Membership applications for 2025 are now open!
The Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) is the national association for the science, practice and education of psychology in Canada. We are a member-driven organization that is dedicated to supporting and championing our more than 7,000 members and promoting the advancement and application of psychology in the communities we serve.
The CPA has 3 categories of membership – Members, Affiliates and Associates – to serve our wide range of members depending on their designation, career stage or the level of membership benefits they are looking for.
For the full list of CPA Categories, along with their respective definitions, see – https://cpa.ca/membership/becomeamemberofcpa/membershiptypes/
For the list of Member Benefits see – https://cpa.ca/membership/
If you are applying as a NEW MEMBER/AFFILIATE, please refer to our Membership Decision Tree to help you determine which membership type you are eligible for. If you are applying to become a member of a Section only refer to the SECTION ASSOCIATE type below.
Why Become a MEMBER or AFFILIATE?
As a member or affiliate of the CPA, you can play a vital role in the effort to improve the health and welfare of all Canadians and help illustrate the contribution that psychology makes to society on a daily basis.
By becoming a member or affiliate, you gain access to the resources, information, professional development and the many valuable discounts and benefits afforded to members and affiliates of an organization 6500 strong, including – CPA Journals, a monthly Newsletter, discounted Convention and Continuing Education rates, Awards and Grants, Sections and Special Interest Group communiqués, the ability to develop and strengthen your leadership skills, our liability insurance program – and much more.
Become a MEMBER OR AFFILIATE by Using our 4 Step Online Application Process:
Step 1: Create a Web Account (once completed, you will receive both a confirmation message on your screen as well as an email outlining next steps).
Step 2: Complete the Online Membership Application Form using your new credentials.
Step 3: The CPA Member Services Centre will review your completed application form and contact you to confirm that you are able to continue to the next step (please ensure that the email membership@cpa.ca is added to your safe sender list).
Step 4: Once you have received an email confirmation from the Member Services Centre – you will be able to pay your Membership Invoice online (your membership will only be recognized once your invoice is paid) (credit card only).
If you choose to pay by cheque, you must send your cheque, along with a printed copy of your completed online form to:
CPA – Member Services Centre
1101 Prince of Wales Drive, Suite #230
Ottawa, ON K2C 3W7
Why Become a SECTION ASSOCIATE?
The Section Associate category is designed for those who are interested in a particular area, or section, of psychology but are not able, or wanting, to become full members. As a Section Associates you will have access to a chosen Section space, which permits you to receive Section Communications. As well, you will receive a Quarterly Newsletter from the CPA’s Membership Department and have access to discounted Convention rates.
Section Associates do not have access to CPA membership benefits, our industry leading liability insurance program, nor the ability to vote in Association or Section business, run for office on the CPA’s Board, or run for a Section Executive position.
Become a SECTION ASSOCIATE by Using our 2 Step Online Application Process:
Step 1: Create a Web Account (once completed, you will receive both a confirmation message on your screen as well as an email outlining next steps).
Step 2: Complete the Online Section Associate Application Form using your new credentials. Once you have completed the application form and paid your Section Associate fees, you will receive a confirmation email from the Member Service Center with instruction on how to access your section space.
MEMBERSHIP, AFFILIATESHIP AND ASSOCIATESHIP
Membership Period
The membership period runs from January 1st to December 31st.
Refunds
Membership fees are non-refundable, non-transferable and not pro-rated.
Upgrading and Downgrading a Category
Categories can be downgraded only at the time of renewal. For example, if you are a current Member and you wish to become a Section Associate, your category can only be changed at renewal time. You are not able to renew as a Member and then change your category in the same membership year, only at the time of the next year’s renewal. Upgrading (e.g. from Section Associate to Member) can be done anytime during the year. If you wish to upgrade, please contact the Member Service Center at membership@cpa.ca
Already a Member?
Given the high volume of requests we receive between December and February, applications may take between 2 and 3 weeks to process. If you are applying between December 22nd and January 3rd, your application will be reviewed in the new year.