Professional Membership

$125
Effective January 1, 2025: $138

This membership type is appropriate for any Certified Child Life Specialist working in the field. This work includes traditional, non-traditional, and leadership roles in hospitals, academic positions, and some community-based and private practice roles. Professional membership is the most comprehensive choice, providing access to the most member benefits. 

Members have a 30-day grace period after their expiration date to pay their dues without penalty. A $25 fee will be applied to their account on the 31st day.

Retired Membership

$84

This membership type is available by filling out this application. 

Eligible individuals who have retired from full-time work in or out of the child life profession and have three (3) consecutive years of active Professional membership.

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Members have a 30-day grace period after their expiration date to pay their dues without penalty. A $25 fee will be applied to their account on the 31st day.

Associate Membership

$96
Effective January 1, 2025: $105

This membership type is for Certified Child Life Specialists not currently working in healthcare, academic, or community-based child life settings and for child life assistants. Associate membership is also appropriate for recent graduates or non-degree-seeking students and those who support and serve the child life community.

Members have a 30-day grace period after their expiration date to pay their dues without penalty. A $25 fee will be applied to their account on the 31st day.

Student Membership

$65

This membership type is for full-time students, part-time students, and current child life interns. Non-degree-seeking students should choose Associate Membership.

Healthcare Ally Membership

$84
Effective January 1, 2025: $92

This membership type is for non-child life healthcare professionals who support and/or collaborate with child life specialists and non-child life academic professionals. Those holding the Certified Child Life Specialist credential are not eligible for this membership category.

Members have a 30-day grace period after their expiration date to pay their dues without penalty. A $25 fee will be applied to their account on the 31st day.

International Membership

Annual Membership Dues Variable

This member type is available by applying with this application.

Eligible individuals primarily reside outside of the United State, Canada, and associated territories. Individuals may receive a discount off the professional member rate based on the World Bank classification of their home country.

Summary of Membership Cost by World Bank Classification:

• High-income economies: $125 USD (100% of the professional member rate)

• Upper-middle-income economies: $93.75 USD (75% of the professional member rate)

• Lower-middle-income economies: $62.50 USD (50% of the professional member rate)

Effective January 1, 2025: 

• High-income economies: $138 USD (100% of the professional member rate)
• Upper-middle-income economies: $103 USD (75% of the professional member rate)
• Lower-middle-income economies: $69 USD (50% of the professional member rate)

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Please note: Discounts will be taken off the professional member rate, if applicable. Other membership type rates remain the same regardless of the member's residence. Retroactive refunds are not available. Members eligible for discounted international membership may request a discount by contacting the ACLP office, and we will apply the discount to the next renewal cycle. Members have a 30-day grace period after their expiration date to pay their dues without penalty. A $25 fee will be applied to their account on the 31st day.

Who can join ACLP?

The Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP) welcomes those who are Certified Child Life Professionals, aspiring (students and interns) Child Life professionals, and those who support and/or collaborate with Child Life specialists.

What makes ACLP valuable to its members?

ACLP advances the field of child life by establishing and maintaining professional standards, enhancing the professional growth and development of members, and advancing the credibility of the child life profession by fostering research and promoting the standards of child life practice on a national and international level. For information on member benefits, please visit the Member Benefits page. 

What does the ACLP Membership Department do?

The ACLP Membership Department focuses on ACLP members, member benefits, and other member-related inquiries. The ACLP Membership Department is available to help assist members and future members with support as they engage with the ACLP community.

What are the different types of memberships and what are the fees?

You can find more information about our membership levels and types here.

When will my ACLP membership expire?

An ACLP membership is active for one year after the application is processed and payment is made in full.

Is there a late fee if I don’t renew my membership on time?

Yes, Individual members (excluding Students) have a 30-day grace period after their expiration date to pay their dues without penalty. A $25 fee will be applied to their account on the 31st day. It’s important for members to pay dues ahead of their expiration date to avoid missing important communications and access to benefits.

How do I join or renew my ACLP membership?

To join, click here and create an account. To renew, log in to your account, click the menu on the left, choose Join ACLP, and follow the prompts. 

Where can I find my membership invoice?

Log in to your account, click the menu on the left, scroll down to My Invoices and Receipts to view your open invoices. 

Can I cancel my ACLP membership?/Can I receive a refund?

No, your individual ACLP membership cannot be canceled or refunded. At the end of your membership period, simply do not renew. We do not offer partial refunds for canceled or unused memberships.

What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept all major credit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. We also accept checks by mail.

Where can I find a receipt for my membership payment?

Log into your ACLP profile, and scroll down to Message History and Message History Report to access your receipts.

How do I update my membership information?

Please log into your ACLP account, click the menu on the left, scroll down to My Account to update your profile.

How do I change my member category?

Is my certification and ACLP membership the same?

No, The Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP) and the Child Life Certification Commission (CLCC) are two distinct entities within the child life field. An ACLP membership provides professional development opportunities, including webinars, courses, and other resources. The CLCC is the certifying body for child life professionals and is responsible for overseeing the certification and recertification process for Certified Child Life Specialists (CCLS).

I forgot my password. What do I do?/ My login information does not work, who do I contact?

On the ACLP log-in page, click ‘forgot password’ and enter the information to reset your password. Once you’ve logged in, you can review your contact information, verify your membership details, view invoices, renew, and more. Should you require additional assistance, please contact membership@childlife.org. 

I’m not receiving ACLP emails, what do I do?

Double-check your profile to make sure you are subscribed to receive emails, check your spam/junk email folders, confirm you have entered the correct email address, and if using a company email, make sure your employer has not restricted emails from outside organizations. 

My company paid for my membership. What happens if I leave my job?

You can renew your membership as an individual when you leave your company.