Currently, the PGM Associate Program is on version 3.1
An Associate must Elect to PGA of America Membership within seven years of their Level 1 start date.
Failure to complete a level within two years results in suspension
Failure to exit suspension within two years results in termination
Associates that registered for the Associate Program before January 1, 2026 must elect to PGA of America Membership within nine years of their Level 1 start date.
Create a PGA.org account
Register for the Qualifying Level ($200 - grants access for 9 months)
Complete the following requirements in any order:
a) Pass a background check
b) Complete online course reading manuals & quizzes
c) One of the following must be completed in regards to the Playing Ability Test (PAT):
Pass the 36-hole Playing Ability Test
Attempt the PAT at least once and shoot one 18-hole score in a PAT that is equal to or less than the PAT target score for 18- holes, plus 5 strokes. Note: Each PAT score has a validity date of eight years.
PAT Qualifying Score: Individuals may submit verification of a current handicap index less than ten, to satisfy the PAT Qualifying Score in order to register as an Associate.
d) Meet eligible employment requirements
To be eligible to register as an associate, individuals must be employed in an eligible position, within one of the approved classifications outlined HERE.
Individuals must have a high school diploma or be at least 18 years of age and have the equivalent of a high school education to be eligible to register.
Level Requirements:
Complete online course reading manuals & quizzes for:
Facility Management
Teaching & Coaching
Register and attend virtual education seminar
Seminar structure is Monday-Friday 8:00 AM CT to 5:00 PM CT
Complete online work experience portfolio (Facility Management & Teaching/Coaching)
Submit portfolio for grading, must have passing score to move on to next Level
Select one Education Track:
Executive Management
Golf Operations
Teaching & Coaching
Level Requirements:
Complete online course reading manuals & quizzes for selected education track
Register and attend in-person education seminar (Home of the PGA, Frisco, TX)
Seminar structure is Monday-Friday 8:00 AM CT to 5:00 PM CT
Complete online work experience portfolio
Submit portfolio for grading, must have passing score to move on to next Level
Level Requirements:
Complete online course reading manuals & quizzes for selected education track
Register and attend in-person education seminar (Home of the PGA, Frisco, TX)
Seminar structure is Monday-Friday 8:00 AM CT to 5:00 PM CT
Complete online work experience portfolio
Submit portfolio for grading, must have passing score to move on
Pass cumulative final exam (content from Level 1, 2, and 3)
Elect to PGA of America Membership
As a PGA Member, you have access to lifelong learning opportunities to continue your professional development. The purpose of the PGA Learning Strategy is to provide Lifelong Learning around specific career interests to elevate the perception, value propositions and recruitment of PGA of America Golf Professionals. Thus, the three career paths offered in the PGA Learning Strategy include Teaching/Coaching, Golf Operations, and Executive Management as a:
Specialized Professional
Certified Professional
Master Professional