Membership grades explained
SFTI has five grades of membership. Your grade depends on your experience and qualifications, and it decides which letters you can use after your name.
Fees and grades at a glance
| Grade | Letters | Annual fee 2026–27 | Who it's for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student | – | £45 | Enrolled on a translation or interpreting course (undergraduate, postgraduate or a recognised diploma) |
| Associate | ASFTI | £150 | Working towards full membership, usually with less than 2 years' professional experience |
| Member | MSFTI | £225 | At least 2 years' professional experience plus a passed SFTI assessment or a recognised qualification |
| Fellow | FSFTI | £275 | At least 10 years' experience, a portfolio and two Fellow referees |
| Retired | – | £60 | Previously a Member or Fellow and no longer earning from translation or interpreting |
Joining fee for new members: £40 (waived for Students). Reduced fees of 50% are available if your income is under £18,000.
The five grades
Student, Associate (ASFTI), Member (MSFTI), Fellow (FSFTI) and Retired. Only Members and Fellows count as fully qualified, and only they can certify translations or use the SFTI logo.
Moving between grades
Most people join as an Associate and upgrade to Member after passing the SFTI assessment. Fellowship is by application to the Fellowship Panel.
Download: Membership regulations (PDF, 5 KB)
Good to know
- Employers can pay your fee for you. Ask the membership team for an invoice in your employer's name.
- If you join after 1 July, your first year's fee covers you until 30 September of the following year.
- Your membership number is on your certificate and in the top corner of your member account.
Downloads
- Membership regulations (PDF, 5 KB)
- Application checklist (Word, 45 KB)
Need help? Contact the membership team on membership@sfti.example or 0113 496 0141.
Page last reviewed 22 February 2026