Please find below a set of frequently-asked questions about Chartered Practitioner status.
General
On what basis is Chartered Practitioner status awarded?
Chartered Practitioner status is awarded on the basis that an individual has an outstanding level of professional practice and knowledge, and is committed to continuous professional development.
This is demonstrated by a Statement of Experience; an original piece of work of between 3,000 and 4,000 words critically reflecting on an issue or subject drawn from the candidate's own professional experience; and at interview.
Full membership and participation on the CIPR's Continuous Professional Development scheme is mandatory for those wishing to apply and also to retain the status.
How much does it cost?
The fees are as follows:
Stage 1 £50 plus VAT
Stage 2 £150 plus VAT
Stage 3 £300 plus VAT
You will not pay for a stage until it has been confirmed that you have been passed the previous stage.
What does the status mean?
It means that anyone with Chartered status is a senior public relations professional whose experience, knowledge and insight has been been tested by the Chartered Institute of Public Relations, the professional body for PR practitioners in the UK. Anyone with Chartered Practitioner status will be able to operate at a senior level whether in-house or working as a consultant or for an agency. This will be helpful both to employees wanting recognition for their experience and to employers. Over the next five years, we aim to promote individual Chartered status as the benchmark for senior public relations practitioners.
How does Chartered Practitioner status relate to Accredited Practitioner status?
Accredited Practitioner status is achieved after a member has recorded 120 points on the CIPR's CPD scheme. This usually takes place after two years as there is a 60 point requirement each year and points above this requirement will not count towards a status.
The Chartered process is much more rigorous, requiring participants to demonstrate their public relations experience and commitment to continuously updating their skills and knowledge with a Statement of Experience; an original piece of work of between 3,000 and 4,000 words critically reflecting on an issue or subject drawn from the their own professional experience; and at interview.
Eligibility
Who can apply for Chartered status?
Chartered Practitioner status is open to CIPR members working at a senior level.
- Fellows and Full Members of the Institute with at least ten years' experience as a PR practitioner either in the UK or overseas.
- Full Members and Fellows who have completed the CIPR Diploma or a CIPR-approved postgraduate qualification will be eligible to apply for Chartered Practitioner status after eight years' experience as a PR practitioner either in the UK or overseas.
- Full Members and Fellows who have completed the CIPR Advanced Certificate or a CIPR-approved undergraduate qualification will be eligible to apply after nine years' experience as a PR practitioner either in the UK or overseas.
- Any applicant who is not already registered on the CIPR's Continuous Professional Development (CPD) scheme will need to sign in before they make their application.
Assessment
What does the three stage assessment include?
There are three stages to the assessment process. Candidates are expected to demonstrate how their experience to date, skills, quality of work, professionalism and current knowledge and application of public relations place them at the forefront of public relations practice.
How will the Stage 1 Statement of Experience be assessed?
First we will verify that you are a Full Member or Fellow, are participating on our CPD scheme and hold the requisite level of experience. Candidates submit a Statement of Experience, outlining in greater detail their career, roles held and achievements. Your Statement of Experience will also be evaluated for suitability by an external assessor against the criteria headings of leadership, strategy, learning, innovation and communication. You will then be notified whether you are eligible to pass to Stage 2.
Stage 2
Candidates whose Statements are satisfactory submit an original piece of work of between 3,000 and 4,000 words. This work should demonstrate the attributes the CIPR has defined as essential to Chartered Practitioner status.
Stage 3
Candidates whose papers are passed at stage two attend a panel interview. The panel comprises two senior practitioners who themslves have become Chartered Practitioners and are established C.P. Assessors. The interviewers ask questions based on the Statement of Experience provided at Stage One, plus questions relating to the submission at Stage Two.
