Introduction

Membership with the Business Development Association (BDA) establishes a formal relationship between the Association and its members, whether individuals or institutions. As the global authority in business development, BDA defines the legal and ethical framework governing the rights and obligations of members, ensuring that the BDA community upholds professionalism, integrity, and compliance with international standards.

 

1. Scope of Membership

BDA membership is divided into two main categories:

1. Individual Membership – for professionals seeking access to resources, certifications, and the global BD community.

2. Institutional Membership – for universities, training centers, consulting firms, and organizations that wish to establish a strategic partnership with BDA and benefit from accreditations and services.

See: Types of Memberships

 

2. Rights of Members

Rights of Individual Members

• Access to educational resources, including the BDA BoCK® Guide, research, and case studies.

• Eligibility for discounts on certification and program fees.

• Inclusion in the official BDA Member Directory.

• Participation in BDA webinars, events, and professional networking opportunities.

• Eligibility to join advisory committees or working groups when invited.

Rights of Institutional Members

• The right to use the title “Institutional Member of BDA” in line with brand identity guidelines.

• Inclusion in the Institutional Member Directory.

• Eligibility to participate in BDA-approved research or consulting projects.

• Preferential pricing for staff or students applying for certifications or individual memberships.

• Priority consideration for regional and global partnership opportunities with BDA.

 

3. Obligations of Members

Obligations of Individual Members

• Adherence to the BDA Code of Conduct.

• Maintaining professional and ethical behavior when representing BDA or using its name.

• Timely payment of membership fees.

• Not using BDA’s name or logo for unauthorized commercial or personal purposes.

Obligations of Institutional Members

• Compliance with the BDA BoCK® standards when delivering programs or activities under the BDA name.

• Ensuring that their staff or students uphold BDA’s professional and ethical values.

• Using the BDA logo or the designation “Institutional Member” only in authorized contexts.

• Participation in periodic reviews conducted by BDA to ensure quality and membership continuity.

 

4. Membership Duration and Renewal

• Membership is valid for 12 months from the date of registration or renewal.

• Members will be notified of renewal deadlines at least 30 days before expiration.

• If membership is not renewed within the specified timeframe, benefits will be suspended until renewal is completed.

 

5. Suspension or Termination of Membership

BDA may suspend or revoke membership in cases such as:

• Breach of the BDA Code of Conduct or ethical policies.

• Failure to pay membership fees.

• Misuse of BDA’s name or logo.

• Submission of false or misleading information during registration.

 

6. Appeals and Complaints

• Members have the right to appeal any decision regarding their membership by submitting a formal request to BDA’s administration.

• Appeals are reviewed by an independent committee to ensure fairness and neutrality.

 See: BDA Code of Conduct

 

Conclusion

This agreement establishes the legal and ethical framework governing the relationship between BDA and its members. Adherence to the rights and obligations of membership ensures that the BDA community remains a global model of professionalism, transparency, and governance, and preserves the trust placed in BDA’s certifications and accreditations worldwide.

 

For more details:

• Membership Benefits

• Contact Us