Membership Grades — Full Specifications

CILG Membership
Grades & Designations

Complete eligibility requirements, benefits, obligations, and entry routes for every CILG membership grade — from Student to Honorary Fellow.

Student Member AffCILG — Affiliate ACILG — Associate MCILG — Full Member FCILG — Fellow Hon. FCILG — Honorary CCILG — Corporate
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Student AffCILG Affiliate ACILG Associate MCILG Full Member FCILG Fellow Hon. FCILG Honorary CCILG Corporate
Quick Reference

Membership Grades at a Glance

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Grade Designation Post-nominal Entry Route CPD Requirement
Student Student Member — Enrollment in CILG PQF Level 1 or 2 Active enrollment
Affiliate Affiliate Member AffCILG Level 2 completion or 3+ years experience 20 hours/year
Associate Associate Member ACILG Level 3 Advanced Diploma or 5+ years experience 30 hours/year
Full Member Member MCILG Level 4 Executive Diploma or 10+ years senior experience 40 hours/year
Fellow Fellow FCILG Level 5 / Chartered Professional or 15+ years distinguished practice 40 hours/year + portfolio
Honorary Fellow Honorary Fellow Hon. FCILG By award of the CILG Board of Governors Not required
Corporate Member Corporate Member CCILG Organisational application Annual survey
Grade 1 — Entry Level

Student Member

Entry to the CILG Professional Community
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Entry Grade
Student Membership is the entry-level membership grade of CILG. It is designed for individuals who have formally enrolled in the CILG qualification framework and are actively pursuing their professional development in leadership and governance. Student membership is a gateway to the CILG community, providing access to study resources, student events, and the CILG mentor network.
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Eligibility Requirements
Student Member — Eligibility Criteria
  • Be a minimum of 18 years of age
  • Have enrolled in and paid for at least one CILG qualification module at Level 1 or Level 2
  • Submit a completed CILG Student Membership Application Form
  • Pay the applicable annual Student Membership subscription fee
  • Agree to and sign the CILG Code of Professional Conduct (Student version)
No prior academic qualification or professional experience is required to become a Student Member.
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Benefits and Privileges
  • Access to CILG Student Learning Management System (LMS) and digital library
  • CILG Student Membership Certificate and membership card
  • Access to CILG student networking events and webinars
  • Eligibility to apply for CILG student scholarships and bursaries
  • Access to the CILG Student Mentoring Programme
  • Discounted rates on CILG publications and professional resources
  • Eligibility to vote in CILG Student Committee elections
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Obligations
  • Maintain active enrollment in at least one CILG qualification module per year
  • Pay the annual Student Membership subscription by the due date
  • Abide by the CILG Code of Professional Conduct at all times
  • Notify the Registrar of any change in circumstances affecting membership eligibility
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Duration and Renewal

Student Membership is renewed annually. Members who do not renew within 60 days of the subscription due date will have their membership lapsed.

  • Lapsed members who return within 24 months may be reinstated without penalty
  • Those returning after 24 months must reapply
  • Student Membership automatically upgrades upon completion of the relevant qualification level — no separate application is required (though an upgrade fee applies)
Grade 2 — Emerging Professional

Affiliate Member

AffCILG | Emerging Professional
AffCILG
Emerging Professional
Affiliate Membership recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a foundational level of professional knowledge in leadership and governance. Affiliates are emerging professionals who have completed the CILG Knowledge Level qualification or who bring relevant professional experience that aligns with CILG's competency standards. This grade is appropriate for professionals in the early to mid stages of their career.
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Eligibility Requirements — Affiliate Member (AffCILG)
Route A — Qualification
  • Successful completion of the CILG Certificate in Leadership and Governance (Level 2)
  • Current CILG Student Membership in good standing
Route B — Professional Experience
  • Minimum three (3) years of professional experience in a leadership, governance, management, or administrative role
  • Submission of a CV and Professional Experience Summary
  • Approval by the CILG Membership Committee
Both Routes Require
  • Completed Affiliate Membership Application Form
  • Two professional references (one from a current or recent employer)
  • Payment of Affiliate Membership subscription fee
  • Agreement to the CILG Code of Professional Conduct
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Benefits and Privileges
  • Use of post-nominal 'AffCILG' after name in professional contexts
  • CILG Affiliate Membership Certificate and digital badge
  • Access to CILG professional development webinars, workshops, and events
  • Subscription to CILG publications: Journal of Leadership and Governance (digital)
  • Access to the CILG Members' Portal and career development resources
  • Eligibility to serve on CILG Student and Affiliate Committees
  • Networking access to CILG regional chapters and professional communities
  • Discounted conference and event registration fees
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Obligations
  • Complete a minimum of 20 CPD hours per year and submit annual CPD return via the CILG portal
  • Maintain annual Affiliate Membership subscription
  • Abide by the CILG Code of Professional Conduct
  • Actively pursue progression through the CILG qualification framework
Grade 3 — Qualified Professional

