing in the sector.

Josh Millar CertCIH | Housing Officer, City of Edinburgh Council

As a mobile worker, the weekly briefings make keeping informed so much more manageable since the material is always accessible from my fingertips. The range of publications ensures I am always primed for whatever new challenges wait around the corner and mean that when change comes knocking I am ready; turning a potential headache into a chance for opportunity, innovation and inspiration.

A bird's eye view of homes.
An aerial view of Scotland.

Have a question about CIH membership?

Whether you’re joining, renewing, or managing your membership, we’re here to help. Find out how to contact us and get the support you need.

Contact us
FAQs
How do I create a My CIH account?

If this is the first time you have tried to login on to CIH's website, please follow the instructions below.

  1. Click ‘Log in’ top right of our website or click this link to take you to the log in page.
  2. Click ‘Sign up now’ under the big blue sign in button – don’t complete any fields at this stage.
  3. Enter your email address, ensuring it’s the email we would have on our system for you.
  4. Click 'Send verification code'.
  5. Check your email inbox for an email with your verification code (check your spam/junk email just in case).
  6. Copy the verification code in the email.
  7. Head back to our website, and enter or paste the verification code into the box.
  8. Click the 'Verify code' button.
  9. Once the verification code has been complete, you can continue to create a password and complete the rest of the form including 'First Name', 'Last Name' and 'Preferred Name' fields.
  10. Click the 'Create' button.
  11. You will then be able to access your account.

Go to login

If you are having issues logging in, please call us on 024 7685 1700 or email membership.services@cih.org and our membership services team will help you get logged in.

Am I eligible for a concessionary membership rate?

We understand that circumstances can vary, so we offer concessionary membership rates to make CIH membership more accessible.

Concessionary membership costs £82 per year for UK-based members. These rates do not affect your membership grade – they simply reduce your annual subscription fee.

Who can apply for concessionary rates

  • Under 30s
  • Learners
  • Retired or career break
  • HR and learning professionals
  • Tenants.

Applying for a concessionary rate

To apply, start by selecting your membership grade on our website, which will begin your online application. During the application process, you can then select any concessionary rate that applies to you.

Our team will review your application and contact you if any supporting evidence is required.

View our concessionary rates

If you’re unsure which concessionary rate applies to you, or need help with your application, please contact our membership team at customer@cih.org or call 024 7685 1700 — we’ll be happy to help.

Can I get a concessionary rate as a learner?

UK-based learners studying a housing qualification through the CIH Housing Academy or an approved study centre may be eligible for a concessionary membership rate of £82 per year. This rate applies to your chosen membership grade.

The concessionary rate covers the following membership periods:

  • Level 2, 3 or 4 qualification = one year’s membership
  • Level 5 qualification = two years’ membership

Each learner can access the learner concessionary rate once only. You aren't eligible if you're currently a paying CIH member or have been one within the last 12 months.

How to apply

Select your preferred membership grade from above and begin your online application. During the application process, select the learner concessionary rate.

Our team will review your application and contact you if supporting evidence is required.

Can I upgrade my membership grade?

If you're a current CIH member and would like to upgrade your membership grade, please call us on 024 7685 1700 or email us at customer@cih.org.

How do I renew my membership?

Renewing your CIH membership is is quick and simple. You can find out how to renew online, over the phone or by email, whichever works best for you.

Find out how to renew your membership.

How do I reinstate my membership?

To reinstate your membership, please select your applicable grade from the membership grades. Log into MyCIH and start a new membership application.

Your application is subject to approval and a member of the membership team will contact you once it has been reviewed. If you would like to discuss this with a member of the team please contact membership.services@cih.org or call 024 7685 1700.