Summary

AAPA members can either upgrade to a higher membership tier during their current membership term or renew into a higher membership tier for a new membership term. These options work differently and may affect your membership level and expiration date in different ways.

Before You Begin

• Know your current membership tier and membership expiration date.
• Review whether you completed a membership upgrade or a membership renewal transaction.

Membership Upgrade vs. Membership Renewal

Option 1: Upgrade Your Current Membership

An upgrade moves you into a higher membership tier immediately for the remainder of your current paid membership term.

When upgrading, you pay the full price difference between your current membership tier and the higher tier.

An upgrade does not extend or reset your membership term. Your original membership expiration date remains unchanged.

Option 2: Renew at a Higher Membership Tier

A renewal at a higher membership tier applies a new membership term at the full membership price for that tier.

When renewing into a higher membership level, you may choose to:

• Start the new membership term at the end of your current paid membership term, or
• Start the new membership term immediately, forfeiting any remaining time on your current membership term prior to the upgrade.

Example Scenario

A member who upgrades from one membership tier to another during an active membership term receives the benefits of the higher tier immediately after paying the difference in price between the tiers.

Because the transaction is an upgrade rather than a renewal, the membership expiration date remains the same as the original term and is not extended.

Members who intended to purchase a full new membership term at the higher tier may be able to discuss available options with AAPA Customer Care.

Confirmation / Expected Result

After an upgrade, you should immediately receive the benefits associated with the higher membership tier while keeping your existing membership expiration date.

After a renewal at a higher tier, you should receive a new membership term associated with the renewed elevated membership tier purchase.

Troubleshooting

If you expected your membership expiration date to change after moving to a higher membership tier, review your transaction history to determine whether you completed an upgrade or a renewal.

If you are unsure which transaction was processed, or if you believe you intended to purchase a full-term membership at a higher tier, contact AAPA Customer Care for assistance.

Important Notes

• Membership upgrades provide immediate access to a higher membership tier but do not extend the membership term.
• Membership renewals at a higher tier apply a new membership term at the full membership price for that tier.
• Members renewing at a higher tier may have options regarding when the new membership term begins.
• Contact AAPA Customer Care
  • customercare@aapa.org
  • 703-836-2272 x1 M-F from 9AM - 5PM EST

Related Articles and Links

• Membership Help Center