Key dates for the FAPA/IFAPA cycle, approval and recognition process

Process

1. Login

Click the "User Login" button and enter your username and password. Your username is the primary email address associated with your active APA account.

2. Create

Create your online application by clicking on the "Dashboard" and select the "Fellowship of the American Psychiatric Association (FAPA)" application on the drop down box.

3. Save

During the FAPA application cycle, your application can be saved as DRAFT until all the required information is completed. As each section is complete, you will see a appear in the category tab when the application is saved. At any time, you can download and print your application by clicking on the icon in the Application Summary section.

4. Submit

On completion, save your application as FINAL. Download and print a copy of your application for your records by clicking on the icon in the Application Summary section in the right column. Note: If an update is required prior to the Application closing, you can make the update and resave as FINAL.

If you require assistance or additional information, please contact your district branch or membership@psych.org.

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to frequently asked questions about the FAPA application cycle.

What are the requirements for becoming an APA Fellow (FAPA)?

To be eligible for Fellow of the APA (FAPA) or International Fellow of the APA (IFAPA) status, you must have either at least three years of General Membership, held board certification at any time, or served in a psychiatric leadership role within a national, district branch, or international psychiatric association for more than five years.

The application cycle runs annually from February 15 to September 1. After the deadline, your application will be reviewed by the Membership Committee and voted on by the Board of Trustees in late December.

• View more about APA Fellows

What are the requirements for becoming an APA International Fellow (IFAPA)?

To be eligible for International Fellow (IFAPA) status, you must be a current APA International Member in good standing with at least three years of APA membership, or have three years of membership in good standing as a Member or Fellow of the Royal Australian & New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, the Royal College of Psychiatrists (UK), or your national or local psychiatric organization. A letter of verification on the organization’s letterhead is required and must be in English or accompanied by a certified English translation.

You must also hold board certification in psychiatry or an equivalent, if such certification exists in your country.

The application cycle runs annually from February 15 to September 1. After the deadline, your application will be reviewed by the Membership Committee and voted on by the Board of Trustees in late December.

Please note, individuals from countries subject to comprehensive U.S. Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctions (including Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria, and the Crimea Region of Ukraine) are eligible to receive information and informational materials only, as allowed under OFAC exemptions, and are ineligible to apply for honorary designations.

• View more about APA Fellows

I believe I may qualify for APA Distinguished Fellow (DFAPA/IDFAPA). What are the requirements?

To be eligible for Distinguished Fellow (DFAPA) or International Distinguished Fellow (IDFAPA) status, you must have at least eight years of General Membership, hold board certification at any time, and be nominated by your local District Branch.

Additionally, you must submit three letters of support from current Distinguished Fellows or Distinguished Life Fellows and demonstrate significant contributions in at least five of the ten categories outlined in the Involvement & Activities section of the application. Note: International Distinguished Fellows are required to submit two letters of support from current Distinguished Fellows or Distinguished Life Fellows and one optional letter from an APA Member.

The application cycle runs annually from February 15 to July 1. After the deadline, your District Branch has 15 days to provide comments and a recommendation. Your application will then be reviewed by the Membership Committee and voted on by the Board of Trustees in late December.

• View more about APA Distinguished Fellows

• Watch our video on how to apply for DFAPA/IDFAPA

• Contact your local District Branch for nomination

• DFAPA Online Application

How do I maintain my Fellow (FAPA/IFAPA) status?

To maintain your honorary designation, your membership must remain active. If your membership lapses, your designation will be suspended. Once you reinstate your membership, your designation will be automatically restored—no additional steps required.

Can I submit a CV or resume instead of completing the application, or send my application by email?

No. CVs or resumes are not accepted in place of the application. Applications must be completed and submitted through the online application for consideration. Please refer to the "How to Apply" tab that details the steps on how to create and submit your application.

Do the three years of membership need to be consecutive?

Effective January 1, 2023, no. The required three years of General Membership do not need to be consecutive. Please note that Medical Student and Resident-Fellow membership years do not count toward the minimum requirement.

What's the difference between DFAPA and FAPA?

Those applying to become a Fellow of the APA are self-nominated. Distinguished Fellows are nominated by their district branches before being recommended for approval by the APA Membership Committee and voted upon by the Board of Trustees. Candidates for this category must meet more comprehensive criteria, including significant achievement in several areas of psychiatry, and must obtain letters of recommendation.