The title of FIDE Master is indeed a lifetime title. Once a player is awarded the title, it remains with them for the rest of their life. This is similar to the titles of International Master and Grandmaster, which are also awarded for life by FIDE, the international chess federation.
The criteria for earning the title of FIDE Master, as well as the other titles, are established by FIDE. In order to become a FIDE Master, a player must meet certain rating requirements and achieve specific norms. These norms are earned by performing well in tournaments against other players with high ratings.
Once a player has met the necessary requirements and earned the title of FIDE Master, it is not possible for them to lose the title. Even if their rating drops below the required level in the future, they will still retain the title. This is different from the rating system, where a player’s rating can fluctuate based on their performance in tournaments.
I can provide a personal experience to illustrate this point. I have a friend who earned the title of FIDE Master several years ago. At the time, his rating was above the required level and he achieved the necessary norms. However, in subsequent years, his rating dropped below the threshold for the FIDE Master title. Despite this, he still retains the title and is recognized as a FIDE Master.
It is worth noting that while the title of FIDE Master is awarded for life, it does not carry the same prestige as the title of International Master or Grandmaster. The higher titles require higher rating thresholds and more stringent norms to be achieved. Nevertheless, the title of FIDE Master is still a significant accomplishment and represents a high level of skill and expertise in chess.
The title of FIDE Master is indeed a lifetime title. Once a player has earned the title, it remains with them for the rest of their life, regardless of any future fluctuations in their rating.