We often get asked “What is a CIM Chartered Marketer and how can I become one?’ We’re going to cover the most important things to know if you are interested in getting a ‘Chartered’ marketer status in one quick read.

 

What is a Chartered Marketer?

Chartered Marketer status is provided by the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) to marketers with experience, or a CIM Level 7 Diploma (CIM Post Graduate Diploma or CIM Marketing Leadership Programme). The marketer has to agree to undertake Continuing Professional Development (CPD) every year to retain a chartered status. 

 

How does a chartered status benefit marketers?

  1. Credibility and Trust– having a chartered status shows that you are committed to ethical and professional standards
  2. Career opportunities – a Chartered Marketer status can open doors to more senior positions
  3. Be able to have “Chartered Marketer” or “CMktr” after your name – this can help you stand out from the crowd when applying for roles or approaching clients.

 

How do I become a Chartered Marketer?

There are two routes you can take:

 

Route 1 Route 2
  • Be a graded member of the CIM
  • 2 years of recorded Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
  • Hold a CIM Level 7 qualification (exempt from the Chartered Marketer Assessment)

 

Summary of Status Requirements 

We've summarised what you need at each level to become a Chartered Marketer.

 

Current CIM Level or CIM Membership CIM CPD Credits Needed Requirements 
CIM Level 7 35 CPD Credits for 2 years No Charted Marketer Assessment is needed
ACIM Membership 35 CPD Credits for 2 years
  • A current CIM member
  • 2 years of CPD
  • To pass a Chartered Marketer Online Assessment.
MCIM Membership Four reflective statements every year
  • A current CIM member
  • 2 years of CPD
  • To pass a Chartered Marketer Online Assessment.
FCIM Membership Four reflective statements every year
  • A current CIM member
  • 2 years of CPD
  • To pass a Chartered Marketer Online Assessment.

 

 

What is CPD?

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is a way of improving your skills and knowledge to remain current and effective as a marketing professional.

 

What are credits and how do they contribute towards CPD?

The CIM sets the level of credits each activity gains. For CPD, you must achieve 35 credits of learning in a year. The credit value will differ depending on the type of activity you complete. You can spread your development across many areas of the Global Professional Framework or focus on just one area. The CIM's CPD platform will calculate the credit value for each activity that you enter.

 

CPD credit breakdown for marketers

The below will gain you credits towards your CPD.

 

1. Self-directed learning – credits capped at 25% (8.75 credits)

  • General reading
  • Research
  • Informal networking (social media contribution, blogging)

2. Practice-based learning – credits capped at 50% (17.5)

  • On-the-job training
  • Work shadowing
  • Projects outside the scope of the role

3. Professional activity – credits capped at 50% (17.5)

  • Job promotion
  • Professional journals
  • Attending exhibitions

4. Formal learning – no credits cap (35)

  • Qualifications
  • Training
  • E-learning

How do you record credits/reflective statements towards your CPD?

You record all the learning and development activities that you have undertaken over the year through the Chartered Institute of Marketing portal. 

What are reflective statements?

Reflective statements are your personal reflections on your learning in the year, and can be across any areas of the Global Professional Marketing Framework. There is no upper limit to how many you can submit. 

What do I get as a CIM Chartered Marketer?

You will be demonstrating your commitment to your career and professional development. You will be: 

  • Added to the CIM's Chartered Marketer Directory, unless you request otherwise
  • Issued with a Chartered Marketer certificate and digital badge in recognition of your achievement
  • Granted use of the Chartered Marketer logo for your personal stationery and website
  • Able to use “Chartered Marketer” or “CMktr” after your name.

 

Are you interested in completing a CIM qualification?

Find out more about Cambridge Marketing College CIM qualifications here.

 

Updated 11 December 2025