Mission Statement:
To promote accessible, flexible, and practical parliamentary skills for organizations of all sizes, by certifying professionals who are trained in alternative, adaptive, and real-world procedural methods.
Vision Statement:
To be the leading authority for modern, inclusive parliamentary education that values flexibility, accessibility, and real-world problem solving.
Motto:
“Alternative paths to orderly meetings.”
Core Values
- Accessibility — Procedure should empower, not exclude.
- Practicality — Focus on real problems, real solutions.
- Adaptability — Meet clients where they are.
- Ethical Practice — Integrity above all.
- Professional Competence — Ongoing learning is required.
Why APP?
Traditional bodies like NAP and AIP emphasize Robert’s Rules of Order and to a lesser-extent AIP Standard Code. APP fills the gap for:
- Organizations using bylaws-first, hybrid, or modified rulesets.
- Groups needing parliamentarians who adapt to their unique context, not vice versa.
- Modern clients seeking certified pros for small meetings, workshops, or contentious sessions.
We function as a focused certifying board, issuing credentials to qualified individuals who pass rigorous exams in procedure, ethics, and practical scenarios. Certification (not broad membership) is our core.
Certification Tiers
| Tier | Abbreviation | Qualifications |
|---|---|---|
| Accredited Alternative Parliamentarian | AAP | • Working knowledge of meeting procedure and common motions • Working knowledge of alternatives to strict RONR procedure • Ability to advise small organizations • Ability to interpret bylaws and standing rules • Ability to draft simple scripts, agendas, and minutes • Professional ethical standards • Valid for 3 years, renewed upon completion of 12 Continuing Education Credits |
| Certified Alternative Parliamentarian | CAP | • Mastery of complex procedural scenarios • Proficiency in multiple procedural authorities • Ability to chair contentious meetings • Ability to interpret conflicting governing documents • Ability to design training and run workshops • Professional ethical standards • Valid for 3 years, renewed upon completion of 18 Continuing Education Credits |
| Distinguished Alternative Parliamentarian | DAP | • Minimum five years as an Alternative Parliamentarian* without any ethics violations; • Documented parliamentary service and training; • Documented leadership; and/or • Documented scholarship • Valid for life |
*Holders of AAP and CAP certifications are Alternative Parliamentarians. The five year requirement may be waived prior to 2031 for DAP applicants with documented leadership and scholarship credentials.
How We Differ
- Practical exams: Multiple-choice, scenarios, mock presiding, ethics analysis (75-80% passing scores).
- Continuing education: 12-18 Continuing Education Credits every 3 years, plus rulings or teaching proofs.
- Ethics code: Strict neutrality, competence limits, client confidentiality.
- Verification: Easy lookup at ParliPro.cc/verify