How to join the College
We offer a range of membership options to be inclusive of those who are working or interested in pathology.
Subscription fees 2026
We are committed to providing our services at a fair rate for members, while still enabling us to deliver these services to the highest standard possible. UK taxpayers can also apply for tax relief on their College subscription.
Please see below for the current subscription fees across all member classes. If you are an overseas member, please check your country banding at the bottom of the page.
Fellows
| Category | Renewal Date | UK | Band A | Band B | Band C | Band D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fellows by examination in first year of fellowship | 1 January | £345 | £276 | £226 | £201 | £161 |
| Fellows by examination in second, third and fourth year of fellowship | 1 January | £552 | £308 | £250 | £205 | £163 |
| Fellows 5+ years | 1 January | £691 | £383 | £311 | £254 | £201 |
| Fellows with income less than £62,000 per annum (UK-based) | 1 January | £552 | - | - | - | - |
Diplomates
| Category | Eligibility | Renewal Date | UK | Band A | Band B | Band C | Band D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diplomate |
Passed FRCPath Part 1 Former Associate member |
1 January | £345 | £276 | £226 | £201 | £161 |
Affiliates
| Category | Eligibility | Renewal Date | UK | Band A | Band B | Band C | Band D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Affiliate |
Anyone who wishes to be linked with the activities of the College (e.g. clinical scientists, research academics, biomedical scientists and members of specialist societies) OR Medically qualified with less than 5 years' membership |
1 January | £242 | £141 | £115 | £95 | £87 |
| Affiliate UK Higher | Medically qualified with 5+ years' membership | 1 January | £552 | - | - | - | - |
Medical Examiner Service
| Category | Eligibility | Renewal Date | Annual fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical Examiner | Individuals practising in England, Wales, Northern Ireland or Gibraltar, upon completion of elfh and RCPath training | 1 January | £139 |
| Medical Examiner Officer | Individuals practising in England, Wales, Northern Ireland or Gibraltar, upon completion of elfh and RCPath training | 1 January | £89 |
Retired
| Category | Eligibility | Renewal Date | UK | Band A | Band B | Band C | Band D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Retired members | Retired members who have opted to continue to receive communications and publications | 1 January | £122 | £112 | £94 | £86 | £84 |
Please note that there is an additional fee of £137 for medical examiner members and overseas fellows to use the College CPD portfolio.
To work out appropriate country banding, countries have been classified according to per capita income, based on the latest World Bank figures. Members will pay a rate dependent on the band in which their country of residence is located.
Discounted fees
We want to ensure that membership is accessible and affordable across all member classes and geographic locations. That’s why we offer a number of discounted rates that reflect a variety of circumstances and career stages.
Claiming reduced fees
Members who are eligible for a reduced subscription fee include:
- new fellows: from January 2025, first-year fellows will pay a fee aligned with the diplomate rate. For years 2, 3 and 4, these fellows will automatically receive a 20% discount on the full fellowship rate. Fellows who joined before 31 December 2024 will continue to receive a 20% discount for the first 5 years of their fellowship. There is no need to apply for this – the discount is applied automatically.
- UK fellows currently paying full rate but earning a gross income of less than £60,000 per annum. If you believe that you would be eligible for this discount, please complete the form below and return it to the Membership Department.
[Missing resource - discounted subscription application form 2026]
- members on parental leave: If you are on (or about to go on) parental leave and wish to claim a reduction on your subscription fee, please contact the Membership team with:
- the number of weeks you will receive full pay, half pay and SMP/No Pay
- the exact dates you commence and finish maternity leave.
We will then adjust your fee accordingly and confirm this with you via email.
Please note: Trainees going on parental leave should also inform our Training team so that your provisional CCT date can be amended accordingly.
The value of membership
Becoming a member of the Royal College of Pathologists means joining our community of over 13,000 members worldwide, working across a diverse range of roles and specialties.
