The American Anti-Corruption Institute (AACI)
Together, Empowering Tone at the Top

Certified Anti-Corruption Manager (CACM) Membership Renewal, Lapse, and Reinstatement Policy

Effective Date

This policy takes effect on April 1, 2025. However, the Membership Dues Audit Findings clause (Section 5) will be applied retroactively to January 1, 2020.

1. Annual Membership Renewal

1.1. Renewal Requirement: CACM members must renew their membership each year to maintain an active status.

1.2. Pending Status: If a CACM member fails to pay the annual membership fee by the deadline, their membership status will become pending.

1.3. Inactive Status: A membership with pending status is deemed inactive, and the member loses many associated rights and privileges.

1.4. Membership Lapsed: A membership that has been in pending status for more than 120 days is considered lapsed, resulting in a loss of all associated rights and privileges.

2. Use of the CACM Designation

2.1. Prohibition on Use: Members with an inactive, lapsed, or suspended status are strictly prohibited from:

3. Reinstatement of Lapsed Membership

3.1. Reinstatement Requirements Based on Lapsed Duration:

a. Lapsed for Three Years or Less:

• • The member must pay all outstanding dues.
  • A 20% penalty will be applied.
  • The member must satisfy the CPE requirements.

b. Lapsed for More Than Three Years but Five Years or Less:

• • The member must pay all outstanding dues.
  • A 20% penalty will be applied.
  • The member must sit for and pass the current CACM exam.
  • A CACM exam proctoring fee of USD 200 applies.

c. Lapsed for More Than Five Years:

• • The member must reapply to The AACI.
  • The member must meet the current CACM eligibility requirements.

4. Reinstatement Fees

4.1. Reinstatement Fee: A USD 250 reinstatement fee shall apply to all members seeking to reinstate a lapsed membership (for more than three years) or a suspended membership.

5. Membership Dues Audit Findings

5.1. Binding Audit Results: At all times, if The American Anti-Corruption Institute (AACI) conducts an audit of member dues and finds discrepancies or inaccuracies in computing the correct dues—whether resulting from software errors, system malfunctions, or any other cause—the audit findings conducted by The AACI shall be considered correct and binding.

5.2. Settlement of Audit Findings:

6. Hardship Consideration Policy

6.1. Eligibility for Hardship Consideration

• CACM members residing in countries experiencing extraordinary economic or financial crises may apply for a temporary exemption, reduction, or deferral of membership dues.
• The AACI shall determine eligible countries based on recognized international financial indicators, including but not limited to reports from the IMF, World Bank, or other authoritative economic bodies.

6.2. Application Process

• Affected members must submit a formal written request to The AACI and provide supporting documentation demonstrating their economic hardship.
• Applications shall be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and The AACI reserves the right to request additional evidence to assess eligibility.
• Approval of hardship requests is at The AACI’s sole discretion and subject to periodic review.

6.3. Relief Measures

Depending on the severity of the economic hardship, The AACI may grant one or more of the following:

• A partial or full waiver of membership dues for a specified period.
• An extended grace period before the member’s status changes to pending or lapsed.
• A reduced reinstatement fee for members whose membership lapsed or was suspended due to economic hardship.

6.4. Duration and Review

• Hardship relief is not permanent and shall be reviewed annually.
• Members benefiting from this policy must update The AACI on their financial situation if conditions improve.
• The AACI reserves the right to adjust or terminate hardship assistance based on economic recovery indicators or updated member circumstances.

For more information, contact membership@theaaci.com.