Membership

FAQs

This is where you can get answers to frequently asked questions. If you don't find the answer here, e-mail SAE Customer Service at CustomerService@sae.org.

Q: What's my membership status?
A: It's easy to find out your membership status with the MyMember Info section of the website. This is a member's only area. Simply log in and go to the Membership button on the homepage, click on the MyMember info button and you'll get loads of useful information about your membership, including your dues status.

Q: Who are SAE members?
A: SAE members design, manufacture, test, market, and maintain self-propelled land, sea, air, and space vehicles, their components and systems. Engineers from every technical discipline and the professionals who work closely with them improve vehicle efficiency, performance, reliability, and safety. Many SAE members are leaders in the field who serve as key resources for the engineering community.

Q: Who is SAE and what does it do?
A: SAE International is a group of nearly 90,000 engineers, business executives, educators, and students from more than 97 countries form our network of members who share information and exchange ideas for advancing the engineering of mobility systems. More than 16,000 volunteer leaders serve on our Board of Directors and our many other boards, councils and committees. Our technical committees write more new aerospace and automotive engineering standards than any other standards-writing organization in the world. We publish thousands of technical papers and books each year, and leading-edge periodicals and Internet and CD-ROM products too. Our Cooperative Research Program helps facilitate projects that benefit the mobility industry as a whole. Numerous meetings and expositions provide worldwide opportunities to network and share information. We also offer a full complement of professional development activities such as seminars, workshops, and continuing education programs. The meetings and activities of local sections provide an opportunity to network with colleagues near you.

Services for the public and the profession
Every day, we demonstrate our commitment to society through local, national, and international public awareness programs that promote vehicle safety and maintenance and energy resource conservation. Through the SAE Foundation, we are also deeply involved in the engineering-related education of children, teachers, college students, and faculty. Industry and faculty awards provide recognition to outstanding contributors in the profession.

Since its founding in 1905, SAE's dedicated people, strong technical base, and vision have helped serve the professional needs of engineers and the transportation needs of humanity. We are clearly poised to continue that role into the 21st century.

Q: Can companies become a member of SAE.
A: No. SAE is an organization of individual members and corporate membership is not available.

Q: Do I qualify for membership/affiliation?
A: If you have a degree in engineering, math, science or have another professional degree or are a professional working within the mobility field, then you qualify. Even if you don't have a college degree you can become a member of SAE!

Q: If I join today when will my membership expire?
A: Your membership will expire 12 months from the time you are elected into membership.

Q: How much does it cost to join SAE?
A: The membership fee for the first year is $90.00 plus a one-time initiation fee of $10.00. Join online for $90.00 US, a savings of $10.00!

Q: What are the grades of membership?
A: The grades of regular membership available for SAE involvement are: Member, Affiliate, and student membership.

Member Grade
Established engineers, scientists, and other professionals that have a qualified college or university degree in engineering. Individuals with a Member grade are entitled to vote on matters submitted to a vote of the membership.

Affiliate Grade
Anyone whose affiliation supports the objectives of SAE but does not meet the requirements for Member grade.

Student Membership
Individuals who at the time of application, are full-time college students pursuing studies leading to any associate, bachelor, masters, or doctoral degree.

Q: How do you decide what grade to give an applicant?
A: SAE applicants are reviewed to determine their experience, level of engineering involvement and educational background before they are accepted and assigned a membership grade.

Q: Is there a cost to change my member grade?
A: No, there's no charge. Just complete the membership grade change form online including your member number and click "Process my Form."

Q: I am unemployed but I still want to keep my membership, what can I do?
A: Members/affiliates who become unemployed can opt to pay half their regular dues for a maximum of two consecutive years. To take advantage of this rate, simply write your request in your member dues renewal form or attach a note.

Q: How much does it cost to renew my dues?
A: $90.00 annually. Pay online and receive an additional $5.00 reduction. For more information click here.

Q: How can I pay my membership dues?
A: There are several options for paying your dues. You can complete your dues renewal form online, update and mail or fax the dues renewal you received in the mail, or call 1-877-606-7323. Pay your dues online now and receive a $5 discount.

Q: What are the benefits of sponsoring new members?
A: SAE organizes several campaigns throughout the year to reward those who sponsor new members into SAE. To view this year's special incentives, click here.

Q: Is there a discount offered for membership when a large number of applicants from the same company apply together?
A: Yes! Companies that have 10 or more prospective members, may take advantage of the Big 10 program. Each new applicant pays just $80.00 for the first year of membership, enjoying a savings of $20.00 off regular dues. Membership in subsequent years will be the regular $90.00 rate. Big 10 members enjoy all the benefits SAE offers and are encouraged to participate in local section activities. If you are interested in the Big 10 program please contact Customer Service at CustomerService@sae.org or call 1-877-606-7323 (US & Canada) or 724-776-4970 (outside US & Canada).

Q: Do I get a receipt after paying my renewal dues?
A: A receipt will be attached to the membership card you will receive in the mail after you pay your dues.

Q: What's a Company Representative?
A: Company Reps are SAE ambassadors who serve as information resources for SAE members and nonmembers. They help spread information about the benefits of SAE and receive important information first, in addition to signing up new members, routing timely SAE notices, supplying necessary forms, and answering questions that co-workers may have about SAE programs and activities. If you'd like to become a Company Rep at your worksite, call 724-772-7138 or visit the SAE Company Representatives web page.

Q: What is a Fellow Grade of Membership?
A: This membership grade is a prestigious grade established to recognize individuals for extraordinary leadership, creativity, and accomplishments in science, engineering, and technology covered by SAE. SAE Members nominate their colleagues for this grade. For more information on the Fellow Grade, click here.

Q: I'm thinking of authoring a technical paper, what should I do?
A: Authoring technical papers enhances your professional credentials and gives your company recognition for its accomplishments. For information on submitting a technical paper, contact Engineering Meetings at meetings@sae.org or call 724-772-7162.

Q: How do I add my name in the Resume Database System?
A: It's FREE and easy for SAE members! You can register online at www.sae.org/careers/ordregister.htm.

Q: How do I get involved in SAE Committees?
A: There's more than 16,000 professionals that volunteer on more than 750 SAE aerospace and ground vehicle committees. Technical and engineering members receive up-to-date developments, work with industry leaders and direct technological progress. For more information or to join one of these committees, contact Engineering Meetings at meetings@sae.org or call 724-772-7151.

Q: What types of awards & recognition are available through SAE?
A: There are over 60 award and recognition programs that provide peer recognition for professionals who demonstrate outstanding achievements in the design, engineering, and production of vehicles used for land, sea, air and space applications and their components, systems, and materials. Members are encouraged to nominate fellow SAE members for the award and recognition programs. For more information contact the SAE Awards Program Office at awards@sae.org or call 1-724-772-8534.