Candidate Master
A Candidate Master is the lowest official FIDE title, awarded automatically to any player who reaches a published FIDE rating of 2200.
- Category
- Rules
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Also known as
- CM, FIDE CM
Candidate Master is the entry-level official title awarded by FIDE. Any player whose published FIDE rating reaches 2200 receives the title automatically, without needing tournament norms or further applications.
The title recognises consistent performance at a strong club and regional level. It sits below FIDE Master, which requires both a 2300 rating and three norms, and serves as the first rung on the official title ladder.
How the title is obtained
- A player must achieve a live rating of 2200 or higher in a FIDE-rated tournament.
- Once the rating list is published with the player at or above 2200, the title is conferred.
- No separate fee or paperwork is required beyond the normal rating administration.
Practical meaning for club players
Reaching Candidate Master usually indicates a player who can compete confidently in open tournaments, hold their own against 2000–2100 opposition, and begin preparing for norm-based titles. Many national federations also use the 2200 mark as a benchmark for seeding or invitation criteria.
The title itself remains valid for life even if the rating later drops below 2200. Only the rating number changes on subsequent lists.
Frequently asked questions
- How do you earn the Candidate Master title?
- A player receives the title automatically once their published FIDE rating reaches 2200. No norms or separate application are required.
- What is the difference between Candidate Master and FIDE Master?
- Candidate Master is awarded solely for a 2200 rating, while FIDE Master requires a 2300 rating plus three norms. It is the entry-level FIDE title below FIDE Master.
- Does the Candidate Master title stay if your rating later falls below 2200?
- Yes, the title remains valid even if the rating drops on future lists. Only the rating itself changes.
- What level of play does the Candidate Master title represent?
- It signals consistent performance at strong club and regional level, where a player can compete in opens and hold their own against 2000–2100 opposition.
About the reviewer
Maria didn't grow up dreaming of chess. She grew up dreaming of getting through bedtime without a meltdown, and chess just happened to be the thing that worked.