Researcher
Researchers play an essential role in the sport and physical activity workforce. As a highly skilled and qualified expert, being certified by CIMSPA – the sector’s professional development body – is a clear way of showing what you can do. If you are a practising researcher in the sector, CIMSPA professional status can support you to gain professional recognition and progress in your career.
Occupation scope and impact
Researchers in the sport and physical activity sector are essential to ensuring a dynamic workforce that drives societal, economic and environmental benefits.
They have a broad skillset, and their responsibilities may include data analysis, project management and applying for funding alongside day-to-day research tasks.
With an ever-evolving sector, there are a wide range of ways that researchers can support the development of its stakeholders and leverage opportunities to be a fundamental part of its growth.
Join today and be part of a recognised and respected professional workforce.
based on an an annual fee of
*discounts apply if your organisation is a CIMSPA employer partner
- Verifiable professional status accreditation
- Exclusive benefits and offers
- Access free endorsed CPD
Becoming a certified sport and physical activity researcher in the UK
Having a CIMSPA professional status indicates to employers, clients and your peers that you are a qualified sport and physical activity researcher with recognised expertise.
Gain professional recognition for your knowledge, skills and experience by sharing your status with employers, clients and your peers.
As you progress in your career, you can upgrade to new professional statuses that celebrate your expertise and allow you to explore more opportunities in your work.
Professional status for researchers
To help you demonstrate your skills and career progression, the professional status framework is split into different levels. Read below to find out the benefits and entry requirements for each one.
Accredited Researcher
You are currently working in a research focused role within the sport and physical activity sector. You have already conducted relevant research within the sector within the past three years and can demonstrate that you hold an undergraduate degree or equivalent industry experience in research roles.Â
Early in your career? Not conducted any research yet?Â
Find out more about becoming a Provisional Accredited Researcher
Benefits
Title
You will gain the professional status title of Accredited Researcher. You will be able to use this to ensure that clients and employers understand exactly what you are capable of:
Try using your title in your website or social media bio to show clients that you’re a trained expert. Many other professions such as healthcare practitioners and financial advisers use these to demonstrate their credibility.
When applying for jobs, your professional status title is an important addition to your CV. Employers will be able to see your skill level and are assured that your qualifications are quality assured – all from a quick glance.
Postnominals
You will gain the postnominals of MCIMSPA.
Many established professions, such as accountancy and medicine, use postnominal letters to show that an individual is accredited by a professional body.
You will be able to use yours after your name on social media, your website and business communications to demonstrate that you are a recognised professional.
Find out more about postnominals
Accreditation credentials
Your accreditation credentials – which take the form of a digital badge – will offer a verifiable visual representation of your professional status which you can use on your website and social media to showcase your expertise. When you click on them, anyone will be able to see further information about your status and that it is verified and up to date.
Entry requirements
Through your CV and CPD record, you will need to provide evidence of the following:Â
- Completion of mandatory data protection and ethics trainingÂ
- Having conducted one piece of published or industry-reviewed research relevant to the sport and physical activity workforce in the past three yearsÂ
- Ability to manage research projects, analyse data and communicate findings effectivelyÂ
- Ability to engage in collaborative research activities and apply for small-scale fundingÂ
Accredited Senior Researcher
You are an established and experienced researcher in the sport and physical activity sector who leads research projects and supports junior researchers in doing so. You can demonstrate that you hold a postgraduate qualification or have significant research leadership experience.Â
Benefits
Title
You will gain the professional status title of Accredited Senior Researcher. You will be able to use this to ensure that clients and employers understand exactly what you are capable of:
Try using your title in your website or social media bio to show clients that you’re a trained expert. Many other professions such as healthcare practitioners and financial advisers use these to demonstrate their credibility.
When applying for jobs, your professional status title is an important addition to your CV. Employers will be able to see your skill level and are assured that your qualifications are quality assured – all from a quick glance.
Postnominals
You will gain the postnominals of FCIMSPA.
Many established professions, such as accountancy and medicine, use postnominal letters to show that an individual is accredited by a professional body.
You will be able to use yours after your name on social media, your website and business communications to demonstrate that you are a recognised professional.
Find out more about postnominals
Accreditation credentials
Your accreditation credentials – which take the form of a digital badge – will offer a verifiable visual representation of your professional status which you can use on your website and social media to showcase your expertise. When you click on them, anyone will be able to see further information about your status and that it is verified and up to date.
Entry requirements
Through your CV and CPD record, you will need to provide evidence of the following:Â
- Leadership of research projects in applied settingsÂ
- Critical evaluation of findingsÂ
- Mentoring of junior researchersÂ
- Contributions to sector policy recommendationsÂ
- Holding multiple peer-reviewed publications or equivalent industry contributionsÂ
- Successful management of research fundingÂ
Chartered Researcher
This chartered status shows that you are an established and excellent researcher in the sport and physical activity sector. You are recognised for advancing methodologies and innovative research. You can demonstrate that you hold a research postgraduate qualification or equivalent professional experience.Â
By gaining this professional status, you are showing employers, peers and everyone else that you are an expert in your field. Â
Benefits
Title
You will gain the professional status title of Chartered Researcher. You will be able to use this to ensure that clients and employers understand exactly what you are capable of:
Try using your title in your website or social media bio to show clients that you’re a trained expert. Many other professions such as healthcare practitioners and financial advisers use these to demonstrate their credibility.
When applying for jobs, your professional status title is an important addition to your CV. Employers will be able to see your skill level and are assured that your qualifications are quality assured – all from a quick glance.
Postnominals
You will gain the postnominals of MCIMSPA (Chartered).
