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Types of NAP Membership
Provisional
While not providing membership privileges at the national level, most units of the National Association of Parliamentarians 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 examination. 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 more experienced parliamentarians.
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. [Download membership application]
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. Once Registered Parliamentarian status is achieved, it is retained for as long as membership in the National Association of Parliamentarians is maintained. [Download Registration Exam application]
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.
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.
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