Membership Regulations

These regulations govern the terms, conditions, and operational rules for individuals holding or applying for membership with the American Academy of Professional Studies (AAPS).

Last Updated: October 24, 2023

1. Nature of AAPS Membership

Membership in AAPS is a professional affiliation designed to provide access to resources, industry insights, and a network of dedicated professionals.

Important Distinction: AAPS Membership is not a professional certification, nor does it imply that the holder has passed any assessment. Memberships do not grant the use of professional credential titles or post-nominal letters. To earn an AAPS certification, members must independently apply and pass the required assessment.

2. Membership Tiers

AAPS offers three distinct membership tiers, each providing varying levels of access to AAPS resources and benefits.

Associate

Entry Level

Designed for recent graduates and young professionals beginning their journey. Includes access to the AAPS Insights newsletter and discounted exam fees.

Professional

Mid-Career Level

For active professionals holding or seeking AAPS certifications. Includes priority verification processing, ELC directory access, and exclusive webinars.

Fellow

Senior Level

An invitation-only or highly experienced tier. Includes voting rights in AAPS polls, summit invitations, and a Fellow digital badge.

3. Member Code of Conduct

All AAPS members are expected to uphold the highest standards of professional integrity. By becoming a member, you agree to:

Represent your AAPS membership status accurately and without exaggeration.
Not use the AAPS membership logo in a way that implies you hold a certification you have not earned.
Comply with all applicable laws and regulations in your professional practice.
Respect the confidentiality of AAPS member-only resources and intellectual property.

4. Dues, Renewals, and Cancellations

Membership in AAPS is valid for exactly one year from the date of activation.

Non-Auto Renewal: AAPS memberships do not auto-renew. Members must manually log in and pay the renewal fee to extend their membership.
Fees: Annual dues are listed on the Membership page and must be paid in USD.
Refunds: Membership fees are non-refundable once the account is activated and digital resources are accessed.
Cancellation: Members may cancel their membership at any time, but no prorated refunds will be issued for the remaining months.

5. Suspension and Termination

AAPS reserves the right to suspend or terminate the membership of any individual who violates these regulations or the AAPS Code of Ethics. Grounds for termination include:

Providing false or misleading information on the membership application.
Using the AAPS brand or membership status to commit fraud or misrepresentation.
Engaging in conduct that brings AAPS into disrepute.

Upon termination, the individual must immediately cease using the AAPS membership logo and forfeit access to the Member Portal. No refunds will be provided in cases of suspension or termination due to misconduct.

Membership Inquiries

For questions regarding membership tiers, benefits, or renewals, please contact our support team securely via email.

Email Support Team