Membership
The Institute of Carpenters (IOC) is the home for professionals working in wood. Carpenters, joiners, furniture makers, shopfitters and others – if you are part of the craft in, or work with wood, then this is the Institute for you.
Our membership encompasses education, employment and beyond. We are fortunate to include students, colleges, tradespeople, and businesses as our members. Whichever level of membership is right for you, we are here to help promote, support, and develop you and the sector more broadly.
To ensure that membership of the IOC continues to be a sign of quality, we only approve applicants with relevant qualifications such as a proven track record, backed up with references. This can reassure prospective customers and clients that they are using a genuine, skilled craftsperson who takes real pride in the quality of their work.
Membership Grades & Fees
Click any of the sections below to explore the different grades of membership.
Full Membership Grades
There are three different grades of full membership:
Fellow (FIOC)
Qualifications: A minimum Level 4 managerial qualification in construction or wood manufacturing, and / or:
IOC membership exam passed: Fellowship
Professional Experience: As for MIOC with the addition of managerial experience and supported by references.
Fees: £150 per year
If you would like to join the FIOC Grade but have questions about membership
If you are ready to apply for FIOC membership
Member (MIOC)
Qualifications: NVQ level 3 or City & Guilds Advanced Craft Certificate (or equivalent) in a wood trade, and / or:
IOC membership exam passed: Advanced Craft Certificate (practical & theory)
Professional Experience: Working craftsperson with experience of working independently or within a team and having taken on additional responsibilities and supported by references.
Fees: £131 per year
If you would like to join the MIOC Grade but have questions about membership
If you are ready to apply for MIOC membership
Licentiate (LIOC)
Qualifications: NVQ level 2 or City & Guilds Craft Certificate (or equivalent) in a wood trade, and / or:
IOC membership exam passed: Advanced Craft Certificate (Practical)
Professional Experience: Working craftsperson with experience working independently or within a team and supported by references.
Fees: £97 per year
If you would like to join the LIOC Grade but have questions about membership
If you are ready to apply for LIOC membership
Student Membership
Student Membership
Qualifications: Student currently undertaking training in one of the wood trades on a recognised college course.
IOC membership exam passed: n/a
Professional Experience: Note: Student membership is allowed for up to 4 years while enrolled on a course of study as detailed above.
Fees: FREE (IOC college) £21 (non-IOC college)
If you are a student interested in joining the Institute and your college is not already a member, why not tell them about IOC College Membership so that you can benefit from free membership for the duration of your studies on a woodworking-related course + 1 year after graduation? College membership rates are £150 p.a.
If you would like to join the Student Grade but have questions about membership
If you are ready to apply for Student membership
Associate Membership
We also welcome members who are not qualified in the trade but are interested in being involved with the Institute, as they can bring additional skills that our professional members do not necessarily have experience with.
As an Associate member, you are still entitled to attend meetings, visits, and social occasions and contribute towards furthering the aims of the Institute.
Fees: £97 per year
To find out more about about Associate Membership
If you are ready to apply for Student membership
Corporate Membership
Corporate Membership is open to companies engaged in any aspect of carpentry, joinery, shopfitting, timber construction or other related woodworking activities. Applicants are required to meet our Corporate Membership Entry Requirements to adhere to our Code of Professional Standards
If you would like your business to become a Corporate Member, but have questions about membership:
If you are ready to apply for Corporate Membership
Corporate (£0-1m)
Corporate membership for businesses with up to £1m in turnover. In addition to corporate membership, this tier allows for up to 2 individuals to be members of the IOC
Corporate (£1-5m)
Corporate membership for businesses with between £1m to £5m in turnover. In addition to corporate membership, this tier allows for up to 3 individuals to be members of the IOC
Corporate (£5-25m)
Corporate membership for businesses with between £5m and £25m in turnover. In addition to corporate membership, this tier allows for up to 2 individuals to be members of the IOC
Corporate (£25-50m)
Corporate membership for businesses with between £25m to £50 in turnover. In addition to corporate membership, this tier allows for up to 2 individuals to be members of the IOC
Schools & Colleges
We welcome educational establishments teaching relevant wood trade courses – both in schools and colleges.
The benefits of IOC membership are threefold as there are benefits for the college, the Liaison Officer and their students. We offer student membership – free for those studying at an IOC member college.
We believe that by involving students who are at the start of their careers, we are laying the foundations for their involvement with the Institute on a more long-term basis thus helping to ensure that as generations change, the traditional skills and high standards of work are maintained.
Fees: £150 per year
If you would like your school or College to become a member but have questions about membership
If you are ready to apply for School & College membership
Not sure whether you have the right experience or qualifications, or which tier of membership would be right for you, why not get in touch?