Member Grades

IfL’s membership grade criteria are designed to include the diversity of teaching and training roles found across the further education (FE) and skills sector. This includes those in support roles and those who have teaching or training experience and are using this in classrooms, workshops, the community and the workplace.
 
The qualification criteria for Members and Associates are related to the qualifications held by the individual and incorporate the Further Education Teachers’ Qualifications Regulations (England) 2007.
 
The key criteria for the appropriate grade of membership are the level of professional qualifications gained, together with the extent of teaching or training experience.
 
The profiles which typify each grade are:
 
Affiliate
 
This category of membership is open to those new to the profession or who may be working towards a teaching qualification including:

  • Level 3/4 award (Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector, PTLLS)
  • City and Guilds 7302 Certificate or Diploma in Delivering Learning
  • ABC level 3 Certificate in Facilitating Learning
  • Stage 1 of City and Guilds 730/ 7301/ 7306/ 7307
  • Trainee teachers and others working towards post-16 education and training qualifications
  • Those in learning support roles.

Join IfL as an Affiliate member 

 
Associate (AIfL)
 
Experienced practitioners within further education (FE) and skills, who hold a minimum of:

  • the level 3/4 Certificate (Certificate in Teaching in Lifelong Learning Sector, CTLLS) or equivalent, or
  • level 4 stage 1 or 2 FE teaching qualification for full time teachers, or
  • assessor awards

Associates can be eligible to work towards Associate Teacher Learning and Skills status (ATLS).
 
Associates are entitled to use the designatory letters AIfL.
 
Join IfL as an Associate Member 


Member (MIfL)
 
Experienced practitioners within FE and skills, who hold a minimum of:

  • the level 5 Diploma (Diploma in Teaching in Lifelong Learning Sector, DTLLS) or equivalent, such as a PGCE, Cert. Ed, General Professional Recognition, or
  • level 4 Stage 3 FE Teacher Qualification), or
  • level 4 stage 1 or 2 FE Teacher Qualification for part time teachers employed before September 2007.

Members are eligible to work towards Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills status (QTLS) or Associate Teacher Learning and Skills status (ATLS), according to their qualifications and teaching role.
 
Members are entitled to use the designatory letters MIfL.
 
Join IfL as a Member 
 
 
Fellow (FIfL)
 
Highly experienced practitioners within post-16 education and training, who hold higher degrees (Masters and Doctorates) in the areas of education/training research and development in addition to their teaching qualification. Typical accepted qualifications: MEd, MA(Ed), PhD (education or training).
 
Fellows are eligible to apply for QTLS or ATLS status, according to their qualifications and teaching role.
 
Fellows are entitled to use the designatory letters FIfL.
 
Join IfL as a Fellow or upgrade your membership
  
 
IfL Companion
 
This grade is ideally suited to any individual in a leadership, management or support role in the sector, but who is not a qualified teacher or trainer or not undertaking some form of teacher training. Anyone with an interest in the work of  IfL can benefit from Companion membership, which typically includes HR professionals, managers of teaching and learning support activities, senior leaders from non-teaching or training backgrounds. 
Join IfL as a Companion


 
Honorary IfL membership
 
This grade is  conferred by IfL to acknowledge individuals who have made an outstanding contribution made to  the sector.


If you have a query about the grade that you have been allocated, please contact the Membership Department in writing or by email: enquiries@ifl.ac.uk