The College's membership structure changed in January 2008.
All information about categories of membership and benefits of becoming a member of the College are available at Categories of membership.

What are the routes to membership?
The routes to membership are laid down in By-law 8 of the College Categories of membership. The current subscriptions are available here.

How can I pay my membership fees?
Subscription fees can be paid using the following methods:
• Direct Debit: members who elect to pay their fees by direct debit can benefit from a one month’s payment grace. Please download a direct debit mandate form.
• Credit card: all major credit cards are accepted, except American Express. Members can provide their credit card details by fax or post, on the payment slip that is provided with the invoice sent to you each year. Payment can also be made online.
• Sterling cheque: cheques should be made payable to 'The Royal College of Pathologists' and sent with your payment slip or details of your membership number to: Membership Department, The Royal College of Pathologists, 2 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AF.

When are membership fees due?
Membership fees are due in January of each calendar year. An invoice detailing the amount due is sent in November each year to all current members.

What are the benefits of paying by Direct Debit?
The Benefits of joining our Direct Debit scheme are:
• no concerns about remembering to pay at the right time
• one month’s payment grace
• no need to write out and post cheques, or provide your credit card details
• possible reduction in bank charges

Can I request a receipt for membership fees paid?
Yes. Please email the Membership Department or telephone +44 (0)20 7451 6750/24 and we will be happy to send a receipt in the post or via email. During busy periods, please allow 7-14 days for delivery.

I am retiring – do I have to inform the College?
Yes. On retirement from remunerative practice or on reaching the age of 65, members can apply for a waiver of annual subscriptions. Please email the Membership Department or telephone +44 (0)20 7451 6750/24, and we will send you the necessary documents to apply for a subscriptions waiver and provide you with further information on retirement and carrying on with our continuing professional development scheme.

I have changed my name – do I have to inform the College?
Yes. Please send in a copy of any formal documentation that confirms that you have changed your name. We will then be able to update your records accordingly.

I have lost my Fellowship certificate – can I get a replacement?
Yes. Please download a replacement certificate request form here, and return it to the Membership Department, along with your payment details (sterling cheque or credit card). We charge an administrative fee of £50 for replacement certificates. Should you have any further questions after reading the PDF form, please contact the Membership Department.

I am a new Fellow – when will I receive my certificate?
Your certificate will be presented to you at our awards ceremony for new Fellows. If you are not attending the ceremony, your Fellowship certificate will be posted out shortly after the ceremony. Please ensure that we hold your most recent postal address so we send your certificate to the correct address.

I am a new member – what fees do I need to pay and when?
You will receive an invoice detailing the amount due for membership. The subscription year runs from January to December each year. See our further details on subscription fees. Invoices for subscriptions fees are payable upon receipt.

My employer requires confirmation of my membership – can this be provided by the College?
Yes. We can confirm that you are a member of the College, and if applicable, we can also confirm that you are a participant in our continuing professional development scheme. We will also confirm that all current subscription fees are paid to date.

I have not paid my fees – will my membership continue?
No. If you are severely overdue in the payment of your subscription fees, College Council can remove you from the College Register under Ordinance Five, which states:

“The Council may determine that any member who is in arrears with any fee of subscription due for twelve months or more shall cease to be a member. Upon such determination being made the member’s name shall be removed from the Register and shall thereupon cease to be a member but shall nevertheless remain liable to pay to the College all fees or subscriptions due up to the date on which membership was ceased”.

You will lose the right to use the designated letters of DipRCPath (if you are a  Diplomate) or FRCPath (if you are a Fellow).

If you are having difficulties paying your fees, please contact the Membership Department as soon as possible.

I did not pay my fees and I have been removed from the College Register – can I regain my membership?
Yes, on ratification by College Council. Please contact the Membership Department who will advise you of the amount of fees not paid since you were removed from the Register.

Please also note that an administrative fee of £25 will be payable. Once all debts and administrative charges have been paid, your name will be put forward at our next Council meeting for reinstatement of membership.

I have changed my contact details – how I can I advise the College of my new details?
Please email the Membership Department or telephone +44 (0)20 7451 6750/24 with the details of your new address, telephone or email contact details.

How do I get access to the Fellows area of the College website?
You can register online, via our user registration section.

If you have any difficulties with registration, please contact our webmaster.

How do I get access to the Online Handbook?
Our Online Handbook is available to view in the Fellows Area of the website. This service can assist you in tracing a colleague or member. To view the Online Handbook, you first need to be registered on our system (see the question above).

How do I contact the Membership Department?
Post: Membership Department, The Royal College of Pathologists, 2 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AF
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7451 6750/24
Fax: +44 (0)20 7451 6703
Email: membership@rcpath.org