The CIBD want to make membership of the Institute as accessible as possible to students. Introducing a new lower price category will help to achieve this objective. Online student members will have the same membership benefits as our other student members but will not receive a printed copy of the BDI in the post, instead they will have access to the online version.
Membership Enhancement: Frequently Asked Questions
New online student membership
Why are you introducing the new online student membership category?
Who is eligible to apply for the online student membership?
Anyone registered on one of the CIBD’s Foundation, General Certificate or Diploma courses is eligible for the online student membership. In addition, anyone studying for a relevant university degree is also eligible.
What does the online student membership cost?
For 2026, the online student membership will cost £30.
What benefits are included within the online student membership?
The benefits of being an online student member include access to the online BDI magazine, free or discounted access to CIBD section events/online events, eligibility to apply for CIBD awards/scholarships/bursaries and exclusive member-only content available on the CIBD website including conference presentations.
Extended access to General Certificate and Diploma learning materials for members
Why are you providing extended access to GC and Diploma learning materials?
Quite simply, we’ve listened. Many of our learners have asked for extended access to the learning materials they used to prepare for their examinations to use as a reference source for their roles at work. So, we’ve agreed and they are now available to members.
For how long will I be able to access the learning materials?
The learning materials will be available for three years post-examination, whether you pass or not, providing you maintain membership of the CIBD.
Will there be a charge to access the learning materials?
No additional fee will be charged but you will need to be a member of the CIBD.
Who can access the learning materials?
Anybody studying a Foundation, General Certificate or Diploma module from 2020 onwards will automatically receive access to the learning materials via their CIBD login.
Will the learning materials be updated regularly and can I access the updated versions?
Yes, you’ll see any updated content which you can then study as part of your commitment to Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
Can I still access the learning materials if I am not a member?
No, this is a new member benefit so you will need to join the CIBD to gain access and have previously purchased the relevant qualification. Non-members will no longer be able to access the learning materials 90 days after the relevant examination has taken place.
If I fail my GC or Diploma module, will I still be able to access the learning materials?
Yes, you will. Obviously, you may wish to consider re-sitting in which case you will have access anyway.
The three years is from the date you sit the module examination not from when you sit the final module examination. If, for example, you complete one Diploma module per year in 2026, 2027 and 2028 your access to the learning materials for each module will end sequentially in 2029, 2030 and 2031.
Can I download the learning materials?
No, you cannot download the learning materials from the website. Extended access means that as the materials are updated you’ll be able to access the most up-to-date material online.
Discounted rates for short courses and Set For Success for members
Why are you introducing discounts on short courses and Set For Success for members?
As a membership body the CIBD is always looking for ways to provide value for members. Introducing discounted access to short courses and Set For Success is just one of the ways in which the Institute can achieve this important objective together with a host of other membership benefits.
What discounts will be available?
All short courses and Set For Success will be discounted for members of CIBD vs non-members.
Yes, you will need to have a confirmed membership before purchasing the course via the CIBD website.
Why is there no discount for Tutor Guided Learning (TGL)?
TGL is the examination preparation course for candidates of the Diploma. All Diploma candidates must be members of the CIBD so the course does not apply to non-members.