“

Leads from PATCA have more than paid for my dues over the years, primarily from clients finding my listing or the link to my site in the online directory.”

- PATCA Member

Home > Join PATCA > Membership Process

Membership Process

Membership Categories
Application Process and Fees
Reference Letters

PATCA takes great pride in the high caliber of our members. We invite experienced consultants in all fields, as well as new consultants, to join the oldest professional consulting organization of its kind, which helped define ethical standards for the consulting industry.

Applicants are encouraged to attend a monthly program to meet other PATCA members. If you're unable to attend a PATCA program, you may wish to contact an existing member to gain a better understanding of the value in joining our organization, or to discuss any questions you may have. Newer consultant members benefit from our successful mentorship program and the Kickstart Club. Prospective consultants are also most welcome to attend PATCA meetings to explore consulting as a career choice.

Membership Categories

There are four main categories of PATCA membership:

Full Membership: Designed for full-time consultants who have been practicing for at least one year prior to the time of application, or for at least three out of the six years prior to application and who intend to continue in the practice of consulting. As a full Member, your rights, privileges and services include: client leads through PATCA's Post a Project client referral system; full listing in PATCA's online Searchable Member Directory; Mentor Program for newer consultants; online access to members-only knowledge base; legislative updates; participation in annual consulting rates and practices survey; discounts on PATCA dinner meetings, seminars, mixers, and other events; preferential pricing on certain services offered to PATCA members; listing in printed Member Directory (mailed annually to over 3500 prospective clients); one vote at all PATCA membership meetings and in all elections; Member-to-Member email communications concerning PATCA and the business of consulting; volunteering, holding elective office and participating in or chairing a committee. Annual dues for Full Members: $395.

Associate Membership: Designed for consultants who provide services on a part-time basis, or consultants who have been providing services full-time for less than one continuous year prior to application, or who have provided services for less than three out of the six years prior to application. Rights, privileges and election to membership are the same as listed above for Members. Associates need to have had at least one consulting contract for a fee prior to application. Annual dues for Associate Members: $395.

Affiliate Membership: Designed for individual consultants who do not wish to participate in the PATCA Directory or Referral Service. Affiliates enjoy the following privileges of membership: legislative updates; participation in annual consulting rates and practices survey; discounts on PATCA dinner meetings, seminars, mixers, and other events; preferential pricing on certain services offered to PATCA members; Member-to-Member email communications concerning PATCA and the business of consulting; credibility with clients from a professional association membership. Affiliates may not vote in general elections, hold an elective office, chair a committee, or receive client referrals. They are listed in the Directory by name only. Annual dues for Affiliate Members: $125. 

Company Membership: Available to groups of consultants (e.g. organizations, corporations, proprietorships or partnerships). A group may qualify for membership as either a full Company Member or as an Associate Company Member. Brokers, or broker like companies, may not be company members. Annual dues for a Company Membership are set at a minimum of $790, which covers the listing of up to two individuals. There is an additional fee of $270 for each "listed" individual beyond two as described in the Benefits Section. There are no other fees associated with company membership.

Three additional membership categories honor our distinguished members:

Fellow: An individual elected by the PATCA Board of Directors who has demonstrated unique competence in consulting, or who has made significant contributions to the consulting profession or to the development of PATCA.

In 1997, Dennis Paull and Roger Dorr were awarded lifetime memberships in recognition of their unique contribution as the founders of PATCA.

Senior Member: An individual elected by the PATCA Board of Directors who has been a full-time practicing consultant and member of PATCA for at least five years, and who has demonstrated dedication to the consulting profession. Applicants for this status submit five client references, which are verified prior to approval.

Emeritus Member: An individual who has been a PATCA Member or Associate for eight continuous years before retiring from consulting, and who wishes to remain active in the association and to continue volunteering their services. Emeritus members are reviewed annually and must be approved by the PATCA Board of Directors. 

Application Process and Fees

Please provide letters of reference with your completed application. PATCA requests:

Full Member: 3 references from current or former clients
Associate Member: 3 references from clients or professional colleagues
Company Member: 6 references from current or former clients
Associate Company Member: 3 references from clients or professional colleagues

The PATCA office will provide a template for your reference letters (see below).

Applications fees are $75 for Associate, Member or Company status and $35 for Affiliate.

Once we receive your letters of reference, the Membership Committee will review your application. Upon approval, you'll receive a welcome letter and annual dues invoice. The application process usually takes 1-3 weeks.

Upon approval of membership, your application fee will be CREDITED to your first year of membership dues.

Click here for a printable Membership Application.

OR

Click here to fill out a secure on-line form.

Reference Letters

Some membership applicants have asked for a sample or template of a professional reference letter, to be able to include their client references with their application. You may also call the PATCA office to have them fax or mail a copy to you.

Click here for a printable Sample Reference Letter.

You can also send the following link to your professional references so they may submit a letter online.

Online Reference Letter.

Thank you for your interest in joining PATCA, the premier association of professional and technical consultants!  We look forward to receiving your application.