Become a Registered Professional Graphic Designer
Are you ready to take your graphic design career to the next level? The Professional Graphic Designers Association (PGDA) offers a unique opportunity to gain industry recognition, professional credibility, and access to a supportive design community.
Whether you’re an emerging creative, an experienced freelancer, or a design lead in an agency.
Becoming a PGDA Registered Professional Graphic Designer signals to clients and employers that you meet a high standard of excellence in both skill and ethical practice.
What Does PGDA Membership Offer?
When you register with the PGDA, you’re not just joining another organisation, you’re investing in your creative future.
Professional Recognition
Be officially recognised as a Registered Professional Graphic Designer. This title is more than a label; it’s a seal of approval that you have the practical skills, creative knowledge. It also shows your commitment to ethical design standards that the industry demands.
You’ll receive:
• An official PGDA Membership Certificate
• Use of the PGDA Registered Designer Identity
• A listing in our Professional Members Directory
These features not only boost your credibility but also set you apart from the crowd, ideal for freelance designers, consultants, and design teams alike.
Client Confidence & Business Credibility
Clients and employers increasingly want to know who they can trust. Your PGDA registration assures them that you are committed to professional conduct. Plus, showing a high-quality design and continual development.
Stand out in your proposals, portfolios, and pitches by showing that you’re part of an accredited graphic design association that upholds creative integrity.
Community & Industry Support
When you join the PGDA, you join a network of like-minded creatives from across the UK and internationally. You’ll get access to shared insights and an inspiring collective of designers who are shaping the future of visual communication.
Through our partnership with the Creative Design School, PGDA members benefit from:
• Exclusive course discounts
• Continued learning opportunities
• One-to-one career development support
Who Can Apply?
We welcome graphic designers who:
• Hold a qualification in graphic design (or an equivalent recognised course)
• Have professional experience or a quality portfolio of work
• Adhere to professional and ethical design practices
There are three memberships to reflect varying qualifications and experience. If you are interested in applying, we just need you to contact us and attach an up-to-date CV.
What Happens After You Apply?
Once we’ve reviewed and accepted your application, you’ll be:
• Registered as an official PGDA member
• Added to our public Member Directory
• Sent your PGDA certificate and digital assets
• Given access to exclusive PGDA and Creative Design School resources
Ready to Join a Community of Serious Designers?
Whether you’re starting out or scaling up, your journey as a recognised design professional begins here. If you’re serious about your craft, your clients, and your growth, then PGDA membership is your next step.
Apply Now and elevate your graphic design career with confidence.
The levels of membership and subscription fees are as follows:
Associate Membership (APGDA)
This is our entry-level. To join as an Associate Member (APGDA) requires you to have trained in a graphic design-related course and can provide a portfolio of your work. You can upgrade your membership level once you have progressed further in your career and obtained further qualifications.
Annual Subscription Fee: £99
Full Membership (MPGDA)
To join as a Full Member (MPGDA) you should hold a Professional Diploma or Degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communication or another related subject area or have at least five years experience as a professional graphic designer at a mid-weight or senior level. You will need to provide evidence of your experience and qualifications.
Annual Subscription Fee: £150
Fellow Membership (FPGDA)
PGDA Fellowship (FPGDA) is an international community of Professional Graphic Designers who are long-standing members and supporters of the PGDA’s mission. To qualify you should hold a PGDA Diploma or have several years of experience in a senior-level or creative director’s role with evidence of working at these levels.
Annual Subscription Fee: £200