Achieving Chartered IT Professional (CITP) registration is a prestigious milestone that demonstrates a high level of technical expertise, ethical standards, and commitment to professional growth in the IT industry.
Whether you’re a seasoned IT professional or looking to advance your career, becoming a Chartered IT Professional is a worthwhile investment that elevates your professional standing and opens doors to new opportunities.
To find out more about what it is, read our article on what it means to have Chartered status, but if you’re wondering whether CITP registration is right for you and what’s involved in applying, read on for our step by step guide on who it’s for, the benefits, how to apply and top tips from existing Chartered IT Professionals.
Who is Eligible for CITP?
To be eligible for CITP, you need to be a member of BCS, The Chartered Institute of IT, at either the Professional Member (MBCS) or Fellow (FBCS) grade. CITP registrants are professionals who:
- Excel technically and are recognised as experts in their field.
- Build and maintain trustworthy business relationships.
- Demonstrate an ongoing commitment to CPD.
- Keep up-to-date with industry trends and advancements.
- Uphold ethical standards in all aspects of their work.
- Engage in complex and challenging projects or responsibilities.
Is CITP Worth Getting?
Here are some key benefits to consider:
- Professional credibility: Chartered status recognises you as an expert who meets the highest standards in IT professionalism and capability.
- Independent validation: Your knowledge and skills are formally validated, giving you and others confidence in your abilities.
- Greater influence: Chartered status endorses your leadership and decision making skills, giving you more influence in your field.
- Chartered network: Joining the CITP community connects you to a network of respected professionals in the IT industry.
- Public register: CITP holders can choose to be listed on a public register, enhancing your visibility and credibility as a recognised professional.
- Continuous development: As a Chartered professional, you demonstrate a commitment to continuing professional development (CPD), staying updated in a fast-paced industry.
- Post-nominal letters: You earn the right to use ‘CITP’ after your name, showcasing your commitment to excellence.
How to become a Chartered IT Professional: Step-by-Step Guide
If you meet the eligibility requirements, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply for CITP through BCS:
For you
Be part of something bigger, join BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT.
1. Become a BCS Member
To apply for CITP, you must be a BCS member. You can join at the Professional (MBCS) or Fellow (FBCS) level, depending on your experience and qualifications. Membership provides access to a wide range of resources, including industry events, research, and professional development opportunities, which can be beneficial as you prepare your application.
2. Provide Your Evidence
Once your membership is confirmed, access the CITP application form via MyBCS. This form is where you’ll present evidence of your expertise. You’ll need to provide examples of your work that demonstrate how you meet the CITP registration criteria, such as project descriptions that showcase your technical expertise and the complexity of the activities you handle. You may also upload supporting documents, such as your CV or LinkedIn profile. BCS offers detailed guidance to help you submit a strong application.
3. Identify a Supporter
A key part of your application is having a supporter who can validate your application. This person should be someone who knows your work well, such as a manager, colleague, or client. They need to be familiar with your skills and capable of providing a reliable verification of your experience and expertise.
4. Application Assessment
Once your application is complete and validated by your supporter, it will be reviewed by a CITP assessor. In some cases, it may also be reviewed by the CITP Review Panel, which ensures the highest standards of professionalism and technical competence are met.
5. Receive Your Outcome
After the assessment process, BCS will inform you of the outcome. If your application is successful, you’ll be awarded CITP registration, allowing you to use the post-nominal letters ‘CITP’. If you’re unsuccessful, BCS will provide detailed feedback to guide you in preparing a stronger application for a future attempt.
Top Tips from some of our Chartered Members* when preparing to apply
- Your job probably means you’re busy, but make the time to think about yourself and your career journey. Take stock of what you’ve achieved over the last 5 years. You’ve probably done more than you think!
- Keep a record of what you’ve been doing (a body of evidence) – one way you might want to do that is set up a regular calendar reminder to make a note of the projects you’re in, the contribution that you make – all of this will help make your application easier later on. You can use the free BCS Personal Development Planner tool (if you are not yet a member, you can register for a free account for access to this.)
- Take opportunities to extend your skills when they come up – say ‘yes’ and broaden your horizons when you can.
- Look at the CITP standard criteria and SFIAplus to align them to the experience you obtained. If there are any gaps, think about how you could strive to close them – what steps can you take to get more of the right experience? Every engagement you undertake has the potential to help you move closer to building up the breadth of knowledge and experience you need.
Find out more - download the CITP brochure
