(for U.S.-based English programs)

Application for membership is open to all U.S. intensive English programs that comply with the qualifications as stated in the Association's Bylaws, according to which:

The membership of this Association shall be limited to intensive English programs located in the United States which are accredited by The Commission on English Language Program Accreditation (CEA) or by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET) or which are under the governance of a regionally accredited institution...

(The program is) "one which offers participants a minimum of 18 contact hours of English language instruction per week organized into a curriculum designed to serve the needs of the participants; which is overseen by a person having clearly defined responsibility for the overall administration of the program including but not limited to selection, evaluation and retention of faculty and staff; which has an established curriculum allowing for the differentiation of participants by level of proficiency; which offers instruction during stated sessions; and which provides participants orientation and counseling services. "

By joining AAIEP, members commit themselves and their programs to the goals and ideals of the association as expressed in the Association's Bylaws and Standards.

The AAIEP membership year is June 1 to May 31. Membership in AAIEP is for programs, not individuals. At any time, only one person (normally the director) may be the designated representative for a program.

A qualifying program may apply for membership by:

1. Making formal application to the Executive Board, accompanied by a $200 application fee (Click here for the latest version of the application (PSA) form.)


• Programs accredited by ACCET or CEA should submit proof of accreditation by submitting the PSA Attestation Form (found on the last three pages of the regular PSA form) and submitting it with a copy of their accreditation certificate.


• Programs under the governance of a regionally accredited institution should complete the full PSA and submit it with: (i) the institution's letter of accreditation, and; (ii) a statement from the program director's supervisor affirming that the program is under the institution's governance.


2. Paying the annual dues (currently $625 for the membership year)

Questions about joining AAIEP should be addressed to the Association's Vice President for Standards at standards@aaiep.org.

Not an intensive English program? Institutional Associate Memberships are open to any institution, organization, or business which does not sponsor, own or provide either intensive or non-intensive English language instruction in the U.S. or any other country. Visit our page on AAIEP Associates for more information.