Membership is voluntary.
Members are required to meet standards of education, experience, examination and ethics. The FPIA Board is composed of a President, Senior Vice President, six Board members. Separate Committees are responsible for reviewing membership approvals, complaints and discipline. Between 1987 and 1990, the organization developed its constitution, standards and education programs. In 1995, the IAFP entered into negotiations with the CFP Board and became an official member of the International CFP Council in 1996.