Here you can apply online for
- new or to upgrade professional accreditation (PCIfA, ACIfA, MCIfA)
- accredited degree application for Practitioner (PCIfA)
You can also download the forms for
- rejoining CIfA
- NVQ/Apprenticeship fast-track to PCIfA
Need help?
Our Join CIfA FAQs may have the answers you are looking for. For information about subscription fees, see our Subscription and renewal page.
CIfA is committed to promoting equality and diversity for all its members and seeks to be as accessible and inclusive as possible. You can read more in our equal opportunities policy under Policy statements section here.
While our online application is designed to improve accessibility, other formats are available on request. Please contact us at membership@archaeologists.net for this and with any application queries.
New or upgrade accreditation applications
Please ensure that you have read the 'Preparing for your application' section and guidance on the relevant accreditation page before you begin your application:
To apply from Germany please see the Deutschland Group page.
Accredited degree applications
If you have a CIfA accredited degree, you can apply for a new accreditation (or upgrade your student membership, if you have one) in the same way as a Practitioner (PCIfA), but using the guidance and competence matrix below. This will help you identify what information to give to the Validation committee to demonstrate competence at PCIfA level.
Check the current list of accredited degrees here. You need to submit a copy of your degree certificate when you apply. You can only apply this way for up to two years after graduation.
Deadlines to submit applications
These deadlines allow time to request and receive references and any additional information we need.
We will email confirmation that we have received your application within one week.
- Practitioner (PCIfA) applications
- Apply anytime, as these will be assessed regularly approximately every month, when both references are received (excluding March and September 2025).
- Associate (ACIfA) applications
- 16 June for 8 July meeting
- 4 August for 2 September meeting
- 17 November for 9 December meeting
- Member (MCIfA) applications only (including a professional review interview)
- Apply anytime from 4 June 2025 to 4 August 2025 for the professional review interview window from 8 September 2025 to 19 September 2025. Applications will then be considered at the 28 October 2025 committee meeting. Please note this is on a first-come basis because of the availability of the volunteers who undertake the interviews.
- Apply anytime from 27 November 2025 to 26 January 2026 for the professional review interview window from 9 March 2026 to 20 March 2026. Applications will then be considered at the 12 May 2026 committee meeting. Please note this is on a first-come basis because of the availability of the volunteers who undertake the interviews.
Rejoining CIfA applications
If you have previously been accredited (PCIfA, ACIfA, MCIfA) but your subscription has expired you can re-apply to the same grade, provided we can confirm that your skills and knowledge still demonstrate the criteria of the grade you left at. We may need to ask for further information or ask you to make a full application. There is no application fee to rejoin.
If you became a member before the introduction of the competence matrix in 2008, please apply in full as a new member.
If you were previously a Student (and still are) or Affiliate, please complete a new online application for Student or Affiliate membership.
If you would like to rejoin at a different grade, you can either rejoin first and then upgrade (upgrade fee applies), or apply as a new applicant (new application fee applies).
How to rejoin:
Download and complete the Re-joiners application form (Word .doc) below and provide digital copies of
- An up to date CV - this should include details about your current role and responsibilities so we can ensure you still meet the criteria of the grade you previously held. See our CV guidance for useful tips:
- A CPD log and PDP from the last two years.
- A list of publications or other work (ACIfA and MCIfA applications only).
Please send these to membership@archaeologists.net.
NVQ or Apprenticeship fast-track applications
The NVQ in Archaeological Practice is a level three qualification that demonstrates on-the-job learning and competence following the National Occupational Standards (NOS). This specific qualification acts as a 'fast-track' to our Practitioner (PCIfA) professionally accredited grade.
The Apprenticeships in archaeology and the historic environment have two levels of qualification - level three, Archaeological Technician and level four, Historic Environment Advice Assistant - that demonstrate on-the-job learning and competence. These specific qualifications act as a 'fast-track' to our Practitioner (PCIfA) professionally accredited grade. You can only apply this way for up to two years after successfully completing the qualification.
If you have undertaken the above NVQ or Apprenticeship qualification with us or another provider, please send
- a copy of your certificate
- the completed NVQ and Apprenticeship fast track application form (Word .docx)
to membership@archaeologists.net and we will arrange payment of the application fee with you.