AER Professional Divisions and Interest Groups

Join AER Professional Divisions and Interest Groups

Professional Divisions and Interest Groups are great ways to connect with colleagues, become involved in AER, and engage around the professions and topics that matter to you. Joining is easy.

What Would You Like to Do?

Join an Interest Group

Interest Groups are open to all AER members. You may join as many as you would like.

To join:

Select Member Portal at the top left of the AER website
Log into your AER account
Open your Member Profile and Edit
Select the Interest Groups you would like to join

Your selections can be updated through your member profile whenever your interests change.

Join a Professional Division as an Associate

Want to participate in a Professional Division but do not need Fellow status?

AER members may select Professional Division Associate status directly through their member account.

Select Member Portal
Log into your AER account
Open your Member Profile to Edit
Select the Professional Divisions you would like to join as an Associate

Join a Professional Division as a Fellow

Professional Division Fellows meet specific qualifications established for the profession or area of practice.

You can request Fellow status in one or multiple Professional Divisions with a single email.

Email [email protected] and include:

Your name;
The Professional Division or Divisions you would like to join as a Fellow; and
Documentation demonstrating that you meet the applicable Fellow qualifications, such as a certification or license, CV or resume, or other documentation required by the Professional Division.

You do not need to send a separate email to each Professional Division.
AER staff will distribute your information internally and process each of your requests.

Not Sure Whether You Qualify as a Fellow?
Explore the Professional Divisions below to learn about each profession and its Fellow eligibility requirements.

If you are still unsure, email [email protected] and we will help point you in the right direction.

What Is the Difference?
Professional Divisions represent specific professions, disciplines, credentials, or professional roles within AER. Fellow eligibility is based upon qualifications approved for each Professional Division.

Interest Groups bring together AER members around shared interests, populations, topics, or areas of practice. Interest Groups are open to all AER members.

You do not have to choose just one. AER members are encouraged to participate in the Professional Divisions and Interest Groups that are meaningful to their work and interests.

EXPLORE AER Professional divisions

Professional Divisions are formal communities within AER that represent specific disciplines, credentials, or areas of professional practice. These groups play a critical role in advancing professional standards, supporting workforce development, and ensuring that the voices of specialized practitioners are represented within the Association.

Each division establishes its own membership criteria and defines its purpose, goals, and priorities. Divisions contribute to professional development, create opportunities for leadership, and serve as a direct link to the AER Board of Directors through elected representation, as outlined in the AER Bylaws .

Professional Divisions are the primary forum for advancing the identity and direction of the professions within AER.

EXPLORE AER Interest GRoupS

Interest Groups provide space for connection and collaboration around shared topics, populations, and areas of focus.

These groups are open to all AER members and do not require specific credentials for participation. They support discussion, idea sharing, and engagement across disciplines, particularly in areas that are emerging or interdisciplinary in nature.

Interest Groups play an important role in member engagement and often serve as a starting point for new ideas and areas of growth within the Association.

Get involved

Participation in a Professional Division or Interest Group is one of the most direct ways to engage with AER.

Members can join one or more groups, participate in meetings and activities, contribute to discussions and initiatives, and pursue leadership opportunities over time.

Information on how to join, including any applicable membership criteria, is available within each group’s page.

Interested in Creating a New Professional Division or Interest Group?

AER supports the formation of new Professional Divisions and Interest Groups as the field continues to evolve.

Members interested in proposing a new group may review AER’s policy for establishing Professional Divisions and Interest Groups or contact the AER International Office for additional information at [email protected].