The substance of recognition
What recognition confers
Recognition by the Association is a standing, not a subscription. What it confers follows from the way it is governed: earned on the evidentiary record and verifiable by anyone.
The higher recognition
Fellow (FMATDS)
Fellowship is the Association's highest recognition, conferred by peer election on a documented record of achievement. What it confers:
- The post-nominal FMATDS, used after your name.
- A standing designation, recorded on the Association's register.
- A verifiable credential, open to public verification at /verify.
- Your recognition is never listed in a public directory — it is confirmed only to those you share your credential ID with.
- Standing to nominate candidates and to vote in Fellow elections.
- Recognition among the peers who confer and uphold the standard.
The community foundation
Professional Member (MMITDS)
Professional Membership is an open, application-based recognition for established practitioners. What it confers:
- The post-nominal MMITDS, used after your name.
- A verifiable credential, open to public verification at /verify.
- Your recognition is never listed in a public directory — it is confirmed only to those you share your credential ID with.
- Access to the member portal and the professional community.
- A foundation of recognized standing in the field of trusted digital systems.
Professional Membership and Fellowship are independent forms of professional recognition. Membership is a community tier and does not, by itself, establish Fellowship eligibility.