Admissions and Registration Procedure
The A.R.A. Nederland recognizes associated and registered members. The ‘associate’ status is a way of allowing fellow professionals access to our association by giving them the opportunity to apply for a registered membership. Since this pertains to a highly skilled level of our profession, certain criteria must be met. Hence, to become certified, the ‘associate’ member must submit their request with detailed Curriculum Vitae. This is then passed from the Managing Board to the Admissions Committee for consideration. It is also possible that a registered member of A.R.A. nominate someone for the Board to consider.
The Admissions Committee is composed of two, and ideally three, registered members; one is a Board member, the other a member of the discipline concerned and the third could be an additional member from a different discipline. The Admissions Committee will then meet with the candidate by visiting them in their studio, where further procedural discussions will take place, including the possibility of going into appeal in case of rejection.
The A.R.A. criteria form the basis of the Admissions Committee’s final assessment, after which the proposal is presented to the Board. It is then presented to the remaining A.R.A. registered members with the query if the candidate in question is known to any of them and if so, what kind of reputation does she/he have. If an existing member makes any objections, the Board will decide which procedures to follow in accordance with their House Rules. The A.R.A. member responsible for raising the objection is then required to give an account to the Board as to the reasons for their objection. The Board will then consult with the Admissions Committee in deciding the merits and foundation of the objection itself. The member who raised the initial objection must accept the final ruling of the Board.
After a positive recommendation, however, the Board will present the candidate to the General Assembly and the latter will vote. The ‘associate’ member can then be formally included in the A.R.A. Register once she/he has taken the pledge to honor the Ethics Code of A.R.A. Nederland. The newly registered member will receive a certificate as well as their own special page on the website, www.aranederland.nl with a photograph, information and web link.
An A.R.A. registered member can rely upon the full support of the Association and this membership can also prove to be a valuable endorsement for potential clients.
The membership fee for Associate members is € 40,- per annum.
The membership fee for a certified Registered member is € 90,- per annum.