There are many grades of membership in the ISTC, each one suited to professionals with different experience levels or at different points in their careers.
Associate membership
Associate membership is for anybody who wishes to be associated with the Institute to further their knowledge of scientific and technical communication.
Student membership
Student membership is for those who are currently studying a technological, scientific or communications subject.
An applicant must meet one of the following criteria:
- be employed in the field of scientific and technical communication and studying to achieve a qualification in a relevant subject
- be enrolled in a relevant further or higher education course
Once Student members have passed their examination(s), they must apply for a transfer to the grade of Entry-level member. In other cases, Student membership will be reviewed by the end of the third year of membership.
Entry-level membership
Entry-level membership is for professionals starting out in the field. Entry-level members must be in, or actively seeking to join, the profession.
On admitting an applicant at Entry-level grade, the ISTC will suggest a suitable timeline for them to apply for full membership.
Member/Retired Member
The Member grade is for experienced technical communicators.
If an applicant has a relevant qualification, they must have five years of experience in a related field, two years of which must include the practice of scientific or technical communication.
Otherwise, an applicant must demonstrate both of the following:
- comprehensive knowledge of the techniques of scientific or technical communication
- five years of experience in the practice of scientific or technical communication, three of which are in a responsible position
Fellow/Retired Fellow
The Fellow grade is for those with substantial experience in senior technical communication roles.
An applicant must meet all of the following criteria:
- have held Member grade for at least two years
- have held a responsible position in the field of scientific or technical communication for at least four years
- satisfy the Council that they either:
- have a comprehensive knowledge of the techniques of scientific or technical communication, or
- have a special knowledge of some aspect of scientific or technical communication
Honorary Fellows
Honorary Fellows are elected to the grade by the ISTC Council for outstanding service to the profession of scientific and technical communication.
There are no more than twenty Honorary Fellows at any one time.
Business Affiliates
Business Affiliates are organisations such as businesses, companies, or educational establishments who either:
- employ scientific and technical communicators, or
- provide education or training in the field of scientific and technical communication
The Business Affiliates page describes the benefits enjoyed by Business Affiliates.
Rights and responsibilities
Those with Fellow or Member grades have voting rights on ISTC matters at our annual general meeting.
The rules governing membership of the ISTC are detailed in the Articles and Memorandum of Association.
All members of the ISTC are expected to follow the Code of Professional Practice.
These documents are available on the ISTC Council page.
Join the ISTC
Applications and membership upgrades are considered by the membership committee.