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Membership Grades Explained

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Grades are assigned according to qualifications and experience. After joining, members can upgrade as they gain more experience or qualifications.  To apply for a membership upgrade please fill out the membership grade transfer form.

Grades are as follows:

1. Member Grade (Article 16) 16(1):

• 26 years or older
• holding a degree in engineering or science from an approved institution
• working in the industry for at least 4 years after completing the degree
• in responsible charge of work for at least 2 of these years
  

OR 16(2):

• holding an Associate Diploma in engineering or science from an approved institution
• working in the industry for at least 8 years after completing the Diploma
• in responsible charge of work for at least 3 of these years
  

OR 16(3):

• in responsible charge of work involving technical decisions in the design, construction or teaching of refrigeration, air conditioning or heating
• performing work of no less calibre than 16(1) or 16(2) above
• actively working in the industry to this calibre for at least 5 years
• actively engaged in the industry for at least 12 years
  

(A 500 word statement may be required to help address suitability).

2. Associate Member Grade (Article 17A) 17A(1):

• 26 years or older
• awarded an Associate Diploma in engineering or science from a recognised institution
• working in the industry for at least 4 years after completing the Diploma
  

OR 17A(2):

• actively working in the industry for at least 8 years
• in responsible charge of work for at least 3 of these years
  

OR 17A(3):

• holding a completed apprenticeship or traineeship in a branch of the industry approved by AIRAH
• working in the industry at least 6 years after completing the apprenticeship/traineeship

3. Graduate Member (Article 17B)

• holding a Degree or Associate Diploma in engineering or science from an approved institution
• ineligible to be admitted as an Associate Member or Member due to limitations of age, experience or qualifications

A Graduate Member can transfer to the Grade of Member or Associate Member when the minimum criteria listed above have been met.

4. Student Member (Article 19):

• 17 years or older
• attending an appropriate course full time at an approved institution
• in an approved apprenticeship or traineeship

Once a Student Member has the necessary qualifications and work experience they should apply for a grade transfer. Student Members must be attending an approved course on a full time basis and be able to prove so. The AIRAH Handbook will be offered to students upon joining for an additional $65.00 (one only per student).

5. Affiliate Member (Article 20):

• a person, firm, organisation or company associated with the industry
• not eligible for admission to a higher grade of membership at time of application

6. AIRAH Fellow:

This is the highest level of professional recognition offered by AIRAH.  You may be eligible after holding the Member grade for 10 years.  Find out more.

This is a guide only. Final gradings are assigned by the admissions committee only.