Full Members are companies which test, examine and certify lifting equipment. They include:

• Original equipment manufacturers of series produced equipment
• Bespoke equipment manufacturers
• Hire companies
• Equipment retailers
• Maintenance companies

Following an initial technical audit, new applicants may be classified as development Members while they complete the necessary work to qualify as Full Members.

Associate Members are either:

• organisations engaged for profit in products or services related to lifting equipment; or
• organisations which, because of the amount of equipment they use, require in-house specialist knowledge of lifting equipment.

From 2008 this class is being phased out. Originally an organisation outside the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland which, but for its geographical location, would be eligible for membership as a Full Member or Associate Member. Overseas based members will in future be audited and have the same status as UK based members.

Provisional members are international members previously classified as overseas associate members who are awaiting audit for full membership

Development members are profit making organisations involved in the testing and examination of lifting equipment that have been audited and have an agreed development plan to enable them to qualify for full membership within two years