FAQs about CQI membership

GRADES

What is regrading?

Regrading means moving up to a higher grade of CQI membership, eg from Student or Affiliate to Practitioner, or from Practitioner to Chartered Quality Professional – Member. Each grade has different requirements. You can regrade whenever you like. Find out more about CQI grades here.

Why should I regrade?

Each membership grade is designed to reflect your career development and provide you with professional recognition. Regrading as you progress in your career gives you the recognition you deserve and shows that you are committed to your development. Find out more on the Upgrade my CQI membership page.

How do I regrade?

Find out how to regrade on the Upgrade my CQI membership page.

I am retired – can I be a Chartered Quality Professional even though I’m not working or doing any training or CPD?

Yes, it is possible to be a Chartered Quality Professional and retired. There is no set amount of CPD required, it is for you to determine the level of CPD appropriate to your current professional responsibilities. It may be appropriate to set an objective that you can meet by regularly reading Quality World and other relevant industry publications and taking part in branch meetings. If you have any questions, get in touch with our membership team.

Can I use the CQI logo?

If you are a Chartered Quality Professional – Member or Chartered Quality Professional – Fellow, you can use the CQP logo, for example below your signature on correspondence and on your business stationery. You can download the logo here. The use of the CQI logo is not allowed.

What should I do if the evidence I need to provide for a membership or regrade application is confidential?

Evidence is handled confidentially by our assessors, who all sign a confidentiality agreement. However, if you prefer not to send us confidential material then please submit an extract that shows your involvement.

What training is acceptable to regrade to Practitioner?

You must have successfully completed a total of 30 hours' training or quality-related qualifications, on topics within the CQI’s Competency Framework. This could include:

• At least one unit of a CQI qualification (CQI Level 3 or Level 5)
• An IRCA Certified Lead Auditor course.

How many years of experience in quality do I need to regrade?

To regrade to Practitioner you will need two years’ experience in quality. To regrade to CQP MCQI there is no minimum work experience requirement as assessment is based on your competencies. Find out more about upgrading here.

How much evidence should I submit in support of my application to regrade to CQP MCQI?

There should be no more than two pieces of evidence for each statement. One piece of evidence can cover multiple statements.

CPD

When and how often do I need to submit records of my CPD?

The CQI encourages members at all levels to maintain a CPD record. For Chartered members (CQP MCQI or CQP FCQI) CPD records are required on an annual basis. We will contact Chartered members directly to request your CPD records. Please have them ready for the end of the year, soon after your membership fees are raised for the following year.

How much CPD am I required to do?

There is no specified minimum number of hours that you have to meet. However you should undertake sufficient CPD to maintain your professional competence and enable you to achieve your personal professional goals. For guidance, an active quality professional would expect to spend at least 25 hours a year on CPD and would probably have around three or four key learning objectives. If you cannot access the evidence, perhaps because you have left the employment where the activity took place, or your employer will not release the information, then ask a former manager or colleague to certify that you undertook the activity claimed.

FEES AND PAYMENT

How much are the fees?

Membership fees for the CQI depend on your grade. Find out more here.

Can I pay my membership in monthly instalments?

Unfortunately not.

Can I pay by Direct Debit?

Yes, Direct Debit is quick and easy. Direct Debit payment is available via the Members’ Area. Simply log in to the Members’ Area and set up a UK Direct Debit or Euro SEPA mandate in a few short steps.*

*We reserve the right to update our exchange rate for members who pay through SEPA (Euro) direct debits.

Can I send you my Direct Debit mandate by email?

No, unfortunately we can only accept original mandates by post. Please address to The Chartered Quality Institute, Third floor, 90 Chancery Lane, London WC2A 1EU.

I’m currently unemployed – can I get a reduction in my membership fee?

We have a concessionary rate for members who can prove they are in economic hardship circumstances. Please look at our discounted fees page for more information.

I have paid my subscription but have not received a receipt.

Receipts are sent automatically to the registered email address within 24 hours of payment (please note this may take up to 72 hours if you have paid at a weekend or on a public holiday). Please check that the email address you’re using is the one we have on file. If you are not sure, please contact us.

Why is there no VAT in my invoice?

The CQI is a charity so we don’t charge VAT.

GENERAL

What is my membership number?

Your membership number should appear in all correspondence and invoices from the CQI, including your membership offer email. If you can’t find it, please contact us.

How do I change my details?

Log into the Members' Area or contact us.

I’m having problems logging in online.

If you can’t login or the password reset option isn’t working, please email the membership team with your details and we will reset your password for you.

How do I make a complaint or appeal against a decision?

To make a complaint about the CQI or one of its associated members or organisations visit the How to make a complaint page.

I am a student and I haven’t received Quality World magazine in the post.

Student members do not receive a printed copy of Quality World as part of their membership. You can access it online through our Members' Area.