Board Certification, Membership Status & Reinstatement
Introduction
AADP Board Certification and AADP Membership are related — but they are not the same.
Board Certification is the credential you earned.
Annual Membership reflects your current standing with AADP and provides access to member benefits.
This page explains what each means, what happens if your membership lapses, and how to reinstate.
Board Certification is Lifetime
If you were approved and issued AADP Board Certification, that credential is lifetime and remains part of our records as confirmation that you met AADP standards at the time it was granted.
Active Membership is Required for “In Good Standing” Status
To be considered an Active Member in Good Standing, you must maintain current annual membership.
Active membership allows AADP to confidently verify your status today and confirms ongoing alignment with:
- The AADP Code of Ethics
- Current professional standards
- Ongoing engagement with the Association
Member Benefits Are Restricted to Annual Members
Access to AADP member benefits is available only to current annual membership holders. This includes (but is not limited to):
- Public directory listing
- Verification of active status
- Use of current membership seals/logos
- Insurance referral access
- Member resources and professional documents
If your membership lapses, benefits are suspended until reinstated.
What If My Membership Has Been Inactive for a Long Time?
If you have not maintained membership for an extended period — especially beyond ten (10) consecutive years — AADP cannot responsibly attest to your current professional standing, continued education, licensure status (where applicable), or adherence to updated standards.
In these cases:
- Your historical Board Certification remains on record
- AADP may not verify you as active or in good standing until reinstatement is completed
Reinstatement Options (Actions & Requirements)
Choose the reinstatement path that matches your lapse timeframe:
Tier 1 — Lapsed under 3 years
To reinstate:
- Pay current annual membership dues
Requirements: None beyond standard membership renewal
Result: Reactivated as an Active Member in Good Standing
Tier 2 — Lapsed 3 to 10 years
To reinstate:
- Pay current annual membership dues
- Submit a brief attestation of continued practice
- Provide 12 hours of continuing education (self-reported)
Result: Reactivated as an Active Member in Good Standing
(Additional review may be requested if any item is incomplete or flagged.)
Tier 3 — Lapsed over 10 years
To reinstate (Professional Revalidation Review):
- Pay current annual membership dues
- Submit updated credentials and contact information
- Provide 24 hours of continuing education completed within the last 24 months
- Sign an Ethics reaffirmation statement
- Complete Board/Committee review (as required)
Result: Eligibility to be restored to Active Member in Good Standing status once approved
Quick FAQ
Is Board Certification lifetime?
Yes — it is a lifetime credential issued upon approval.
If I’m board certified, do I still need annual membership?
Yes — annual membership is required to remain in good standing and to access member benefits.
Can I be listed in the directory without membership?
No — directory listing is a benefit restricted to current annual members.
Why does AADP require revalidation after long periods of inactivity?
Because AADP must be able to responsibly verify current standing when asked by the public, employers, or partners.
Ready to Reinstate?
To reinstate your membership, contact us for details and next steps.
Email: join@aadp.net
Phone: 1-888-764-AADP