Is the IEMA Membership Worth It?

The Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA) is a professional body that provides resources, tools, research, and high-quality formal qualifications to meet the real-world needs of its members from their first steps into the environmental management industry. The certifications are globally recognised and ensure that those responsible for Environmental roles are educated, prepared and skilled to successfully fulfil their roles and make a positive difference.

As a professional membership organisation, IEMA has several membership tiers that are achieved through a variety of means - each coming with its own benefits.

What Are the Benefits of IEMA Membership?

From the get-go, once you are an official IEMA member you will have access to a wide array of communications, networks and publications. Members will be eligible to attend career events and student members will have opportunities for student placements. 

If you are already an environmental professional, just by having an IEMA membership, your reputation will be enhanced. It’s important to remember that IEMA remains the biggest environmental management training body in the world. Employers have often cited that in the heavily regulated world of Environmental Management, having an IEMA Certificate or Membership can help develop trust and reliability. 

Different Types of IEMA Memberships

There are several different levels of IEMA Memberships, with individual eligibility requirements. Each one also comes with perks and benefits. If you are stuck on what membership is suitable for you, IEMA has a membership test. All IEMA Memberships require an application fee and an annual fee. These vary depending on the level of membership.

The IEMA Membership levels include the following:

• Student
• Affiliate 
• Graduate (GradIEMA) 
• Associate (AIEMA)
• Practitioner (PIEMA)
• Full (MIEMA)
• Fellow (FIEMA)

When figuring out if the IEMA membership is worth it for you, it's imperative to understand that it's largely dependent on your own set of circumstances. Each different IEMA Membership tier represents a different career stage.

Student Membership

Cost = £30 Application fee and £30 annual renewal fee.

The Student Membership is the cheapest and is widely considered the ideal entry point for anyone looking to explore a career in Environmental Health and Safety. To be eligible, you must have proof of your student status. 

Affiliate Membership

Cost = £151 application fee and £151 annual renewal fee.

The Affiliate Membership is seen as the first step for individuals who want to know more about sustainability and the environment. You'll have access to the IEMA magazine and become more informed about proactive environmental practices.

Graduate Membership

Cost = £151 Application fee and £151 Annual renewal fee.

The Graduate tier incorporates environmental training into your membership. To be eligible, you must present proof of study and evidence that your study contained environmental topics. 

Associate Membership (AIEMA)

Cost = £257.50* Application fee and £162 Annual renewal fee.

*Fee may vary depending on the course provider

To achieve Associate Membership status with IEMA, you must pass an IEMA certified course such as the IEMA Foundation Certificate in Environmental Management.

Practitioner Membership (PIEMA)

Cost = £324* Application fee and £197 Annual renewal fee.

*Fee may vary depending on the course provider

The Practitioner tier unlocks the ability to register as an official Registered Environmental Practitioner (REnvP). Becoming a REnvP symbolises the higher standard of environmental knowledge and practice that only comes after sacrifice and dedication.

Take a look at our blog to discover more about the route to IEMA Practitioner membership.

Full Membership

Cost = £525 Application fee and £215 Annual renewal fee.

IEMA considers Full Membership to be the gold standard for most practitioners. The perks of the Full membership include a more comprehensive environmental network and the eligibility to apply to become a Chartered Environmentalist.

Fellow Membership (FIEMA)

Cost = £556 Application fee and £246 Annual renewal fee.

The final and most renowned of all membership tiers, the Fellow Membership level acknowledges your knowledge and most importantly your impact on the industry. At this point, you will have driven real change in an environmentally positive manner and are considered a foremost expert. This membership tier not only recognises that but also showcases it. 

What IEMA Courses Are Available?

When pursuing these membership tiers you should also look into the necessary IEMA course qualifications needed to achieve them. IEMA have a vast catalogue of courses dedicated to the development of employees and senior leadership in the environmental industry. Each course accommodates different learners at different stages of their careers and upskilling needs.

IEMA Foundation Certificate in Environmental Management 

A behemoth 40-hour tour-de-force in environmental leadership. The IEMA Foundation Certificate in Environmental Management, introduces learners to the key concepts of sustainability, pollution prevention and data collection.

A perfect prologue for anyone looking to enter the environmental management world in earnest, the IEMA Foundation Certificate course presents a challenge without becoming a hindrance to learners. The course is not a significant investment financially or time-wise. It is perceived as an ideal starting point for any individual or business, looking to supercharge their environmental practices. 

IEMA Certificate in Environmental Management

The IEMA Certificate in Environmental Management, is known internationally as a huge glowing star on any resume.  Ideal for individuals wanting to accelerate their career in the Environmental arena, as well as for staff wanting to drastically develop and/or improve their understanding of Environmental best practices.

Learners are advised to study the IEMA Foundation Certificate in Environmental Management before taking this course. These courses complement each other with the IEMA Foundation Certificate offering a similar structure and process, preparing the learner for an easier transition between these qualifications and allowing them to make the most out of their learning experience during the IEMA Certificate.

IEMA Environmental Sustainability Skills for the Workforce

The IEMA Environmental Sustainability Skills for the Workforce offers a steadfast insight into the principles of sustainable working and how it affects businesses of today. It introduces learners to key environmental issues and effective environmental management systems. 

The course provides learners with a practical pollution reduction toolkit and will set staff in the right Environmental direction. 

IEMA Environmental Sustainability Skills for Managers

The IEMA Environmental Sustainability Skills for Managers certification delves deeper into pressing environmental issues through the lens of line managers and supervisors.

Compared to the IEMA Environmental Sustainability Skills for the Workforce course, the Environmental Sustainability Skills for Managers is widely thought to take up triple the time and work to complete. The course analyses Environmental Regulators and Environmental Sustainability and its effect on different areas in and around the business. 

Before you make any decision regarding the membership, it's advised to conduct further research on the IEMA website. Additionally, if you need to find a course to help you reach that next level of IEMA membership, you can visit our IEMA courses below.