Apply for CIH membership today
Finding the right membership for you
Before you can apply for membership, you need to find out what grade you're eligible for.
Find out more about our membership grades and apply online by clicking grades below.
Are you new to housing or don't hold a housing qualification?
Standard CIHM membership is aimed at individuals who are interested in or are working in housing but have not gained a CIH qualification.
We often see individuals who are new to the industry, students, individuals with front line roles, apply for this grade.
This type of membership will give you access to tools, information and support to help you throughout your housing journey.
Membership fee
- United Kingdom £245 per year
- Republic of Ireland £97 per year
How to apply
You can apply online here. You'll be taken to our online customer portal where you'll need to sign in or create an account. For help logging in or creating an account please visit the help page.
Alternatively, you can call us on 024 7685 1700 and complete your membership application over the phone. Our opening times are Monday – Thursday: 09:00 – 17:00, Friday: 09:00 – 16:00.
Do you hold a CIH Level 3, 4 or CIH recognised qualification?
Certified practitioner CertCIH is 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.
You become eligible for this grade upon successful completion of a CIH Level 3 or level 4 qualification.
We often see individuals who are housing officers, middle management or have established a career path or are studying a qualification, apply for this grade.
Membership fee
- United Kingdom £245 per year
- Republic of Ireland £97 per year.
How to apply
You can apply online here. You'll be taken to our online customer portal where you'll need to sign in or create an account. For help logging in or creating an account please visit the help page.
Alternatively, you can call us on 024 7685 1700 and complete your membership application over the phone. Our opening times are Monday – Thursday: 09:00 – 17:00, Friday: 09:00 – 16:00.
Do you hold a CIH recognised qualification at Level 5 or above, or have you completed an experiential route?
Chartered membership CIHCM is the hallmark of your success in housing; it's a demonstration of your housing expertise, your commitment to the highest professional and ethical standards.
It shows the recognition that you are a fully qualified, competent and committed housing professional.
We often see senior managers, aspiring leaders, and experienced professionals apply for this grade.
Membership fee
- United Kingdom £368 per year
- Republic of Ireland £149 per year.
How to apply
You can apply online here. You'll be taken to our online customer portal where you'll need to sign in or create an account. For help logging in or creating an account please visit the help page.
Alternatively, you can call us on 024 7685 1700 and complete your membership application over the phone. Our opening times are Monday – Thursday: 09:00 – 17:00, Friday: 09:00 – 16:00.
Routes to chartered membership
CIH recognises several undergraduate and postgraduate courses, both full and part-time, to meet the requirements for chartered membership.
We have four paths to chartered membership if you currently hold a CIH level 5 in housing; you are an experienced professional or a senior manager operating at director level or have completed a CIH professional course before 2007.
You must be a chartered member and demonstrate that you have made a significant contribution to the sector
Fellow FCIH is an honoured class of membership recognising highly experienced professionals who have made a significant contribution to the housing profession. It's the most senior membership grade offered by CIH.
We often see senior leaders, aspiring leaders, and experienced professionals apply for this grade.
Membership fee
- United Kingdom £368 per year
- Republic of Ireland £149 per year.
What to do next?
First you need to check you're eligible. You can find out more by visiting our dedicated Fellowship page where you can find out more around applying.
Did you know when you study with CIH you can claim free student membership?
If you are studying a CIH qualification, or a programme validated by CIH through an approved centre, you may be eligible to receive CIH membership, free for the duration of your course.
Student membership can help you with your qualification and give you access to all the up-to-date information and best practice in the sector, as well as free attendance at our events, training and a wide array of digital resources.
Please contact us to find out if you can claim your student membership. Email us at customer@cih.org or call us on 024 7685 1700. Our opening times are Monday – Thursday: 09:00 – 17:00, Friday: 09:00 – 16:00.
Membership fees
Our membership fees are dependent on the grade of membership you're applying for and whether you are based in the UK or overseas.
There are many different ways to pay for your membership fee, including:
- Spread the cost over 12 months through Direct Debit at no extra cost
- Pay online through MyCIH
- If your employer is paying you can request an invoice online, over the phone or via email
- Pay over the phone with our friendly membership team.
Concessionary rates
A concessionary rate of £73 is applicable to the following classes of membership; Under 30s, tenant, HR professional, retired and career break. When applying for membership you can select any of the above circumstances.
