Designations in detail

Each tier. Earned, not assumed.

The AIAA post-nominal is a public commitment to standards. Six tiers cover formal entry through to permanent recognition.

01 · Entry
Associate
AAIA

For students, graduates, career-changers and early practitioners. Signals formal commitment to professional standards from the outset.

Eligibility
  • Current student, recent graduate, or early-career practitioner
  • Commitment to AIAA Code of Ethics
  • Annual CPD participation
02 · Practitioner
Member
MAIA

For qualified practitioners actively working in AI or directly adjacent fields. Verified, credible, current, accountable.

Eligibility
  • Minimum three years applied AI practice
  • Relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent experience
  • Reference from a current Member, Certified, or Fellow
03 · Credentialed Practitioner
Certified
CAIA

For practitioners who have passed AIAA's formal assessment of competence. A credentialed mark of verified expertise.

Eligibility
  • Existing Member (MAIA) standing
  • Successful completion of AIAA Certification Assessment
  • Demonstrated portfolio of supervised AI delivery
04 · Senior Authority
Fellow
FAIA

For leaders who have shaped the direction, governance, or application of AI at a significant level. The highest active designation.

Eligibility
  • Material leadership contribution to AI practice, policy or research
  • Endorsement by two existing Fellows
  • Approval by the Fellowship Committee
05 · Permanent Recognition
Life Fellow
FAIA Life

For Fellows whose contribution constitutes a career of consequence. Decade-spanning impact. Permanent — no renewal required.

Eligibility
  • Continuous Fellowship of demonstrable consequence
  • Career-defining contribution to the profession
  • Conferral by the Governing Council
06 · Distinguished Appointment
Honorary Fellow
FAIA / FAIA Life

Conferred on executives, policymakers, and public figures whose influence on AI warrants formal acknowledgement irrespective of practitioner status.

Eligibility
  • Distinguished public, corporate, or policy contribution
  • Nomination by the Governing Council
  • Conferral resolution of the Council