The Accredited MIPA (membership of the IPA) programme aims to ‘put advertising on the same professional footing as accountants, architects and lawyers'. 

The programme is the first major output since the IP was awarded Chartered Status in April 2016. In order to gain professional accreditation, individuals will have to be employed by an IPA member agency, have accumulated five stars of IPA qualifications and completed at least 24 hours of eligible industry learning in each of the previous three years. The inaugural cohort of 95 who qualify will be congratulated at today’s (June 16 ) launch event. 

“The more professional advertising can demonstrate itself to be, the more it will become valued by clients, respected by the business world and by government, sought-after as a career by the best talent, and trusted by the public at large," said John Oldfield, membership director at the IPA.

"This new MIPA programme marks a significant step in this journey. All practitioners should therefore strive for this ultimate seal.”