Association AI Professional Certification

Become a certified Association AI Professional (AAiP) to lead your organization into the future with confidence!

Our foundational certification program is designed to equip association professionals with both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to excel in the AI-driven landscape. Earning this certification signifies your mastery of AI concepts and your ability to apply them effectively within your organization.

To achieve your AAiP certification:

You'll complete a series of comprehensive courses and pass exams that validate your expertise. Certified professionals are recognized for their excellence in AI and are prepared to guide their associations through rapid advancements in technology. Certification is valid for one year, ensuring your skills stay sharp and relevant in an ever-evolving field. More detail around obtaining and maintaining your certification is below. Set up your account and get started today!

Why Get Certified and What is Included?

Gain a Competitive Edge

Being AAiP-certified signals to employers and peers that you are a trailblazer with cutting-edge AI expertise tailored to association management. You’ll stand out in the marketplace, positioning yourself as a go-to leader in AI applications for associations.

Master Theoretical and Practical AI Skills

Your certification signifies not just theoretical knowledge, but the practical ability to apply AI to the unique challenges and opportunities within the association space. You'll be prepared to streamline operations, enhance member engagement, and drive measurable results.

Cutting-Edge Courses for Association Pros

Content Included and Requirements:
- Foundations of AI for Associations
- Prompt Engineering
- Marketing & Member Communications
- Events & Education
- Data
- AI Agents
- Strategy
In order to obtain certification, learners need to complete all courses, a corresponding exam for each course, as well as a final evaluation and experience share.

Professional Recognition and Advancement

This certification demonstrates your commitment to continuous learning and innovation, setting you apart from your peers. Employers and boards will recognize your qualification as a trusted credential that prepares you to lead AI-driven initiatives.

What do people say about Sidecar?

We quickly realized the immense value Sidecar could provide to our organization. Partnering with Sidecar to offer educational resources has positioned us as an AI innovation leader in our industry.

Ann Gergen

Executive Director, AGRiP

Sidecar is my go-to resource for emerging trends in association technology. From learning resources to a community of visionaries, Sidecar helps me stay innovative, strategic, and on the cutting edge.

Liz Peuster, CAE

Chief Communications Officer, SCACPA

Completing the certification was a valuable experience. I especially appreciated how the AI content was tailored specifically to the association space, and the exams were thoughtfully designed.

Denise LeDuc Froemming

PRESIDENT & CEO, CalCPA

Sidecar makes it easy to stay on top of everything AI-related.

It is an incredible organization filling a much needed education gap in the association and non-profit space.

Sheri Jacobs

CEO, Avenue M Group; Best-selling author

For association professionals who are looking to incorporate or leverage Artificial Intelligence, Sidecar's AAiP certification or learning courses are an essential part of your journey. Think big but start small and get started with Sidecar's Association Artificial Intelligence Program (AAiP) certification program.

Carlos Cardenas

Senior Director of Information Technology, NBCRNA

I trust Sidecar to provide me with actionable insights on the latest association management trends, particularly when it comes to AI. Between the blog, the podcast, the newsletter, its books, and live and on demand courses, Sidecar makes it easy for me to learn on my schedule and in my preferred way.

Scott Breen

Senior VP of Sustainability, CMI

I’m learning so much about the intersection of AI and associations from Sidecar, and it’s been an eye-opening journey. If you’re in the association space and want to stay ahead of the curve, this is the place to be. The insights and community here have not only expanded my knowledge but also given me practical strategies I can apply right away.

Danielle Duran Baron

Vice President, Marketing, Communications & Industry Relations, SNA

At MSTA, twenty-two staff members have already earned their AAiP certification, with more on the way. This specialized training is empowering our team to implement AI solutions that enhance the member experience in meaningful ways. The AAiP Certification gives association professionals the tools they need to integrate AI effectively, driving efficiency, personalization, and engagement. It's an essential investment in the future of our organization.

Bruce Moe

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MSTA

As AI continues to reshape industries, Sidecar's certification and other educational programming continue to provide valuable insights into leveraging AI strategically to drive innovation, efficiency, and impact. I look forward to applying these learnings to further enhance how we integrate AI at AAE and beyond!

Kim FitzSimmons

CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER, AAE

How Do You Achieve and Maintain the AAiP Certification?

How to Earn Your AAiP Certification

To achieve certification, you will:

- Complete a series of comprehensive AI courses

- Pass exams that validate your AI knowledge and skills, including: 7 course related exams, a short video submission, a demographics survey and a final evaluation.

How to Maintain Your AAiP Certification

AI is evolving at an extraordinary pace, and staying current isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s essential. That’s why we require frequent renewal: to ensure certified individuals are not only up to speed on the latest advancements but also actively applying AI in meaningful ways. We believe knowledge alone isn’t enough; real impact comes from hands-on experience and the ability to adapt AI tools in real-world contexts.

Your AAiP certification is valid for 1 year. To maintain your AAiP certification in good standing, each year, professionals must complete:

- Ongoing AI education every 12 months

Stay aligned with current best practices and emerging capabilities.

- The “What’s New in AI” course every six months
This includes the Fall 2025 6-Month Update in AI, now ready for you in the Learning Hub.

- Three elective hours of AI learning annually
Take any Sidecar elective course or submit outside learning for approval.

- Maintain an active subscription to the Sidecar AI Learning Hub, priced at $399 per year
This ensures uninterrupted access to updates, new courses, and maintenance materials.