Lone Star Parliamentarians

National Association of Parliamentarians

Home | National Association of Parliamentarians | Becoming a Member | Contact Us | Calendar of Events | Members Page | Meeting News | Links

What is NAP?

The National Association of Parliamentarians (NAP) was organized in 1930 and is recognized as the premier professional non‑profit association of parliamentarians.

The goals of NAP are to:

  •          Foster educational, scientific, literary and professional purposes of studying, teaching, promoting and disseminating the philosophy and principles underlying the rules of deliberative assemblies;
  •           Further the growing interest in parliamentary rules in both public and private schools at all levels;
  •           Create closer cooperation among parliamentarians;
  •          Teach and uphold the general principles of obedience to law and lend moral aid and strength to the parliamentary activities of its members; and
  •      Award such certification of proficiency as appropriate.

How Can I Become a Member?

To become a member of NAP, you must successfully pass a basic membership examination consisting of questions based on the current edition of Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised. All 100 test questions – true and false, matching, and multiple choice – are taken from a bank of 300 study questions covering the basics of parliamentary procedure and will include questions addressing:

  •       Precedence of motions;

  •       Contents of bylaws;

  •       Order of business;

  •       Steps in handling a motion; and

  •       Vote or action required for ranking motions.

A minimum score of 70 percent is required to pass the exam.

Study questions and answers for the membership exam are available through the NAP headquarters or website. Applications for testing and membership are included with the study materials.

Training for the exam can be obtained at NAP local unit meetings, association, district and national meetings. An introductory course in parliamentary procedure is available via the Internet or by mail from the University of Wisconsin Independent Learning.

How Will I Benefit from NAP Membership?

Networking – Members have the opportunity to discuss and exchange parliamentary information by participation in NAP local units, state associations and district activities.

Publications – A subscription to the National Parliamentarian is provided with membership. Quarterly issues highlight the latest information about the organization and contain numerous educational articles.

Educational Materials – An extensive supply of reference books, study aids, audio and video tapes, handbooks, reference cards and more are available for purchase. As a member, you will get early notice of the latest and most innovative material available

Seminars and Workshops – Information regarding seminars and workshops is available through local and state newsletters and flyers and the NAP website.

Conferences and Conventions – State and district conferences are scheduled as well as the Biennial NAP Convention. Once you attend an NAP convention, you will never want to miss one!

Professional Development – Membership in NAP is only the first step. Through further study and testing, a member can earn certification as a Registered Parliamentarian (RP), and then advance to the highest level of certification, Professional Registered Parliamentarian (PRP).

 

As a Parliamentarian You Can Be:

§         A meeting facilitator

§         An agenda planner

§         A meeting script writer

§         A professional presider

§         A minutes‑taking expert

§         A bylaws consultant

§         A procedure advisor

§         An election consultant

§         An officer orientation advisor

§         A parliamentary opinion writer

§         An expert witness regarding parlia­mentary procedure

§         A convention consultant

§         A seminar or workshop presenter

*  Lone Star Parliamentary Unit *
*  Garland, Texas *
*  Affiliate of the Texas State Association of Parliamentarians
and the National Association of Parliamentarians  *