At a glance
- Membership: full refund within 14 days of payment if you have not used member benefits or had your application assessed.
- Examinations: the earlier you cancel, the more you get back — a full refund 30+ days before your exam.
- Remarking fees are refunded in full if your grade changes.
- Approved refunds are returned to your original payment method within 10 business days.
- To request a refund, email membership@cipmd.org.
Scope of this policy
This Refund Policy applies to fees paid to the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management and Development (“CIPMD”) for membership, applications and assessments, examinations, learning resources, events and related services. It forms part of our Terms of Service.
Nothing in this policy affects any rights you have under consumer protection laws in your country.
Membership fees
| Situation | Refund |
|---|---|
| You cancel within 14 days of payment and have not used any member benefits and your application has not been assessed | 100% |
| You cancel within 14 days but your application has already been assessed | Membership fee refunded less any non-refundable application or assessment fee |
| Your application is declined because you do not meet the eligibility criteria | Membership fee refunded less any non-refundable application or assessment fee |
| You cancel after 14 days | No refund – your membership stays active until the end of the paid period |
| Annual renewal paid automatically or in error, and cancelled within 14 days of renewal with no benefits used | 100% |
Application and professional assessment fees, where charged, cover the cost of reviewing your documents and are non-refundable once assessment has begun.
Examination fees
| When you cancel | Refund of exam fee |
|---|---|
| 30 days or more before your exam date | 100% |
| 15–29 days before your exam date | 75% |
| 7–14 days before your exam date | 50% |
| Less than 7 days before, or failure to attend (“no-show”) | No refund |
Rescheduling instead of cancelling
Rather than cancelling, you can move your exam to a new date. Rescheduling fees are $50 with 15 or more days’ notice and $80 within 14 days, as listed in our Examination Fee Structure. Rescheduling fees are non-refundable.
Emergencies
If you cannot attend because of a serious illness, bereavement, military deployment or another emergency outside your control, contact us within 14 days of the exam date with supporting evidence. We will normally offer a free reschedule or, at our discretion, a full refund.
Technical problems
If a remote proctored or computer-based exam cannot be completed because of a technical failure on our side or our provider’s side, you will be offered a free reschedule or a full refund. Problems caused by your own equipment or internet connection, or by not meeting the published technical requirements, are treated as a late cancellation.
Other service fees
| Fee | Amount | Refund rule |
|---|---|---|
| Remarking request | $50 per paper | Refunded in full if your grade changes; otherwise non-refundable |
| Special accommodations processing | $75 | Refunded in full if we cannot provide the accommodation |
| Certificate reprint | $50 | Non-refundable once printed or dispatched |
| Examination rescheduling | $50 / $80 | Non-refundable |
| Events, workshops and webinars | As advertised | Full refund up to 14 days before the event; 50% from 13 to 3 days before; no refund after that. You may transfer your place to a colleague at no cost. |
| Digital learning resources and study materials | As advertised | Refundable within 14 days only if not yet downloaded or accessed |
If CIPMD cancels or changes a service
If we cancel an examination, event or programme, or change its date or format in a way that does not suit you, you can choose either a free transfer to another date or a full refund of the fee you paid for that service. We are not responsible for travel, accommodation or other costs you incur, so we recommend booking flexible travel arrangements.
Non-refundable situations
Refunds will not be given where:
- membership or certification is refused, suspended or revoked because of false information, plagiarism or examination malpractice;
- you are removed from membership following a finding under the Code of Professional Conduct;
- you change your mind after the cancellation periods described above;
- an exam is failed – results do not create a right to a refund.
How to request a refund
- Email membership@cipmd.org with the subject line “Refund Request”.
- Include your full name, membership or candidate number (if you have one), the service you paid for, the payment date and amount, and the reason for your request.
- Attach your payment receipt and any supporting evidence (for example, for an emergency).
We will acknowledge your request within 3 business days and give you a decision within 10 business days.
How refunds are paid
- Approved refunds are made to the original payment method within 10 business days of approval. Your bank or card provider may take a few more days to show the credit.
- Refunds are made in the currency of the original payment. We are not responsible for exchange-rate differences or charges made by your bank.
- Third-party payment processing fees that cannot be recovered by CIPMD may be deducted, and we will tell you if this applies.
- If you paid through a CIPMD country agent in local currency, your refund will be processed through that agent under this policy.
Payment disputes
If you are unhappy with a charge, please contact us before raising a dispute or chargeback with your bank – we can usually resolve the issue faster. If a chargeback is raised, membership or certification benefits linked to that payment may be suspended while the dispute is investigated.
Changes to this policy
We may update this Refund Policy from time to time. The version in force when you made your payment will apply to that payment.
Contact us
Questions about a payment or refund?