Qualifications for IAP Membership

The Institution is the leading international organisation for professional systems analysts and computer programmers. The IAP has high standards but if you have the right skills and experience it is not difficult to join.

Applications are evaluated using a bespoke points system, that takes full account of the quantity and quality of the applicant’s academic qualifications, vocational training and working experience.

Typical points values are:

Honours degrees in Computing from mainstream universities 300 to 400
Other computer-related degrees and equivalents 200 to 300
Intermediate computer-related qualifications
(C&G; college diplomas etc)
100 to 250
Short vocational training courses (including
business where relevant)
Up to 100
Relevant workplace experience, per year 50 to 100

In simple terms the totals required for admission to the various grades of membership are:

Licentiate (LIAP) 150 points
Graduate (GradIAP) 250 points
Associate Member (AMIAP) 350 points
Member (MIAP) 700 points (650 after two years as AMIAP)
Fellow (FIAP) At the discretion of the Trustee Board

However, being a professional body the Institution is concerned to assess applicants on the same basis as employers will, on their professional skills and experience. We believe professionals should have all-round abilities, not just a narrow specialisation. The IAP system ensures that applicants meet these requirements by using different types of points:

A Points Systems analysis and design
P Points Programming
B Points Business
X points Other factors

Buried in the bald totals above there are additional constraints, designed to ensure that applicants have a balance of the skills and experience appropriate for a professional person at that grade. For example it is not possible to achieve Member status with three degrees but no knowledge of business, because the system does not allow it.

It is possible for applicants with no academic qualifications or formal training to join the Institution, even at the highest levels. But this is not an easy option, and not something we would recommend to someone starting a career. If skills are to be practiced they first have to be learned. Few professionals ever come to regret the time they spent acquiring proper instruction in the theories and practice of computing.