MEMBERSHIP TYPES
Regular
At the primary level of NAP membership, regular members receive all of the standard benefits of NAP membership after demonstrating basic knowledge of parliamentary principles by correctly answering questions drawn from a list of 300 questions related to parliamentary procedure. Regular membership demonstrates a commitment to learning and practicing fair and effective democratic processes, and allows members to participate more fully in the activities of the National Association of Parliamentarians. Regular members help introduce provisional members to parliamentary concepts; serve their local and state/province organizations in leadership roles; and can serve as a delegate to state/province and national conventions. For more information on applying for membership and preparing for the membership examination, visit the NAP website. Provisional While not providing membership privileges at the national level, most units offer provisional membership to people who are interested in learning about parliamentary procedure, but who do not yet have enough knowledge to feel comfortable taking the NAP membership exam. Provisional members participate fully in the business of their units, using this opportunity to learn about parliamentary procedure through education sessions; gain practical experience by serving on a committee or as an elected officer in a supportive environment; and ask questions of experienced parliamentarians. Registered Parliamentarian Registered Parliamentarian® (RP) status demonstrates an in-depth knowledge of parliamentary procedure. The NAP Registration Examination tests the member's knowledge in four key areas of parliamentary procedure—motions and related procedures; meetings; officers, boards, committees, voting, and elections; and rules of the assembly. The exam also requires a level of familiarity with Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised that enables the RP to effectively research parliamentary questions quickly, as is often required in a meeting situation. [Information on this exam can be found here] Professional Registered Parliamentarian A member who reaches Professional Registered Parliamentarian® (PRP) status has demonstrated to fellow professionals that he or she not only has the in-depth knowledge of parliamentary procedure required of a Registered Parliamentarian, but also the skills to provide effective, practical help to an individual or organization in need of parliamentary assistance. These skills include the ability to preside over a meeting; to perform the duties of a parliamentarian for another presiding officer and help them preside effectively; to consult organizations on the rules that govern their meetings and operations; and to share parliamentary knowledge with others. A Professional Registered Parliamentarian must maintain this certification through practical experience and recurrent training, ensuring that each PRP maintains the same high professional standards throughout his or her career. Annual Dues The annual dues for NAP members depend on both membership type and NAP Association membership (state, province, etc.). NSAP State dues are $20. The amounts are available in two charts, and must be added to get the total: Getting Started Not sure where to start? Consider visiting or joining a local unit to become a provisional member or to get help preparing for the membership exam. Or, read more about the application process and download the membership examination questions for study. If you'd like to enhance your parliamentary skills before taking the membership examination, try this online self-scoring workbook. |
BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP
Membership in the National Association of Parliamentarians carries many benefits, including:
Body of Knowledge. NAP members gain knowledge applicable to their level of experience. With the experience learned through NAP, an initial member should be able to:
Networking. Members have the opportunity to discuss and exchange parliamentary information by participation in NAP local units, state associations and district activities. Publications. A subscription to the National Parliamentarian is provided with membership. Quarterly issues provide in-depth coverage of timely topics, educational information, and news about the organization. Educational materials. An extensive supply of reference books, study aids, audio and video tapes, handbooks, reference cards, and more are available for purchase. You'll get early notice on the latest innovative materials available, and a discount on purchases. Seminars/workshops. Information regarding national, district, state, and unit seminars and workshops is available online and through local and state newsletters and flyers targeted to NAP members. Conferences and conventions. Attend state and district conferences, the national training conference, and the NAP Biennial Convention. Host cities of the national convention in recent years have included San Francisco, Omaha, Seattle, San Antonio, Washington D.C., Kansas City, San Diego, Detroit, Denver, Tampa, New Orleans and Fort Worth. For information on upcoming Conventions and Conferences, visit the NAP website. Once you attend an NAP Convention, you will never want to miss one! Professional development. Membership in NAP is only the first step. By further study and testing, a member may earn accreditation as a Registered Parliamentarian (RP), and then advance to the highest level of certification, Professional Registered Parliamentarian (PRP). |
