SUITABLE FOR:
Digital professionals involved in and accountable for challenging and complex activities across the business
CRITERIA:
You’ll be assessed against the criteria in the CITP standard — you also need to be a BCS member (MBCS or FBCS).
COST:
One-off application fee: £160
Annual subscription: £46
Why become chartered?
Technology has incredible power for good but when things go wrong the effects can be catastrophic, as events in the media regularly remind us. It’s never been so important for IT professionals to be able to show they are competent, ethical and accountable for their work in tech.
While BCS Fellowship recognises the level of impact you’ve reached in the digital sector, Chartered IT Professional (CITP) status proves that you operate at the highest levels of technical and business competence and your skills are matched by your professional and ethical integrity.
Join the chartered IT community to develop your personal and professional brand and shape the future of the profession.
Enjoy sector-wide recognition
Confirm your professional status by using your post-nominals and appearing on the public CITP register
Build trust in the industry
Play your part in creating a digital sector built around shared professional and ethical values
Benchmark your IT skills
Assess your technical expertise and performance against independent industry-defined standards
Continue your learning journey
Your registration involves a commitment to keeping your skills and knowledge up to date through CPD activity
What is CITP registration?
Chartered IT Professional (CITP) registration defines what good looks like in the IT and digital industries, setting out the standards of practice and professional behaviours for technologists who are at the pinnacle of their career. The standard is assessed against four criteria: autonomy; influence; complexity; and business skills.
Registrants who can demonstrate they meet the criteria in their current role will receive a certificate of current competence (CoCC) and a place on the public CITP register confirming their status to others. By becoming registered, they also commit to keeping their skills and knowledge up to date, a commitment supported by the CPD tools, networks and services they have access to as a BCS member.
“Being a Chartered IT Professional is a great way to show expertise and stand out from the crowd. It's also a great way to connect with other professionals in the field and learn from them. You'll be recognised by your peers as a professional with a high level of knowledge and experience.”
How to apply
Becoming a Chartered IT Professional involves an online application process in which you provide written evidence demonstrating your competence and conduct.
PROVIDING YOUR EVIDENCE
You’ll need to send us your CV/career resumé, and complete the CITP application form detailing examples from your work which show how you meet the criteria.
IDENTIFYING A SUPPORTER
You’ll require a supporter who can validate your application evidence. They could be your employer, a colleague or client — as long as they’re familiar with your work and able to offer a reliable opinion of your knowledge and experience. They must also be signed up to a professional code of conduct themselves, either with BCS or another relevant professional body or institute.
ASSESSMENT
Once your supporter has validated your application, it will be assessed by a BCS CITP assessor. Their recommendation will then be referred to our CITP Review Panel who’ll review and confirm your application outcome.
Here’s a step-by-step guidance to completing your application.
Do you hold an accredited qualification?
If you’ve recently completed a qualification or professional programme that’s been CITP-accredited, you can follow a streamlined route to registration.
Already a BCS member?
Log into MyBCS to start your CITP application.
You need to be a BCS member to apply for registration.
Read our FAQs
Am I eligible for chartered status?
Our chartered assessors will be looking for evidence that you work in a challenging, multifaceted role in the technology sector, you have full accountability and significant influence, and you’re achieving successful results. If this sounds like you, then you’re in a great position to apply!
How long does it take to complete the application?
Once you have all your evidence compiled and/or quiet time set aside, you could complete your application form in just a couple of hours. You’ll likely need to spend some time beforehand too, reflecting on your current and past experiences and putting them into an appropriate format for submission.
Do I have to remain a BCS member to hold my CITP status?
Yes, your chartered registration is licenced by your professional body so it forms part of your BCS membership. Plus, your membership gives you access to the CPD resources and opportunities that support your chartered commitment to staying at the cutting edge.
How long will my registration last for?
Your registration will remain active for as long as you maintain your BCS membership and yearly CITP subscription.
When you become chartered you’re also awarded a Certificate of Current Competence which is valid for five years. To revalidate your certificate you’ll need to provide evidence of your CPD activity showing that you’ve kept your skills, knowledge and competence up to date.
If my application is unsuccessful, do I get a refund?
No, the one-off application fee for CITP is non-refundable, unless your application is closed because we don’t receive a response from your supporter(s).
