Pension professionals holding degrees in law, accounting, actuarial science, financial science, insurance, or related disciplines may qualify to be an Associated Professional Member (APM). Professionals from these disciplines with a minimum of three years experience in pension-related employment are qualified to apply for APM memberships.

The APM credential recognizes individuals with one of the following backgrounds:

• Attorneys
• Certified Public Accountants
• Agents enrolled to practice before the IRS
• Holders of the Master of Science in Financial Service degree from The American College
• Members of the American Academy of Actuaries
• Associates, Members and Fellows of the Conference of Consulting Actuaries
• Associates and Fellows of the Society of Actuaries
• Holders of the Accredited Pension Administrator designation from the National Institute of Pension Administrators
• Holders of the Chartered Life Underwriter designation from The American College
• Holders of the Chartered Financial Consultant designation from The American College
• Holders of the Certified Financial Planner designation from a program accredited by the Certified Financial Board of Standards
• Fellows of the Life Management Institute

Pension professionals meeting the APM criteria may apply to the ASPPA board of directors for the APM credential.