Associate Fellow

Recognition for experienced L&D practitioners.

Associate Fellow is one of the highest tiers of AITD membership. It recognises people with at least five years in training, learning and development or organisational development, a degree or equivalent experience, and a significant contribution to the profession. Associate Fellows use the post-nominal AFAITD and are listed among AITD's Fellows and Associate Fellows.

Who can apply

To become an Associate Fellow you need to meet all three requirements:

1. A significant contribution to the learning and development profession. Evidence can include board or committee work, written work such as papers, articles or blogs, presentations at conferences, webinars or events, awards or commendations, volunteering, and advocacy or representation for L&D. Your contribution can be within industry, professional, national or international bodies, in community organisations, or through mentoring and related activities.
2. At least five years in training, learning and development, or organisational development.
3. A recognised undergraduate qualification in L&D or a related discipline. The minimum is a degree (AQF Level 7) or the equivalent professional experience. Related disciplines are broad and may include vocational education and training, human resources, organisational development, talent development, eLearning, education, adult education, and other emerging qualifications where a link to L&D is evident. Where your qualification is not obviously L&D, you can show equivalence through a sub-major or a list of relevant units; where you are relying on experience instead of a degree, you will need to explain the equivalence for the Board to consider.

You do not need to be a current AITD member to apply, but many Associate Fellows step up from Professional membership. If you are not yet at five years, the Professional Member page is the one for you. With ten or more years and a sustained contribution, consider Fellow.

What to have ready before you apply

• A resume that documents your L&D career
• A list of your qualifications, and how any non-L&D qualification or your experience meets the requirement
• A short description of your career, your major professional achievements, and how you have contributed to the learning of individuals and organisations
• Two referees who can speak to your contribution, with their contact details

Every application is assessed by the AITD Board, so allow some time for approval.

What Associate Fellow membership gives you

• The post-nominal AFAITD, and a listing among AITD's Fellows and Associate Fellows
• Everything in Professional membership: the Capability Framework and CPD Program, monthly webinars and self-paced courses included in your membership, up to 20% off courses and 30% off the National Conference, local events, the Member Directory and Training & Development magazine
• A platform to give back: mentor through the Mentoring Program, write for the magazine, speak at events, and judge or enter the AITD Excellence Awards

See the full list of member benefits.

Keeping your standing

Associate Fellows are expected to complete 20 hours of continuing professional development each year, recorded through the AITD CPD Program. Webinars, courses, conference sessions, mentoring, writing and presenting all count.

Fees

Membership is non-transferable and non-refundable. By becoming an AITD member, you agree to abide by our terms and conditions, constitution, by-laws and code of ethics.

How to apply

1. Fill in the application form below, attach your resume and give your two referees' details.
2. You'll be taken to a payment page. If you aren't, check your email for an invoice and payment link.
3. The Board assesses your application. We will let you know the outcome, and once approved you can use AFAITD and start using your member benefits.