Information for Graduating SOMA Members

Membership forms and an information package relating to registration, insurance etc will be mailed to all SOMA students completing their studies at the end of 2009. The AOA adapts its usual procedures on Qualifications and Registration for SOMA students wishing to join the Association immediately after graduating. Refer to Qualifications and Registration below.Membership fees
The membership year runs from 1 July – 30 June. New members are charged at a pro rata rate depending on the month joined.  See fees table below for SOMA Student membership fees for 09/10.

Membership Type
As a Graduate your membership type is 1st Year in Practice. This applies to both 09/10 and 10/11 membership years giving up to 18 months membership at the 1st Year in Practice rate depending which month you apply.

Joining Fee
Current SOMA members are exempt from the $165 joining fee. 

Qualifications
The AOA will receive a list of graduating students direct from the University and will accept this as evidence of your qualification for membership application purposes.  Once you receive your formal qualification you just send a copy to us.

Registration
Current Registration is a condition of membership of the AOA.  
If you are registering in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and WA there is no need to provide a copy of your Certificate of Registration with your application. This is because we can search the online registers for evidence of your registration. As with your qualifications, we just need you to send us a copy of the certificate of registration later.

If you are registering in the ACT, Northern Territory, Tasmania the AOA requires a copy of your Certificate of Registration or letter of Deemed Registration before we can process your membership application. This is because we are unable to search on line in these states.

Insurance
To take advantage of the reduced Professional Indemnity Insurance with Guild you will need to give them a new membership number which will be issued by the AOA after Registration has been confirmed.  Your Student membership number does not entitle you to the reduced Professional Indemnity Insurance.

NEXT STEPS – Contact the AOA regarding submitting your application. Please submit your membership application form with payment (see fees table below).

All Graduating Students:    At this stage there is no need to submit a copy of your Educational qualification (see Qualifications for details) Those Registering In NSW, QLD and VIC: At this stage there is no need to submit a copy of your Certificate of Registration with your application (see Registration for details)

Membership Fees
1st Year in Practice - Current SOMA Members