Join NAP
Why Become a Member?
Becoming a member of NAP is the first step in the journey toward promoting fair, inclusive, democratic decision-making in organizations’ business meetings. Whether your next step involves becoming a registered parliamentarian, or just expanding your knowledge of parliamentary procedure, the opportunities and benefits are limitless based on your level of activity.
Notable benefits of membership in this professional association include:
> Credibility
This may be one of the most important benefits of membership. It shows you are committed to excelling as a parliamentarian. Take it up a notch and become a credentialed Registered Parliamentarian or Professional Registered Parliamentarian.
> Affordable Professional Education & Training
Members have access to the highest quality of education and training available, presented by top experts in the field. Some of these offerings are exclusive to NAP members, often times without charge.
> Financial Savings
Members-only discounts on educational resources and events, make it easier to expand your knowledge of parliamentary procedure and hone your skills. In other words, to be a credible, knowledgeable, professional (versus amateur) parliamentarian.
> Connections
Members of NAP gain immediate access to thousands of other parliamentarians in North America and even around the world. Building those relationships is priceless.
> Publications
Members receive a complimentary subscription to National Parliamentarian, NAP’s quarterly magazine featuring articles on parliamentary topics.
Pathways to Membership
There are multiple paths by which you can become a member of NAP. Each requires that you pass a 44-question exam based on Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised In Brief, Third Edition. The following options are available through NAP and NAP University:
- Take the stand-alone, virtually proctored exam
- Participate in live membership classes, when offered, culminating in the exam
- Complete the exam at the end of the self-study online course Parliamentary Fundamentals
Another option is the distance-learning course “Introduction to Parliamentary Procedure: Dynamics of Leadership,” offered through University of Wisconsin Independent Learning. Regardless of the path you take to become a member, we look forward to welcoming you!
Membership Types
> Regular Member
This is the entry level. Everyone starts out as a Regular Member – this includes student memberships. Regular members have demonstrated a basic knowledge of the fundamentals of parliamentary law and its application by successfully completing a short exam based on Roberts Rules of Order Newly Revised In Brief (RONR In Brief). Regular members typically serve as parliamentarians for organizations to which they belong.
> Registered Parliamentarian®
Registered Parliamentarian (or RP) is restricted to members who have earned NAP’s Registered Parliamentarian credential. They have demonstrated a deeper, more advanced understanding of parliamentary procedure and its application by successfully completing the RP Credentialing Exam. RPs are authorized to market themselves as credentialed parliamentarians.
> Professional Registered Parliamentarian®
Professional Registered Parliamentarian (PRP) is our highest credential. PRPs have demonstrated advanced parliamentary knowledge and skills that qualify them to serve as paid consultants to organizations of all types and sizes, from
professional associations to homeowners associations to religious and Panhellenic organizations. These members successfully completed the PRP Credentialing Exam.
