Steps to Become a Member and Get Certified
Review MRAA Membership Information
Before applying, review the Music Recognition Awards and Accolades Association of America (MRAA) website to understand the membership options, certification levels, award process, and recognition standards.
Step 1: Submit Membership Application
Complete the MRAA membership application and pay the required $20.00 non-refundable application fee. This application helps MRAA screen potential members and review basic eligibility before approval. Click to submit membership application.
Step 2: Application Review
MRAA reviews each application to confirm that the applicant is a legitimate artist, creator, influencer, label, brand, business, or entertainment professional seeking recognition through the MRAA system. You will receive email response after review.
Step 3: Receive Membership Approval
If approved, the applicant will receive a payment link or invoice for the annual membership fee.
Membership fees are billed yearly:
Individual Membership: $200 per year
Business / Label Membership $400 per year
Step 4: Activate Your Membership
Once the annual membership fee is paid, MRAA will activate the membership and may create a member profile or member record for the approved applicant.
Step 5: Submit Certification Request and pay fee(s)
After becoming a member, the applicant may request certification for a release, artist, influencer, brand, label, business, or qualifying achievement. Click to submit certification application and fee.
Step 6: Certification Review and Authentication
MRAA reviews the submitted information using its structured certification process. This may include reviewing submitted records, public-facing numbers, platform data, social media activity, metadata, screenshots, reports, and other supporting documentation.
Step 7: Certification Decision
After review, MRAA will determine whether the submitted information supports the requested certification level.
MRAA may:
Approve the certification
Request additional information
Deny the request if the information is incomplete, unverifiable, or does not meet certification standards.
Step 8: Receive Official Certification
If approved, MRAA will issue an official certification record, which may include:
Certified number
Recipient name
Release or achievement title
Certification level
Certification date
Digital verification record
Official MRAA certification page
Step 9: Choose Award or Plaque Option
Purchase of an award, plaque, or commemorative display is optional and solely at the discretion of the certified member. Approved members may choose to order a physical plaque, framed award, or display piece through a preferred independent framer or authorized award provider. Physical awards, framing, premium display options, shipping, handling, and any related fulfillment costs are separate from MRAA certification fees and may be billed directly by the selected provider. To purchase, click here!
Non-Member Certification Bypass
MRAA membership is the preferred pathway for artists, labels, creators, influencers, brands, and entertainment professionals seeking certification. However, applicants who do not wish to become annual members may request certification through the Non-Member Certification Bypass option.
This option allows a qualified applicant to submit a certification request without purchasing an annual MRAA membership.
Non-Member Certification Fee
The Non-Member Certification Bypass Fee is $700.00 per certification request.
This fee is separate from any optional physical plaque, framed award, shipping, premium display, or third-party fulfillment costs.
What the Fee Covers
The non-member certification fee may cover:
Certification request review
Application screening
Data and documentation review
Public number comparison
Certification processing
Certified number assignment
Digital certification record
Public certification listing, if approved
Important Notice
Payment of the non-member certification fee does not guarantee approval. All certification requests remain subject to MRAA review, authentication standards, documentation requirements, and final approval.
MRAA may approve the request, deny the request, or request additional documentation before issuing certification.
Apply for Non-Member Certification
Applicants may submit a certification request using the official MRAA application form:
Optional Award or Plaque
Purchase of an award, plaque, or commemorative display is optional and solely at the discretion of the certified applicant. Physical awards, framing, shipping, premium display options, and related fulfillment costs are separate from MRAA certification fees and may be billed directly by the selected provider.