Full disclosure: this post is all about encouraging you to become a member of IDPro®. They didn’t ask me to write it, but they’re a client, and I’ve been a fan long before we started working together.
If your company has a digital presence, at some level, you’re a technology company. That might not seem obvious if you’re running a retail chain or a healthcare clinic, but it’s true. The systems that underpin your operations—whether they’re managing customer logins, ensuring secure employee access, or verifying partner identities—are deeply rooted in the principles of digital identity.
And yet, for many organizations, the people working on these systems may not even realize they’re part of a larger field called “identity management.” They’re solving complex problems in access control, authentication, and identity proofing—often in isolation, without the benefit of shared best practices or peer guidance. That inefficiency? It makes me sad—especially because there’s a better way.
That’s where professional organizations like IDPro come in. I’ve been an IDPro member since long before I started contracting with them, and their value to practitioners and companies alike is impressive.
Why IDPro?
What is IDPro? It’s a professional association dedicated to fostering ethics and excellence in digital identity management. It provides tools, resources, and a vibrant community for anyone working in this space, whether they’re seasoned veterans or just discovering that identity is part of their job.
IDPro offers a lot:
1. A Vendor-Neutral Body of Knowledge
IDPro’s freely available Body of Knowledge (BoK) is a Big Deal. It’s a Creative Commons-licensed, vendor-neutral resource designed to help identity practitioners level up their expertise. Whether you’re trying to understand the basics of multi-factor authentication or grappling with complex federation protocols, the BoK offers practical, accessible guidance. I helped design the publication process, ensuring the BoK includes only the best, peer-reviewed material in the field.
2. CIDPRO® Certification
For companies that want to invest in their staff’s professional development, the CIDPRO certification is an excellent foundation-level credential. It’s built by practitioners, for practitioners, and is designed to validate a broad understanding of identity management concepts. Certified employees bring enhanced credibility and capability to their organizations. There are great resources on the website that walks you through what the exam is like and the material it covers. You can even sign up to take a test exam!
3. A Thriving Community
IDPro’s member-only virtual discussions are some of the most valuable professional conversations I’ve had. The organization fosters a community where identity practitioners can exchange ideas, troubleshoot challenges, and share best practices in a thoughtful and respectful environment. This sense of connection is invaluable, especially in a field as fast-changing and complex as identity management. From authentication and IGA to identipets (because what’s a community without pet photos?), the channels are where some of the best identity conversations—and laughs—happen.
4. Advocacy and Networking
IDPro isn’t just about individual growth—it’s about lifting the entire field of identity management. From advocating for the industry with policymakers to hosting facilitated gatherings at major conferences like Identiverse, IDPro helps promote the conversation around identity while providing meaningful networking opportunities. Whether it’s a hallway chat at a conference or a casual meetup at the pub, the networking opportunities here are second to none.
Why Companies Should Care
When companies invest in organizations like IDPro, they’re not just supporting their employees—they’re ensuring their own success. Digital identity is foundational to security, compliance, and customer trust. By giving your teams access to IDPro’s resources, certification programs, and community, you’re equipping them to solve identity challenges more effectively. Go, team!
And let’s not forget: investing in professional development helps attract and retain top talent. Identity professionals who feel supported and connected are more likely to stay with your organization and bring their best to the table.
A Call to Action
If you’re reading this and wondering if IDPro membership is right for your organization, of COURSE it is. I would go so far as to say that if you’re not ready to dive into the deep end of standards development, this is a great way to start engaging with the smartest people in the identity world. Every company with a digital presence has a stake in the future of identity management; IDPro is the best partner I can imagine to help you navigate that future. Membership offers value at every level, from individual practitioners to corporate teams.
Seriously, get your company an IDPro membership—you won’t regret it. And when you do, tell the team at membership@idpro.org that I sent you!