FAQs

Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) recognizes the academic achievement of college students and provides opportunities for its members to grow as scholars and leaders. Established in 1918, Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) has a presence on almost 1,300 community college campuses in 11 nations. The American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) recognized Phi Theta Kappa as the official honor society for two-year colleges in 1929. More than 4.3 million students have been inducted since 1918, with approximately 250,000 active members in the nation’s community colleges, making Phi Theta Kappa a true catalyst among members and colleges.

How can I become a member?

To join, you must receive an invitation from the Phi Theta Kappa chapter at your college. The local chapter determines eligibility, and requirements can vary by chapter. Contact your college’s PTK advisor using Advisor Search to determine if you are eligible.

*If you have been invited already and received your passcode, you can accept membership here.

What are the eligibility requirements?

• Be enrolled in an institution that has a Phi Theta Kappa chapter.
• Have completed at least 12 hours of coursework toward an associate or bachelor’s degree or at least 6 hours of coursework toward a 1-year certificate.
• Generally, have a cumulative 3.5 grade point average*
  *A chapter may raise eligibility standards, as long as they are in accordance with the Society’sConstitution.

What types of students are eligible?

Phi Theta Kappa members represent the diversity of community college students. Phi Theta Kappa members range from dually enrolled high school students to adult-learners making a career change to transfer and workforce students attending college for the first time. All types of students are welcome in PTK, as long as they meet the eligibility requirements.

How much does the membership cost?

Phi Theta Kappa’s membership fees are only paid once. The one-time fee consists of the international, regional and chapter fee. The international portion of the membership fee is $60. Regional and chapter fees vary by location. To find out your chapter’s specific fees, contact your chapter’s advisor using Advisor Search.

I can’t afford the membership fee before the deadline. What are my options?

If you need financial assistance, Golden Opportunity Scholarships help cover the international membership fee, and chapter and colleges may offer additional fee assistance. Reach out to the local PTK chapter advisor using Advisor Search.

What if my invitation has expired?

After the invitation's expiration date, you must contact the local PTK advisor to see if you are still eligible. If you are, your advisor can give you a new passcode to join.

Find your local advisor using the Advisor Search.

I received my invitation; how do I join?

Once you receive your invitation, you will access join.ptk.org to enter your passcode to join. Then, you’ll complete your application, and make your one-time membership payment.

What is required to maintain membership?

The only requirement will be to maintain your GPA to the chapter's maintenance GPA standards. For questions concerning your chapter’s maintenance GPA, contact your local chapter advisor using Advisor Search.

What are the benefits of joining?

From access to professional development and leadership courses at your own pace to PTK Connect, a robust tool for college transfer and scholarship search, membership in PTK offers numerous benefits that cater to members’ educational, professional, and personal growth. Learn more here.