Frequently Asked Questions
The greatest value of ICMA membership is professional development. Whether you're a card manufacturer, personalizer, supplier, issuer, representative, affiliate or consultant, ICMA helps you advance your expertise, grow your career and stay competitive in a rapidly evolving industry. Members benefit from a full suite of resources, including certification programs, training and webcasts, industry publications, member news and exclusive access to events like the annual EXPO and CardTREX. With added opportunities for networking, recognition and standards representation, ICMA equips you to lead with confidence and shape the future of the global card industry.
ICMA’s membership is for companies, and therefore the benefits can be used by all employees of your company. However, your membership only applies to your particular office location, and any other branch location must join separately. There is a branch membership available for a reduced fee as long as one location of your company maintains a full membership.
ICMA members come from more than 40 countries worldwide, representing every continent and market region in the world.
Search our online Member Directory.
Build Skills. Gain Credentials. Lead What’s Next.
ICMA’s professional development programs are built for real-world impact—designed by industry experts, delivered by leaders and trusted around the globe.
ICMA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AT A GLANCE
ACE PROGRAM: Your Path to Professional Mastery
Industry-recognized certification for technical professionals in:
- ACE-M: Manufacturing
- ACE-P: Personalization
- ACE-A: Advanced Technologies
You’ll Learn:
- Core and advanced knowledge of materials, processes, and security
- Practical expertise you can use immediately
ACE credentials boost credibility, unlock new opportunities and validate your expertise.
CITE PROGRAM: From Expert to Executive
The Certified ICMA Technical Executive Program develops rising leaders with strong technical roots.
You’ll Learn:
- Business strategy, executive thinking, and cross-functional leadership
- Industry trends and innovation drivers
Transform from a technical expert into a strategic leader who drives change and inspires teams.
ICMA MENTORSHIP PROGRAM: Support. Promote. Inspire.
Connect with a mentor—or become one—to grow leadership skills and expand your impact.
You’ll Gain:
- Personalized career guidance
- A broader network and new leadership perspective
Mentorship accelerates growth and strengthens the industry for everyone.
ACE-COMMERCIAL: Foundational Knowledge for Customer-Facing Roles
Online, on-demand training built for sales, service and support teams.
You’ll Learn:
- Card manufacturing and personalization basics
- Customer service best practices
Improve communication, strengthen client trust and elevate performance—at every level.
ICMA Career Center: Opportunity Starts Here
ICMA’s Career Center connects top talent with leading employers across the global card industry—your go-to destination for hiring or job hunting.
What You’ll Gain:
- Access top talent and employers across card manufacturing and personalization organizations.
- Discover new roles, sharpen your skills and advance your professional journey in the global card industry.
Invest in Your Growth
Whether you're on the production floor or the executive track, ICMA gives you the tools to grow with purpose.
ICMA Membership = Professional Momentum
ICMA's annual Card Manufacturing & Personalization EXPO and CardTREX event offer exhibit and sponsorship opportunities (discounted rates for members). Suppliers can also submit abstracts for consideration to present at these events. Card Manufacturing magazine accepts articles, product releases and advertisements. Suppliers can also showcase their products and services in advertisements on our website and in our e-newsletters.
ICMA maintains standards representation on ISO and ANSI committees and working groups via an official representative, who authors card standards reports (free for members) and standards articles in Card Manufacturing magazine.
ICMA members must refrain from discussing the financial aspects of their business pertaining to disclosure of prices, profits, commissions, discounts, purchase agreements, contracts, costs or any other matter which could be construed as causing injury to a competitor or of unreasonably restraining trade.