Membership
Advance your journey through the professional membership pathway.
Access valuable resources, stay connected with the wider industry network, and progress through membership tiers as you build your expertise.
IPS Membership
Join a global learning community dedicated to strengthening capabilities in business, management, finance, economics, and related disciplines. The IPS Membership structure supports learners at every stage, from early exploration to advanced professional recognition.
Introduction
IPS Membership is designed to be inclusive, accessible, and progression based. Whether someone is beginning their learning journey or working toward professional recognition, the IPS Membership pathway offers clear steps and meaningful development over time.
Professional Membership Pathway
Professional membership is structured as a five year development pathway. Members progress through each tier annually, building knowledge, skill, and engagement within the IPS framework.
The progression pathway is:
Membership Tiers
IPS Certified Associate
The entry point for all professional members. Associate Members begin applying IPS principles, developing foundational professional skills, and engaging in community learning activities to align their personal growth and development with recognised global professional standards.
Year 1
IPS Certified Specialist
Specialists demonstrate consistent participation, develop a stronger understanding of complex frameworks, and apply strategic concepts to practical tasks. They contribute actively to discussions and collaborative projects, moving beyond foundational knowledge toward more specialised professional application.
Year 2
IPS Certified Practitioner
Practitioners show advanced competence, initiative, and emerging leadership. They apply integrated learning to professional or simulated environments and support others within the community. They are recognised for delivering consistent, high-quality results across their professional practice.
Year 3
IPS Certified Executive
Executives represent high-level organisational command and strategic decision-making. Members at this level demonstrate the ability to lead complex systems, influence stakeholder outcomes, and drive success through the master application of the overarching IPS leadership framework.
Year 4
IPS Certified Fellow
Fellowship is the highest membership level. Members demonstrate maturity, judgement, and a commitment to advancing business and social science through innovation, mentorship, and knowledge sharing. They represent the pinnacle of professional excellence and institutional leadership.
Year 5
IPS Membership Progression Requirements
| Membership Tier | Required Program | Experience and Prerequisite | Designation |
|---|---|---|---|
| IPS Certified Associate | IPS Associate Program | No prior experience required | IPS-CA |
| IPS Certified Specialist | IPS Specialist Program | Must demonstrate one year of industry experience and twelve months of standing as an IPS Certified Associate. | IPS-CS |
| IPS Certified Practitioner | IPS Practitioner Program | Must demonstrate two years of industry experience and twelve months of standing as an IPS Certified Specialist. | IPS-CP |
| IPS Certified Executive | IPS Executive Program | Must demonstrate three years of industry experience and twelve months of standing as an IPS Certified Practitioner. | IPS-CE |
| IPS Certified Fellow | Must demonstrate four years of industry experience and twelve months of standing as an IPS Certified Executive. | IPS-CF |
There is no direct entry into higher tiers. All professional members begin as IPS Certified Associate and progress year by year.
This creates a fair and consistent pathway that reflects genuine development.
Membership Fees
Professional membership is offered at a simple annual fee of AUD 45, charged annually.
Advantages of IPS Membership
Being part of IPS offers meaningful professional and personal benefits. Members gain:
– A clear, structured pathway toward recognised professional standing over four years
– Opportunities to build long term affiliation with a professional organisation from an early stage
– Higher membership status as time passes, reflecting growth, maturity, and contribution
– Access to IPS updates, learning opportunities, and community activities
– A sense of belonging to a global network of learners and professionals
– Recognition that supports academic, vocational, and career progression
– A supportive environment that encourages independent development and lifelong learning
– Increased visibility and credibility through Fellow and Senior Fellow levels
– Opportunities to contribute to dialogue, projects, and community initiatives
– A membership structure designed for fairness, engagement, and long term growth
Why Become an IPS Member
IPS Membership provides a flexible, lifelong learning pathway that grows with you. Whether someone is building foundational skills, accelerating professional development, or shaping ideas at an advanced level, IPS supports continuous improvement and achievement.
From IPS Certified Associate to IPS Certified Fellow, every stage represents meaningful progress and deeper engagement with a supportive international learning community.
Becoming the member option is available within the IPS Portal once the Associate Program has been completed.