How to Become a GM, IM, FM, CM, WGM, WIM, WFM, WCM: A Comprehensive Guide to Chess Titles

Achieving a prestigious chess title like Grandmaster (GM) or International Master (IM) is the dream of many players worldwide. Whether you're an ambitious beginner or an experienced player, understanding what it takes to earn these titles is essential for setting the right goals and making steady progress toward achieving them.

In this blog, we’ll break down the process for earning each of the official chess titles awarded by FIDE (the International Chess Federation), including the GM, IM, FM, CM, WGM, WIM, WFM, and WCM titles. We will also discuss the necessary steps, prerequisites, and strategies that can help you reach these milestones.

 
Table of Contents
What Are Chess Titles?
The Different FIDE Titles: An Overview
How to Become a Grandmaster (GM)
How to Become an International Master (IM)
How to Become a FIDE Master (FM)
How to Become a Candidate Master (CM)
How to Become a Woman Grandmaster (WGM)
How to Become a Woman International Master (WIM)
How to Become a Woman FIDE Master (WFM)
How to Become a Woman Candidate Master (WCM)
Common Pitfalls to Avoid on the Road to Chess Titles
Conclusion: The Journey to the Title
 
1. What Are Chess Titles?
In chess, titles represent a player's skill level and accomplishments. FIDE titles are awarded based on a combination of tournament results, performance, and rating thresholds. The higher the title, the more difficult it is to achieve, requiring years of consistent effort, strategic planning, and improvement.

The titles are recognized worldwide and are a source of pride for any player who attains them. They are divided into general (open) titles and female-specific titles. While the general titles apply to all players, the female titles are awarded to female players.

 
2. The Different FIDE Titles: An Overview
Grandmaster (GM): The highest title in chess. A GM is considered a world-class player with exceptional talent and skill.
International Master (IM): A title just below GM, awarded to players who have demonstrated exceptional skill but haven’t reached the GM level.
FIDE Master (FM): A title for players who have demonstrated a high level of consistency in tournament play, but are not quite at the IM level.
Candidate Master (CM): The entry-level title for strong players who have demonstrated competitive success but have more room for improvement.
The following titles are specifically for female players:

Woman Grandmaster (WGM): The highest title for women, equivalent to GM but with slightly different performance criteria.
Woman International Master (WIM): A strong title for women, equivalent to IM, but with different requirements.
Woman FIDE Master (WFM): Equivalent to FM but specifically for women.
Woman Candidate Master (WCM): The introductory title for women, equivalent to CM.
 
3. How to Become a Grandmaster (GM)
Becoming a Grandmaster is the pinnacle of chess achievement. Here's what you need to do to earn the GM title:

1. Achieve a FIDE Rating of 2500+
You must have a FIDE rating of at least 2500 at some point in your career (this is the hardest step, as it requires a combination of winning tournaments and maintaining high performance over time).
2. Earn Three GM Norms
A GM norm is a high-level performance in an international tournament. These tournaments must meet specific criteria, such as being FIDE-rated and featuring players from various countries. To earn a norm, you must achieve a performance rating equal to or higher than that of a GM (about 2600 Elo rating) over a minimum of nine games.
3. Consistent Success in Top Tournaments
Winning or placing high in strong tournaments with other titled players is critical. Many players achieve GM norms by finishing among the top players in international competitions.
4. Demonstrate Exceptional Knowledge of Chess Endgames, Strategy, and Tactics
A GM must have a deep understanding of chess theory, endgames, tactics, and strategies, as well as the ability to apply this knowledge across various formats (classical, rapid, blitz).
 
4. How to Become an International Master (IM)
The path to becoming an International Master is somewhat similar to that of a Grandmaster but with slightly less demanding standards:

1. Achieve a FIDE Rating of 2400+
You need to achieve a rating of 2400 or higher at any point during your career.
2. Earn Three IM Norms
Like the GM title, you need to earn three IM norms. This can be achieved by performing well in FIDE-rated tournaments featuring strong competition.
3. Consistent Performance
Play consistently at a high level in tournaments and against other titled players.
 
5. How to Become a FIDE Master (FM)
The FM title is a significant accomplishment, requiring dedication and skill, but it’s more accessible than GM and IM:

1. Achieve a FIDE Rating of 2300+
You need to achieve a FIDE rating of 2300 or higher.
2. Earn Three FM Norms
Similar to higher titles, you must achieve three FM norms by performing well in FIDE-rated tournaments.
 
6. How to Become a Candidate Master (CM)
The CM title is the first step into the world of chess titles. To earn the CM title, you must:

1. Achieve a FIDE Rating of 2200+
To become a CM, you need a rating of 2200 or higher.
2. Perform Consistently in Tournaments
Participate in tournaments with FIDE-rated players and demonstrate a high level of play to earn your CM norms.
 
7. How to Become a Woman Grandmaster (WGM)
The Woman Grandmaster title is the highest chess title for female players. Here’s how you can earn it:

1. Achieve a FIDE Rating of 2300+
For women, the WGM title requires a rating of 2300 at some point.
2. Earn Three WGM Norms
Like the male titles, you need to earn three WGM norms by achieving high performance in FIDE-rated tournaments.
3. Compete in Women’s Tournaments
In many cases, women players achieve their WGM norms in women’s tournaments, though you can also earn norms in open tournaments.
 
8. How to Become a Woman International Master (WIM)
The WIM title is equivalent to the IM title but specific to female players. The process is similar:

1. Achieve a FIDE Rating of 2200+
A rating of 2200 or higher is required to achieve WIM.
2. Earn Three WIM Norms
Perform well in tournaments and earn WIM norms to achieve the title.
 
9. How to Become a Woman FIDE Master (WFM)
To earn the WFM title:

1. Achieve a FIDE Rating of 2100+
A rating of 2100 is required for WFM.
2. Earn Three WFM Norms
Like the other titles, you need three WFM norms earned in FIDE-rated tournaments.
 
10. How to Become a Woman Candidate Master (WCM)
The WCM title is the first step for female players and requires:

1. Achieve a FIDE Rating of 2000+
A rating of 2000 or higher is required for WCM.
2. Earn Three WCM Norms
Consistent performance in tournaments will help you earn the required norms.
 
11. Common Pitfalls to Avoid on the Road to Chess Titles
Neglecting Endgame Skills: Many players focus heavily on openings and middle-game tactics but fail to master endgames, which are essential for converting advantages into wins.
Inconsistent Training: Chess improvement requires consistent effort. Sporadic training won't lead to long-term success.
Underestimating Mental Fitness: Chess is a mentally demanding game. Overlooking the importance of mental health and focus can hinder progress.
Overlooking Time Management: Managing your time in long tournaments and during games is critical for earning norms and achieving titles.
 
12. Conclusion: The Journey to the Title
Becoming a GM, IM, FM, CM, or their female equivalents is a challenging yet highly rewarding journey that requires years of dedication, practice, and sacrifice. Whether your goal is to become a GM, WGM, or any other title, the path involves setting milestones, improving your skills, and competing in high-level tournaments. Stay patient, stay focused, and always strive to improve, and your dreams of earning a chess title may one day become a reality.

Good luck on your journey toward the title!