Many established professions, such as accountancy and medicine, use postnominal letters to show that an individual is accredited by a professional body.
You will be able to use yours after your name on social media, your website and business communications to demonstrate that you are a recognised professional.
Find out more about postnominals
Accreditation credentials
Your accreditation credentials – which take the form of a digital badge – will offer a verifiable visual representation of your professional status which you can use on your website and social media to showcase your expertise. When you click on them, anyone will be able to see further information about your status and that it is verified and up to date.
Entry requirements
You will need to complete the CIMSPA Chartered Researcher assessment process, through which you will demonstrate your experience and sustained positive impact within your role. Â
You will need to provide evidence of the following:Â
- Leading of major research initiatives influencing industry practicesÂ
- A strong publication record, including white papers, technical reports and policy briefingsÂ
- Playing a leadership role in securing significant research grantsÂ
Chartered Senior Researcher
This is the highest professional status for researchers in the sport and physical activity sector. You hold a senior research leadership position and can demonstrate that you have contributed to shaping national or international research agendas.Â
By gaining this professional status, you are showing that you are a leading expert in the sector.Â
Benefits
Title
You will gain the professional status title of Chartered Senior Researcher. You will be able to use this to ensure that clients and employers understand exactly what you are capable of:
Try using your title in your website or social media bio to show clients that you’re a trained expert. Many other professions such as healthcare practitioners and financial advisers use these to demonstrate their credibility.
When applying for jobs, your professional status title is an important addition to your CV. Employers will be able to see your skill level and are assured that your qualifications are quality assured – all from a quick glance.
Postnominals
You will gain the postnominals of FCIMSPA (Chartered).
Many established professions, such as accountancy and medicine, use postnominal letters to show that an individual is accredited by a professional body.
You will be able to use yours after your name on social media, your website and business communications to demonstrate that you are a recognised professional.
Find out more about postnominals
Accreditation credentials
Your accreditation credentials – which take the form of a digital badge – will offer a verifiable visual representation of your professional status which you can use on your website and social media to showcase your expertise. When you click on them, anyone will be able to see further information about your status and that it is verified and up to date.
Entry requirements
You will need to complete the CIMSPA Chartered Senior Researcher assessment process, through which you will demonstrate your experience and sustained positive impact on the sector as a whole. Â
You will need to provide evidence of the following:Â
- Significant contributions to the field through policy development and advocacyÂ
- A distinguished record in high impact journals, industry reports and governmental advisory rolesÂ
- Securing substantial funding and leading multi-disciplinary research programmesÂ
Apply for your professional status
Step 1 – prepare your evidence, apply and payÂ
- Provide evidence of your qualifications and CPD documentation in PDF, JPEG or PNG format.Â
- Debit card, credit card or direct debit payment options are available.Â
Step 2 – We will process your applicationÂ
- You will receive email updates as we review your application.Â
- We will let you know if we require any further information from you.Â
- You will receive an email confirming that your professional status has been approved.Â
What does CIMSPA professional status confirm?
Holding professional status issued by your sector’s professional development body is more than just a membership. It delivers:
Employer verification
Employers use professional status to create job descriptions and plan staff training. Use yours to show that you have the right skills and knowledge for the job at a glance – when you add your status and a link to your accreditation credential to your CV, employers can quickly verify your expertise and commitment to your continuing professional development.
Client trust
Give your potential clients a clear signal that you are the right choice. Professional status confirms that you are qualified and adhere to our Member Code of Conduct. By encouraging clients to check your professional status, you are showing that you are a researcher that they can trust.
Career progression
Being a certified researcher doesn’t stop there. The clear progression pathway allows you to plan your development and show employers and clients the expertise you’ve gained. Higher levels of professional status allow you to unlock increased credibility and opportunities within your work. With your annual CPD requirement, you’ll naturally keep your knowledge up to date as you grow, too.
Professional status is about being recognised for your impact, your expertise and your dedication to the role. When you have an easy way to demonstrate your knowledge and skills, this can open doors for your career. Apply now to gain the researcher certification you deserve.
Supporting your career
Take complete control of your career progression and stay at the forefront of our sector.
To help you maximise your professional status and develop your knowledge and skills, we offer a range of exclusive benefits that complement your professional status:
- Get endorsed qualifications and CPD for less with discounts from a range of training providers.
- Enhance your career prospects – many of our Employer Partners commit to only employing CIMSPA-certified professionals.
- Stay up to date with sector news and in-depth guidance with exclusive access to Move Professional, our quarterly online publication.
- Get regular bite-sized sector updates via email with our tailored monthly bulletin.
- Learn and develop through CIMSPA’s member-only webinars featuring cross-sector experts.
- Make connections through CIMSPA and partner events and conferences and at our professional development boards and consultations (by invitation).
- Be the first to hear about opportunities to be involved with CIMSPA consultations and insight, helping to influence sector policy and future research.
- Help shape the sector’s future by taking part in focus groups and committees.
CPD requirement and how it works
To maintain your professional status, you are required to complete 10 points of continuing professional development (CPD). This can be anything from a wide range of training linked to your role, from formal qualifications to attending our exclusive member webinars. As a member, you will have access to a range of free and discounted opportunities via your bespoke CIMSPA Dashboard. You can also use our endorsed training directory to explore quality-assured learning opportunities on a wide range of topics.
Find out more about what CPD counts
We ask you to complete CPD every year to ensure that your professional knowledge remains up to date and relevant. This also helps you to deliver the best service to your clients and progress in your career as you learn.
We’ve kept the requirement as flexible as possible so that you can choose learning that supports your personal career goals and development needs.