The American Society of Perfumers
Membership Guidelines
The Society offers several membership categories, including Full Member and Supporter Member:
Full Membership via Apprenticeship
Candidates must apply as Apprentice Members, be employed at a fragrance company, enrolled in an apprenticeship program, and sponsored by a perfumer who is already a Full Member. The apprenticeship program lasts three years, after which, candidates may be considered for acceptance as Full Members. For candidates that are already recognized as professionally trained perfumers, they can apply without the need of an apprenticeship. Ready to take the next step? Prospective candidates may request a Membership Application from the Society, any active member, or the administrator at admin@perfumers.org. Completed applications must be submitted by October 1st to be considered during that year’s enrollment period. All applications are first reviewed by the Board’s Membership Committee, prior to be sent to the Board for consideration, and finally, submitted to the Active Full Members for a vote of approval.
Supporter Membership
Candidates must be professionals of the fragrance industry, including those working at fragrance houses, raw material suppliers, students enrolled in relevant perfumery or chemistry-related programs, or individuals otherwise involved in the field of perfumery.
The Supporter Membership will officially launch on June 22, 2026, at the World Perfumery Congress in Monterey, CA. Unlike Full Membership, Supporter Membership applications will be submitted through an online application, available at launch date. Applications will be reviewed by the Board, with approval decisions communicated within 30 business days. Supporter membership does not confer recognition, endorsement or validation of perfumery skills or professional status by ASP.
Educating & Becoming a Perfumer
In recent times multiple institutes of Perfumery have become available. Historically, perfumery schools have been closely held in house at most of our prominent industry fragrance houses. With the growing interest and enthusiasm on going in the perfumery field this has begun to branch out into independent schools with accreditation from our industry companies, acknowledgement from government and our organizations. Below is a list of some of these schools all located currently in Europe. See additional information below for US based certificate only programs.
Higher education institution in the field of perfume, cosmetics, and flavouring.
Ecole Supérieure du Parfum, School of creation & management in the perfume industry
Grasse Institute of Perfumery
University of Le Havre
Master FOQUAL (formulation-analysis-quality) option flavouring and perfume Additionally there are new school curriculums with introduction courses in the the field located in the United States as listed below.
The Creative Fragrance Development Certificate Program is more of an introduction into the fragrance industry and gives an overall insight into the creative process and marketing aspects of fragrance. Good as an exploration into the world of perfumery.
Pratt Institute’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies proudly collaborates with Cinquième Sens to be the exclusive New York City provider of the Certificate Program in Advanced Perfumery. Additionally, we offer a Fragrance Creation Workshop, a hands-on opportunity to explore the artistic work of perfumers and make your own perfume.
