In order to become a PGA member, you will need to become a registered apprentice and go through the PGA Professional Golf Management (PGA PGM) Program. To register into the PGA PGM Program, you must:

1. All individuals registering or re-registering as an apprentice must complete a Background Check. To complete the Background Check, click here.
2. Access the Qualifying Level Courses on the PGA Knowledge Center and pass the Qualifying Test. Click here for further details.
3. Satisfy the PAT requirement. For information click here.
   • PLEASE NOTE: You are encouraged to verify the expiration dates for the Qualifying Level Courses and the PAT requirement. These expiration dates are noted in the above links.
4. Meet the Eligible Employment requirements described:
   • Individuals shall be eligibly employed in one of the following classifications.
   • You must be full-time eligibly employed at the time of registration.
   • Participation in an amateur event will forfeit all work experience credits earned prior to the event.
5. An apprentice registration form verifying employment must be signed and submitted by you. Download the registration form.
6. Pay all apprentice fees. Click here to access our Fees Calculator.
7. Acceptable Progress is defined by successful completion of each Level's Checkpoint. In order to remain in good standing, the Level 1 Checkpoint must be successfully completed within two years of the Level 1 start date; the Level 2 Checkpoint must be successfully completed within four years of the Level 1 start date; and, the Level 3 Checkpoint must be successfully completed within six years of the Level 1 start date. Apprentices have eight years from their Level 1 start date to graduate from the PGA PGM Program and get elected to membership.
8. Have a high school diploma or be at least 18 years of age and have the equivalent of a high school education. You are eligible for educational credits toward PGA membership with a college degree.
9. Please contact one of the following companies to submit your diploma, certificate or degree if your education was completed in a country other than the United States of America:
   
   Josef Silny & Associates, Inc.
   7101 SW 102 Avenue
   Miami, FL 33173
   Phone: (305) 273-1616
   Fax: (305) 273-1338
   Translation Fax: (305) 273-1984
   

   World Education Services, Inc.
   P.O. Box 01-5060
   Miami, FL 33101
   Phone: (800) 937-3899 or (305) 358-6688
   
   

10. An individual must be either a U.S. Citizen or resident alien to be elected to PGA membership.
11. A total of 36 work experience credits must be earned in addition to fulfilling the PGA PGM Program. (One credit per month while eligibly employed full time.) 12 credits are awarded for a four year college degree and six credits for a two year college degree.

Amateur Status: Work experience earned prior to participating in an amateur event will be forfeited.

* Individuals previously terminated for failure to purchase the Level 1 Kit, must now access the Qualifying Level and pass the Qualifying Test to be eligible to register as an apprentice.

Note: All applicants are required to read and write in English to successfully complete the PGA Professional Golf Management Program.

If you have any questions concerning this information or requirements to become a PGA member, call PGA Membership Services at (800) 474-2776.