Associate Member

ACILG | Qualified Professional in Leadership and Governance
ACILG
Qualified Professional
Associate Membership is the first fully qualified grade of CILG and represents a significant professional achievement. The ACILG designation is awarded to candidates who have completed the CILG Diploma in Leadership and Governance (Skills Level) and demonstrated the ability to apply professional knowledge in real organizational settings. Associates are recognized as competent, qualified professionals in the field.
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Eligibility Requirements — Associate Member (ACILG)
Route A — Standard Qualification Route
  • Successful completion of the CILG Advanced Diploma in Leadership and Governance (Level 3 — Skills Level)
  • Minimum three (3) years of relevant professional experience (verified)
  • Submission of a Professional Competency Reflection (2,000 words)
  • Current CILG Affiliate Membership (AffCILG) in good standing
Route B — Experience and Prior Learning Route
  • Minimum five (5) years of progressive professional experience in leadership, governance, or management
  • Completion of approved modules at Level 3 (after exemptions, if applicable)
  • Submission of a Professional Experience Portfolio
  • Interview with the CILG Membership Committee
Both Routes Require
  • Completed Associate Membership Application Form
  • Two professional references (at least one from an MCILG or FCILG designate)
  • Signed CILG Code of Professional Conduct
  • Payment of Associate Membership fee
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Benefits and Privileges
  • Use of post-nominal 'ACILG' — a recognized professional qualification designation
  • CILG Associate Membership Certificate (suitable for framing and display)
  • Full access to CILG Members' Portal, research library, and governance resource center
  • Invitation to CILG Annual Conference and Leadership Summit at member rates
  • Eligibility to serve on CILG Technical and Professional Committees
  • Access to CILG's mentoring program — as both mentee and mentor (for student/affiliate members)
  • Recognition in the CILG Annual Register of Members
  • Listing on the CILG public-facing Membership Directory
  • Eligibility to chair or participate in CILG regional chapter events
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Obligations
  • Complete a minimum of 30 CPD hours per year
  • Submit annual CPD return via the CILG portal by the specified deadline
  • Maintain active participation in at least one CILG professional activity per year
  • Pay annual Associate Membership subscription by due date
  • Abide by the CILG Code of Professional Conduct
Grade 4 — Senior Qualified Professional

