Explore our membership grades
We offer five membership grades, designed to reflects your career stage, experience, and qualifications.
As your career develops, you can progress through the grades, from Associate to Fellow, gaining greater professional recognition along the way.
Use the overview below to compare grades, then check the eligibility criteria to find the one that's right for you.
Fellow
Senior recognition for experienced educators
For professionals with significant experience, advanced qualifications, and demonstrable impact in education.
Member
Professional recognition for established educators
For qualified practitioners committed to ongoing development and professional excellence.
Associate
Entry-level professional membership
For early-career educators and assessors building teaching experience.
Affiliate
Introductory membership for those entering the sector
For aspiring educators, trainee teachers, and those in support roles.
Student
Free membership while you study
For individuals currently undertaking intial teacher training.
- Hold a Level 5 teaching qualification
- Hold a Master's or Doctorate in education or the subject you teach (or an equivalent Level 7 qualification or above)
- Have at least 5 years' teaching or training experience
- Hold Advanced Teaching Status (ATS) or an ETF Technical Teaching Fellowship
- Diploma in Education and Training (DET)
- Diploma in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector (DTTLS)
- Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)
-
Certificate in Education (CertED)
- A Level 3 certificate in teaching (e.g. Level 3 Award in Education and Training, AET) or equivalent
- A Level 3 Assessor award
- New to teaching or training, or
- Working in a learning support role, or
- Training towards a post-14 education qualification
- Level 3 or 4 awards (Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector, PTLLS)
- City & Guilds Certificate or Diploma in Delivering Learning
- Trainee teacher status
- Studying for a Level 3-5 teaching qualification, or
- Completing a PGCE
- Enrolled with a recognised ITE provider
What our members value
Membership isn't just about recognition - it's about belonging to a professional community that supports you throughout your career.
'Membership gives me a sense of belonging. I love being part of something bigger than me that helps me to grow and learn as I continue in my career.'
Barbara Van der Eecken MSET, Education and Skills Consultant
Our membership connects you with a community of over 22,500 educators who support, challenge, and inspire one another to grow.
Barbara's in. Are you in?
Concessionary rate policy
We are committed to supporting members to maintain their membership and the payment of their annual membership fees, specifically in circumstances where a member is not working, is retired or is working but on an income less than £16,500 per annum.
Take your next step
Explore our FAQs
Find out more by reading answers to popular questions that sector professionals ask us.
Ready to start your journey?
Get the right membership for you and become a member today.
Contact us
Our dedicated support team is ready to provide direct, professional assistance.