The IAQM is the professional body for air quality professionals and as such strives for quality and competence in the field. Our membership grades provide professional milestones for the development of careers in air quality and aim to promote and support expertise in the sector.

In September 2024, the IAQM announced that the new competency-based application process would be launching in January 2025. Details of the application process, along with the associated Competency Framework, are now available. 

Read the IAQM Competency-based Membership Guide (pdf)

The guide was developed by the IAQM Membership Sub-Committee and has been through consultation with IAQM Committee members.

The aim of this process was to develop a more structured and consistent approach to membership applications, by providing more guidance and support on the application process and types of competencies expected at different membership levels. This will also improve transparency around how membership applications are assessed.

How does this affect the membership levels?

The number of membership levels is unchanged at four; these are:

• Affiliate;
• Associate;
• Full Member; and
• Fellow

The new Competency Framework sets out the application requirements for each level of membership and the expectations of the evidence to be supplied at each level. It sets out relevant types of experience under each of the five competencies to be demonstrated, provides examples of the type of responses expected, and explains the scoring system that will be applied to judge applications.

What are the key changes?

The new competency-based membership approach requires an additional year of work experience (or equivalent) for Associate and Full Members and the submission of further information to support applications for membership aligned with the Competency Framework.

At all levels, including Affiliate, applicants will be asked to set out their motivation and reasons for wanting to join the IAQM. We also ask that Members and Fellows confirm that CPD records are up-to-date, as maintaining up-to-date knowledge is one of the core requirements of the IAQM Code of Professional Conduct.

How will this affect me?

If you are an existing IAQM member, you will not need to reapply for membership. However, if you are looking to regrade your membership you will need to follow the new application process from 1 January 2025.

The IAQM Competency Framework will support you in achieving your career goals by providing an overview of the core competencies within the profession and will allow you to target your professional development in key areas.

Next steps

All applications from 1 January 2025 will need to follow this new process, with the first applications to be reviewed from 1 April 2025. IAQM will be happy to provide additional support and feedback on applications made in the first six months.

If you have any questions or comments on the upcoming changes, please get in touch.