Full Member

MCILG | Senior Qualified Professional
MCILG
Senior Professional
Full Membership is the senior professional grade of CILG below Fellowship. The MCILG designation is awarded to professionals who have demonstrated sustained excellence in leadership and governance practice at an advanced level, complemented by completion of the CILG Advanced Diploma. Members are recognized as experienced senior professionals whose judgment, expertise, and leadership command respect within the profession.
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Eligibility Requirements — Full Member (MCILG)
Route A — Standard Qualification Route
  • Successful completion of the CILG Executive Diploma in Leadership and Governance (Level 4)
  • Minimum seven (7) years of relevant professional experience
  • Minimum five (5) years in a senior leadership, governance, or executive management role
  • Successful completion of the Level 4 Viva Voce (oral assessment)
  • Submission of an Advanced Professional Portfolio
  • Current CILG Associate Membership (ACILG) in good standing
Route B — Senior Experience Route (for established senior professionals)
  • Minimum ten (10) years of senior professional experience in leadership or governance
  • Board-level or C-suite experience of at least five (5) years
  • Completion of approved Level 4 modules
  • Submission of an Executive Leadership Portfolio with verifiable evidence of governance impact
  • Panel Interview with the CILG Senior Membership Committee
Both Routes Require
  • Two professional references from MCILG or FCILG designates
  • Signed CILG Code of Professional Conduct
  • Full Membership application form and fee
  • CPD compliance for the preceding two years
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Benefits and Privileges
  • Use of post-nominal 'MCILG' as a recognized senior professional designation
  • CILG Full Membership Certificate and official membership plaque
  • Voting rights in CILG General Meetings, including election of Board members
  • Eligibility to stand for election to the CILG Board of Governors and Presidential office
  • Full access to CILG governance and leadership resource library, including proprietary research
  • Eligibility to be appointed as a CILG Assessor, Examiner, or Approved Mentor
  • Invitation to closed CILG Executive Roundtables and policy discussions
  • Recognized as an eligible signatory for CILG membership applications (as referee)
  • Priority access to CILG-sponsored board placement and governance advisory opportunities
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Obligations
  • Complete a minimum of 40 CPD hours per year
  • Submit an annual CPD portfolio return, not merely a log
  • Actively contribute to CILG's professional development activities — as an assessor, mentor, committee member, or speaker
  • Pay annual Full Membership subscription by due date
  • Uphold and model the CILG Code of Professional Conduct at all times
Grade 5 — The Highest Honour

Fellow — Chartered Professional

FCILG — Chartered Professional in Leadership and Governance
FCILG
Chartered Professional
Fellowship is the pinnacle of CILG membership and the most prestigious recognition the Institute confers upon individual members. The Fellow designation (FCILG) is awarded to those who have demonstrated exceptional mastery across the full breadth of leadership and governance practice, who have made a meaningful contribution to the advancement of the profession, and who exemplify the values and standards of CILG. Fellows are the standard-bearers of the Institute and ambassadors of the profession.

The conferral of FCILG carries with it the Chartered Professional title, placing FCILG holders in the same standing as other internationally recognized chartered professionals.
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Eligibility Requirements — Fellow (FCILG)
Route A — Standard Professional Qualification Route
  • Successful completion of the CILG Chartered Professional in Leadership and Governance (Level 5)
  • Current Full Membership (MCILG) in good standing for minimum three (3) years
  • Minimum ten (10) years of relevant professional experience
  • Minimum seven (7) years in a senior/executive leadership or governance role
  • Active mentoring or development of junior CILG members
  • Endorsement by two (2) existing FCILG Fellows
  • Successful CILG Professional Entry Interview
  • Full CPD compliance for preceding three years
Route B — Exceptional Professional Achievement Route (for distinguished practitioners)
  • Minimum fifteen (15) years of distinguished professional leadership and governance practice
  • Demonstrated national or international impact in the field of leadership or governance
  • Significant publications, thought leadership, board service, policy contributions, or institutional leadership
  • Completion of a portfolio demonstrating contribution to the profession
  • Nomination by three (3) existing FCILG Fellows
  • Approval by the CILG Fellowship Admissions Committee and ratification by the CILG Board
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Benefits and Privileges
  • Use of post-nominal 'FCILG' — the chartered designation of CILG
  • Right to use the title 'Chartered Professional in Leadership and Governance'
  • CILG Fellowship Certificate, Fellowship Medal, and official designation letter
  • Listing in the CILG Fellows Register — a publicly searchable directory of the most distinguished members
  • Invitation to the CILG Fellows' Council — a strategic advisory body to the CILG Board
  • Exclusive participation in the CILG Annual Fellows' Symposium
  • Eligibility to serve as President, Vice-President, or Chairman of the CILG Board
  • Authority to sign as referee for all CILG membership applications up to and including Fellowship
  • Recognized globally as a fellow of a leading chartered professional body
  • Opportunity to sit on CILG international technical committees and represent CILG at global governance forums
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Obligations
  • Maintain a minimum of 40 CPD hours per year with full portfolio documentation
  • Actively mentor at least one MCILG or ACILG member per year
  • Contribute to at least one CILG professional activity per year (assessment, speaking, writing, committee service, etc.)
  • Uphold and champion the CILG Code of Professional Conduct in all professional interactions
  • Participate in CILG Fellows' Council meetings (minimum twice per year)
  • Pay annual Fellowship subscription by due date
Honorary Grade — By Award of the Board

Honorary Fellow

Hon. FCILG | By Award of the CILG Board of Governors
Hon. FCILG
Board Bestowed
The Honorary Fellowship of CILG is the highest honor the Institute bestows. It is awarded exclusively by the CILG Board of Governors — without application — to individuals of exceptional distinction who have made extraordinary contributions to the fields of leadership, governance, public service, or organizational development, and who have significantly advanced the interests and reputation of the profession.
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Eligibility and Award Process

Honorary Fellowship is not subject to the standard qualification or experience requirements of the CILG framework. It is entirely at the discretion of the CILG Board of Governors. Honorees need not be existing members of CILG.

  • Nomination: Any FCILG Fellow may nominate an individual to the CILG Secretary-General
  • The Secretary-General places eligible nominations before the Board of Governors
  • A two-thirds majority vote of the Board is required for conferral
  • Honorary Fellows do not pay membership subscriptions and are not subject to CPD requirements
  • Honorary Fellows are formally presented at the CILG Annual Conferment Ceremony or a designated occasion
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Typical Profile of Honorary Fellows

While no fixed criteria apply, honorary fellows typically include:

  • Heads of State, former government ministers, or senior public servants who have advanced good governance
  • Distinguished scholars or academics who have made significant contributions to leadership and governance knowledge
  • Business and organizational leaders of international standing
  • Leaders of international organizations who have championed governance and leadership excellence
  • Individuals who have provided extraordinary service to CILG or the profession
Corporate Grade — Organisational Membership

Corporate Member

CCILG | Organisational Excellence in Leadership and Governance
CCILG
Organisational
CILG Corporate Membership is designed for organizations — private sector companies, public sector bodies, non-governmental organizations, academic institutions, and government agencies — that wish to formally align their organizational culture, professional development programs, and governance practices with CILG standards. Corporate membership signals organizational commitment to leadership excellence and governance best practices.
Corporate Membership Tiers
Tier Designation Description Individual Member Allowance
Associate Corporate ACCorp-CILG Small to medium organizations (up to 50 staff) Up to 10 individual memberships
Full Corporate FCorp-CILG Medium-large organizations (51–500 staff) Up to 50 individual memberships
Premier Corporate PCorp-CILG Large enterprises and public bodies (500+ staff) Unlimited individual memberships
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Corporate Membership Eligibility
  • Organization must be legally registered and in good standing in its jurisdiction of incorporation
  • Organization must operate in a field relevant to leadership, governance, management, or public administration
  • Organization must demonstrate a commitment to professional development and ethical conduct
  • Minimum of one (1) designated CILG Member contact per organization (at ACILG level or above)
  • Completion of the CILG Corporate Membership Application Form
  • Payment of the applicable Corporate Membership annual subscription
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Benefits of Corporate Membership
  • Use of the CILG Corporate Member logo in organizational communications and marketing
  • Bulk enrollment of employees in CILG qualification programs at preferential rates
  • Access to CILG's in-house training and corporate governance advisory services
  • Organization listed in the CILG Corporate Register and directory
  • Invitation to CILG Corporate Forums, Executive Roundtables, and Governance Summits
  • Priority access to CILG research publications and governance toolkits
  • Dedicated CILG Corporate Relationship Manager
  • Eligibility to sponsor CILG events, conferences, and publications
  • Opportunity to co-create CILG professional standards and contribute to policy consultations
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Corporate Membership Obligations
  • Commit to supporting employees enrolled in CILG programs with adequate study time and resources
  • Designate a Corporate Membership Liaison responsible for managing the organizational relationship with CILG
  • Ensure the CILG Corporate Member logo is used only in compliance with CILG brand guidelines
  • Participate in CILG's annual organizational governance health survey
  • Renew Corporate Membership annually and maintain subscription payments

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