Fellow (F.IIESMS)
The highest grade. Recognising sustained contribution through leadership, expertise, and service. EUR 325 per year.
About the Fellow Grade
Fellowship is the senior grade. It recognises sustained contribution to your profession, not just qualifications. There are three routes: NFQ Level 9 with five years in a senior role, five or more years as a Member or Certified grade with ten years of senior practice, or Master Black Belt with seven years leading programmes. The fee is EUR 325.
The F.IIESMS designation carries the greatest professional weight within the Institute and signals to employers, clients, regulators, and peers that the holder has been assessed against the most demanding criteria of professional competence and contribution. Fellowship is not awarded automatically - it requires a rigorous professional review that verifies exceptional professional standing.
Fellowship requires a minimum qualification at NFQ Level 9 (postgraduate level) or equivalent, with a minimum of 5 years in a senior professional role. Fellows must maintain 30 hours of CPD annually, audited every 2 years. The Lean Six Sigma equivalence is Master Black Belt. The annual fee is EUR 325.
Three distinct pathways lead to Fellowship: the Academic Route (NFQ Level 9 with 5 years senior experience), the Professional Achievement Route (Member or Certified grade for 5+ years with 10 years senior practice, nominated by two Fellows or the National Council), and the Lean Six Sigma Route (Master Black Belt with 7 years leading programmes).
Who Is the Fellow Grade For?
Senior professionals who have reached the highest levels of professional achievement in their discipline. Fellowship recognises exceptional contribution through academic excellence (NFQ Level 9), outstanding professional achievement (10+ years senior practice with nomination), or mastery of Lean Six Sigma (Master Black Belt with 7+ years).
Key Requirements
Qualification: NFQ Level 9 / Nomination
Experience: 5+ years senior
CPD: 30 hours annually
Audit: Every 2 years
Annual fee: EUR 325
Lean Six Sigma: Master Black Belt
How to Apply for Fellow
Follow these steps to apply for Fellow membership.
Review Requirements
Confirm that you meet the qualification (NFQ Level 9 / Nomination) and experience requirements for Fellow grade.
Prepare Documentation
Gather your qualification certificates, CV, professional references, and evidence of relevant experience.
Submit Application
Complete the online membership application form, selecting Fellow as your target grade. Pay the registration fee (EUR 15) and annual subscription.
Professional Review
Your application is assessed by the Membership Committee, followed by a professional interview (30-45 minutes via video call) with assessors.
Receive Designation
Upon successful review, receive your F.IIESMS designation, membership certificate, and access to your sector group community.
CPD Requirements
Fellow members are required to complete 30 hours of CPD annually. Activities must include an approximate 50/50 balance between formal CPD (accredited courses, conferences, academic study) and informal CPD (professional reading, mentoring, project-based learning, committee participation).
CPD records are audited every 2 years to verify compliance. When selected for audit, submit your CPD log showing activity descriptions, hours, and formal/informal classification.
IIESMS provides CPD events across all five sector groups, and training partner programmes are automatically recognised for CPD purposes. External CPD from other professional bodies and training providers also counts towards your requirement.
Fees
The annual subscription for Fellow grade is EUR 325. A one-time registration fee of EUR 15 applies when first joining the Institute. An optional IISE (USA) subscription is available at EUR 80 per year.
Fees are denominated in euros. For corporate account membership covering multiple employees, contact the Institute for consolidated billing arrangements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the Fellow membership grade
A minimum qualification at NFQ Level 9 / Nomination level is required. International qualifications are accepted where they can be demonstrated as equivalent.
The annual subscription is EUR 325. There is a one-time registration fee of EUR 15 when first joining IIESMS.
Fellow members must complete 30 hours of CPD annually, with an approximate 50/50 balance between formal and informal activities. Records are audited every 2 years.
Yes. Fellow (F.IIESMS) is the highest membership grade in IIESMS. It recognises sustained senior-level contribution to your discipline and to the Institute. Fellows may mentor other members, serve on committees, and contribute to policy development.
You can use F.IIESMS after your name in professional correspondence, reports, publications, and other professional documentation. For example: Jane Smith, F.IIESMS.
No. You can apply directly for any grade you meet the requirements for. You do not need to hold a lower grade before applying for Fellow.
Academic Route: NFQ Level 9 + 5 years senior experience + 30 hours CPD annually. Professional Achievement Route: Member or Certified grade for 5+ years + 10 years senior practice + nomination by 2 Fellows or National Council. Lean Six Sigma Route: Master Black Belt + 7 years leading programmes.
The Professional Achievement Route requires nomination by two existing Fellows or the National Council. The Academic and Lean Six Sigma routes do not require nomination.
Apply for Fellowship
EUR 325 per year. Three routes in: academic, professional achievement, or Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt.