Alliance membership is not required for accreditation but certain levels of membership offer substantial savings on accreditation fees. Membership dues are billed separately from Accreditation fees.

Accreditation Application

There is no fee to apply.

Self-Study

A review fee is due at the time the Self-Study is submitted and is based on the museum’s Alliance membership status at that time. The review fee covers the costs associated with the administration of a museum’s re/accreditation review. Payment is online by credit card at the time of submission; otherwise contact the Accreditation Program staff at accreditation@aam-us.org.  

No refunds or adjustments to the fee will be made once the Self-Study is submitted.

Premier and Plus Organizational Members: $2875

Essential Organizational Members: $3450

Tier 1 (legacy*): $5175

Non-members: $6900

* Note that AAM is phasing out Tier 1 memberships by 2027, and while some organizations currently have this membership type, it is no longer available for purchase or renewal.

Site Visit Expenses

The museum is responsible for expenses related to the accreditation site visit: travel, accommodation, meals, and related incidentals for two peer reviewers for a 1.5 – 3 day visit. Very large museum systems may require three reviewers. Site visit expenses are reimbursed to the peer reviewers by the Alliance and the Alliance invoices the museum a few weeks after the site visit.

Costs vary based on museum location, number of days, mode of travel, etc.

We suggest museums budget at least $3,000 to cover both peer reviewers’ expenses, as travel costs continue to rise.

Annual Participation Fee

Participants pay a participation fee each year except the year their Self-Study is due (pay the Review Fee instead— see Self-Study above). The amount is based on the museum’s Alliance membership status at the time of billing (usually in September) and the fee covers the following calendar year.

Read more about the Annual Participation Fee.

Premier and Plus Organizational Members: Waived ($0)

Essential Organizational Members: $135

Tier 1 (legacy*): $250

Non-members: $275

* Note that AAM is phasing out Tier 1 memberships by 2027, and while some organizations currently have this membership type, it is no longer available for purchase or renewal.

Nonpayment of fees may jeopardize the museum’s accredited status.

Pay your invoice online

Go to https://www.aam-us.org/customerservice/makepayment

Any museum staff member can log in using their own username and password to pay the museum’s invoice online.