The Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM)

What is the CIM?

CIM stands for the Chartered Institute of Marketing, the body seen as the authority for marketing. Globally, it is estimated that there are over 28,000 members, of which 3,000 have achieved “chartered marketer” status.

Its role is to help marketers at all stages of their marketing careers to:

• Expand knowledge and networking
• Progress within their marketing career
• Build skills and confidence

Within the UK, CIM exists as a membership organisation, with four key levels:

• Affiliate professional – those who are just starting out in their marketing career 
• Associate (ACIM) – those at the marketing executive level or those who have newly become a marketing manager
• Member (MCIM) – those who are experienced marketing managers or strategic marketers
• Fellow (FCIM) – those with 15+ years of senior strategic marketing experience

What are the benefits of CIM membership?

All CIM members, irrespective of experience or membership level can access the organisation’s core offerings, which include access to a personal development platform and mentoring, as well as events (online webinars and in-person sessions), its quarterly magazine Catalyst and it’s widely recognised digital badges, which validate a marketing professional’s CIM status.

The wider CIM offering

For many years, the institute has offered a range of marketing and digital marketing courses, which aim to enhance marketers’ employability prospects. Courses available include certifications, diplomas and postgraduate diplomas in both professional and digital marketing. Marketing leaders can also access its leadership programme, perfect for those who are looking to improve upon their existing leadership skills to turn problems and challenges into business opportunities. 

How do I become a CIM member?

Becoming a member is easy, providing you can evidence of the relevant skills, experiences and criteria of the four key membership levels above.

All you need to do is head over to the membership page of CIM’s website, select the level you want to join at and fill in the short form. You may be asked to share a CV or your work history (generally via your LinkedIn profile for ease of verification) so that CIM can be confident that you do indeed meet the requirements of their respective level. Assuming you do, you’ll generally be accepted within 5-10 days and pending payment, away you go.

Membership starts at around £15 PCM for affiliates, rising to £25 PCM for fellows.

Whilst there is certainly no requirement to become a CIM member or to undertake a CIM professional or digital marketing course, it is often listed as a nice-to-have criterion within job ads, so it is certainly something to be considered when looking for your next move, or planning for the future.