What are the requirements and procedures for joining the Certified Member Program?
The requirements are as follows:
- Membership in AAAE or IAAE
- Payment of AAAE membership dues and the C.M. program enrollment fee
Can Academic Members join the Certified Member Program?
Academic members must upgrade their membership to the Academic Graduate level in order to join the C.M. program. Academic and Academic Graduate Membership is available only to full-time students enrolled in an undergraduate program of study. If you are already an Academic Member, your current dues will be applied toward the new Academic Graduate category. Refer to the examples below for fee information.
Current student members would be required to pay the following fees:
- Upgrade to Academic Graduate Membership $110 ($150 Academic Graduate membership minus current academic member dues of $40)
- Certified Member Program Fee: $225.00
- Total fees due: $335.00
New student members would be required to pay the following fees:
- Academic Graduate Membership: $150.00
- Certified Member Program Fee: $225.00
- Total fees due: $375.00
Although "Academic Graduates" are allowed to join the program, they will not receive, nor be recognized by AAAE as a C.M. until they have successfully passed the AAAE multiple-choice examination, and shown proof of graduation from a four-year institution of higher learning.
When will I be notified about the results of my application?
Once AAAE processes you application (which could take 3-5 business days), you will receive e-mail notification regarding your acceptance into the program. If for some reason your application cannot be accepted, we will notify you of the reasons by e-mail. To expedite the process, please make sure you are an active AAAE member.
Do I have to work for an airport to join the program?
No, the Certified Member program is open to all active members of AAAE. However, Academic members must upgrade to Academic Graduate status before entering the Program.
Is a college degree required to enroll in the C.M. Program?
No. However, Academic Graduate members who enroll in the C.M. program and pass the exam, must show proof of graduation before they can use the credentials behind their name.
How much does the program cost?
Anyone wishing to join the Certified Member program must be an active member of AAAE and pay a one-time fee of $225.00. This fee includes registration, access to electronic study materials, and a one-time examination fee. Candidates who need to retake the exam will be assessed an additional $75 for each retake. Hard copies of the Body of Knowledge modules may be purchased here for and additional $50.
Afterwards, if I want to join the Accreditation Program, is the test transferable?
Yes. Provided that you meet all the criteria for enrollment in the accreditation program, you may transfer your successful completion of the C.M. multiple-choice examination. The tests are identical in both programs. Please visit the Accreditation Program pages for detailed requirements.
Will I be able to use the designation "C.M." after my name after I successfully complete the exam?
You may use the "C.M." designation provided that your membership in AAAE is current, and if AAAE headquarters has a record of your successful completion of the multiple-choice examination. Academic Graduate members must show proof of graduation from a four-year college before utilizing the C.M. designation.
Are there any time limits to complete the exam after I register for the program?
No, there are no time limits.
What benefits will I receive as an AAAE Certified Member?
In addition to learning more about the aviation industry and enhancing your career and professional opportunities with a highly respected credential, you will receive from AAAE a Certified Member certificate and lapel pin. You will also receive visibility and recognition as the C.M. designation will appear behind your name in all AAAE correspondence, including meeting rosters and our membership directory.
How many questions are there on the Certified Member (C.M.) multiple-choice exam?
There are 180 multiple-choice questions on the exam.
How can I study for the multiple-choice examination?
AAAE provides C.M. and A.A.E. program candidates with free electronic access to the Body of Knowledge modules necessary to prepare for the multiple-choice examination. Please be sure that you are logged into your account before attempting to access the electronic modules. Hard copies of the Body of Knowledge modules can be purchased here for $50.
When and how can I take the AAAE multiple-choice examination?
All exams will be taken online through a remote proctoring system. Candidates can schedule their exams here. Candidates must review the exam instructions and guidelines prior to scheduling an exam. A minimum of two weeks' notice is required for all exams. Failure to adhere to these guidelines can result in AAAE invalidating your exam.
What do I need to take the multiple-choice examination?
This is an electronic exam. The following equipment will be needed to administer the exam:
- Computer with Internet capability, a webcam and internal microphone
- Secure Internet Connection
- Google Chrome or Firefox browsers
Who may proctor the multiple-choice examination?
All exams are now administered through a secure online platform, and a live proctor is no longer needed. All sessions will be recorded to ensure that candidates follow the rules and guidelines set forth for all certification exams.
How long will it take to receive the test results?
How long will it take to receive the test results?
Candidates will receive an email with preliminary Pass/Fail results within 24 hours of taking your exam.
• Once your exam session is evaluated for adherence to the guidelines, your full results will be emailed to you within one week of your exam date.
• If you have passed the exam, you will also receive a packet in the mail with your certificate and pin. If you have failed, then you will receive emailed instructions regarding a retake.
If I don't pass, how many times can I re-take the multiple-choice exam?
There are no limits as to how many times a candidate may re-take the multiple-choice exam. However, there is a mandatory wait period of 30 days between re-takes, and a $75 fee for each attempt at the exam.
Can I take the exam in the Paper format?
Paper exams are no longer available.
Please email the AAAE Accreditation Department with any further questions.