Become a Member

Member | Retired | Honourary

Eligibility

Our Members are highly skilled professionals who meet one of the following requirements:

Demonstrate that they have acquired instructional design competencies listed in the Association’s Instructional Design Competency Framework.

Complete the dossier-based accreditation process as determined by the Board.

AND all of the following:

Have actively worked on instructional design tasks within the five years prior to applying.

Have participated in at least one professional development activity related to Framework Competencies in the last year.

Paid the annual association fee.

Member Benefits

  • Professional Use of the ACCP-CAID Badge: You get to showcase our Badge in your email signature, social media profiles, websites, etc.

  • Listing in Certified Member Directory: Your profile will be publicly available to help you generate work or for future employers to view your credentials.

  • Masterclasses: Gain free access to our Masterclasses presented by leading researchers and experts in the field of instructional design.

  • Access to Board & Working Committee Positions: Contribute to our organization and profession by sharing your skills as a volunteer for ACCP-CAID.

  • Workshops: RSVP for free to our Workshops presented by our esteemed colleagues.

  • Access to the Job Board: Gain exclusive access to postings from industry-leading employers.

  • Panels: Get free access to our panels of two to four experts who share their views on a particular topic.

  • All-For-One Events: Enjoy free access to our Members-only All-For-One events, where participants discuss approaches to specific projects.

  • Public Place Events: Enjoy free access to this networking event exclusively for members.

  • Discussion Forums: Engage in scholarly discussions with your peers to find inspiration or brainstorm solutions to the challenges you face in instructional design.

  • Resource Centre: Research on instructional design is evolving at a rapid pace. Stay up to date by exploring new tools and methods.

  • Newsletters Sent to Your Inbox: We’ll send you our quarterly newsletter covering exciting upcoming events, news and updates on Member benefits, and inspirations from your colleagues.

Our Certified Member Categories

Members
(In Good Standing)

2025 / 2026 Fee
$110

To remain in good standing, payment of renewal fees must be completed in a timely fashion at your anniversary date of acceptance to the association. Proof of training or professional development must be provided each year.

Retired
Members

2025 / 2026 Fee
$55

For Members who retire and have been members for at least five years. This designation honours continued connection to the profession by contributing to the community in meaningful ways. No proof of training must be provided.

Honourary
Members

Always
Free

Our Honourary Members are voted into this category by the Board of Directors. We consider notable achievements and contributions to the organization and profession for this category.

How to Apply

Step 1: Determine the Evaluation Option for your Career Path

Training Option

This option requires you to submit evidence of any formal training you have taken that covers each of the competencies outlined in the ACCP-CAID’s Instructional Design Competencies document. A graduate diploma in Educational Technology, Distance Education or a related field with a focus on instructional design is usually sufficient.

ACCP-CAID is, however, aware that actual degrees in Instructional Design are rare. In many cases, the competencies are acquired through training in Education or a related program, with additional courses taken to supplement one’s knowledge.

Training acquired outside Canada will be considered. However, you must provide a description of the institution and all relevant information that can help us determine the nature, level and objectives of the training. You must also provide specific references, such as the institution’s URL, the title of the program, and, ideally, the name of a person responsible for the training.

Work Experience Option

This option involves of requesting an assessment and recognition of acquired skills through work experience to the Institute for Performance and Learning (I4PL), which is recognized by the ACCP-CAID.

I4PL is a Canadian organization known formerly under the name of Canadian Society for Training and Development – CSTD.

Step 2: Prepare Your Documents

Training Option

Provide a copy of all relevant university transcripts.

Transcripts do not need to come direct from the institution. You should order them from your institution to yourself for submission to ACCP-CAID. However, we reserve the right to confirm information with institutions.

A current resume needs to be submitted that outlines your instructional design experience within the last 5 years.

Provide a copy of any graduate degrees you received during your university studies in instructional design.

Diplomas do not need to come direct from the institution. You should order them from your institution to yourself for submission to ACCP-CAID.

Work Experience Option

A current resume needs to be submitted that outlines your instructional design experience within the last 5 years.

A copy of your Certified Training and Development Professional (CTDP) certificate must be provided.

This certificate needs to cover the Designing Learning Experience (with skills demonstration) component.

Step 3: Complete the Application

Fill out the application form, attach your required supporting documents, and complete your application fee payment of $50.

*Please note that application fees are non-refundable.

Next Steps:

Once we receive your supporting documents, application, and fee our Evaluation Committee will review your file. This process usually takes 2-4 weeks. However, if you have not heard from us within this timeframe, please reach out to us at evaluation@accp-caid.org.

Accepted Applicants

You will receive an email informing you that you have been accepted as a Certified Member. This email will also provide you with the actions we require from you to finish your acceptance such as:

  • Paying your annual fee.
  • Building your profile.
  • Exploring the working committees that you may wish to contribute to.

Unaccepted Applicants

You will receive an email informing you of the outcome of your application review.

You may still wish to join our community. You can do so by joining us as Non-Certified Associate if you are eligible, or by purchasing Community Access, which will allow you to attend Masterclasses (registration fees apply) and enjoy the benefits associated with that level.

Annual Renewal

ACCP-CAID uses anniversary date renewal. Your 12 months begins the day you pay your association fees. 

You will receive a reminder email shortly before you’re due to renew so you don’t miss out on any our events!