Find your core membership grade
A written guide to help you compare the entry requirements. The Membership Committee decides the grade after reviewing your evidence.
Start with ordinary membership
Choose the core grade supported by your completed qualifications and experience. This written guide is advisory; it does not calculate or award a grade.
You do not need to join a specialist section. After membership acceptance, section or regional participation is optional and specialist grade assessment is a separate process.
Compare the core entry routes
Student: currently enrolled on a relevant NFQ Level 5 or higher programme, or accepted equivalent. No professional experience is required. Published annual fee: €30.
Associate: open entry for applicants establishing professional experience or not yet able to evidence a higher grade. Published annual fee: €150; retired Associate: €75.
Technician: relevant NFQ Level 6 qualification or accepted equivalent evidence, with role experience appropriate to the grade. Published annual fee: €195.
Graduate Member: relevant NFQ Level 7 qualification and two years of relevant experience. Published annual fee: €220.
Member: relevant NFQ Level 8 qualification and three years of relevant professional experience. Published annual fee: €275.
Check the evidence you can provide
Prepare your CV, completed qualification certificates and relevant experience. Students should provide current enrolment evidence. Include international equivalence information where available. List study in progress accurately; do not present it as a completed award.
If your evidence does not fit a route clearly, ask IIESMS for guidance before applying. Published annual fees and CPD requirements are listed on the Memberships page; the first-registration fee is €15.
Fellowship and specialist recognition
Fellowship is a dedicated evidence-based application for senior professional achievement. Review the Academic, Professional Achievement and Lean Six Sigma pathways and use the Fellowship form where its criteria are met. The published annual Fellow subscription is €325.
Accepted members may later request specialist grade assessment against its own criteria. Joining a section alone does not award a specialist grade, certification or additional post-nominal.
Choose your next step
Compare the full requirements before submitting an application.
Questions and answers
No. Apply directly for the core grade you can evidence. Fellowship has a separate application and its own route criteria.
No. Sections and regional communities are optional and can be requested after your IIESMS membership is accepted.
Provide your certificate, transcript and any available equivalence information. The Membership Committee assesses it against the published route requirements.