Emeritus Status
Emeritus Status
Stay connected to ACA as your career changes
The knowledge and experience Certified Archivists build throughout their careers are invaluable to the Academy and to the profession. Retired CAs, and CAs who are no longer performing daily archival work, may qualify for Emeritus status.
What "daily archival work" means
Emeritus status is for CAs who are retired, or whose roles have moved away from day-to-day archival practice. Two examples:
Example
A role that has shifted
A CA working in a museum finds their position has evolved, so their responsibilities and professional development now focus on museum collections and related functions.
Example
A move into leadership
A CA moves from Head of Special Collections to Dean of Libraries and is no longer able to meet the requirements to recertify by petition or examination.
What Emeritus status means
- Honors your contributions to the archival profession
- Lets you stay connected with ACA as your professional circumstances change
- Reduces annual dues to $10
- Permits use of the CA Emeritus designation upon payment of annual dues
- Once approved, does not require recertification to maintain
Emeritus is not an active CA credential. Emeritus membership does not confer or maintain an active Certified Archivist credential. Emeritus members may use the CA Emeritus designation, but may not represent themselves as active Certified Archivists. Emeritus dues follow the same July 1 to June 30 membership year as regular dues.
To qualify, you must
- Have recertified at least once since taking the exam
- Be current on all dues and fees
- Never have let your certification expire
Because of these requirements, timing matters. If you are planning to retire or change roles, look at Emeritus status before your recertification cycle ends, not after.
How to apply
Complete the application
Fill out the brief Emeritus Membership Application Form.
ACA reviews your request
ACA reviews each request and will be in touch shortly after you apply.
Pay $10 annual dues
Once approved, you may use the CA Emeritus designation upon payment of annual dues.
Emeritus status is not meant for CAs who are unemployed, experiencing challenging personal circumstances, or otherwise temporarily unable to maintain certification. If that describes your situation, please write to us. There may be other options, and we would rather talk it through with you.
Questions?
Contact ACA at office@certifiedarchivists.org or (518) 694-8471. See Understanding Your CA Credential for how Emeritus status fits with membership and recertification.