The system of Druid training offered by AODA has important features in common with study programs operated by several other Druid organizations. The presence of common themes and interests through much of the modern Druid movement makes such parallels as inevitable as they are welcome. Since AODA's focus is on the development of a personal path of Druid nature spirituality by each member, AODA's Grand Grove has chosen to recognize work done in comparable study programs as an equivalent of work done in the AODA system of training.

Members of AODA who have completed work in other organizations may be able to qualify for advancement in AODA by presenting documentation showing that the work has been done, and paying the usual fees for each degree.

First Degree

Any member of AODA who completes a training program in another Druid order or organization that covers essentially the same ground as AODA’s First Degree program may petition to receive the First Degree from AODA on that basis. To qualify as an equivalent to the First Degree, a Druid training program must include at least the following features:

• A time frame of one year or longer to complete;
• Study of Druid myth, symbolism and philosophy;
• Instruction in meditation;
• The celebration of the seasons through ceremonies;
• Practical activities for living more lightly on the Earth.

Any program approved for First Degree transfer credit for one member may be used thereafter by any other member of AODA for transfer credit on submission of appropriate proof of completion. The regular initiation fee for the First Degree must be paid by members receiving the degree through transfer credit.

Currently approved programs that can be used for First Degree transfer credit include the Bardic Grade of the Order of Bards Ovates and Druids (OBOD) and the Dedicant program of Ar nDraiocht Fein (ADF).

Second Degree

Any member of AODA who completes a training program in another Druid order or organization that comprises essentially the same amount of work needed to qualify for AODA’s Second Degree program may petition to have that work qualify as a self-designed Second Degree program and receive the Second Degree on that basis. Currently approved programs that can be used for Second Degree transfer credit in this way include the Ovate and Druid Grades of OBOD.

As with any other person receiving Second Degree via a self-designed program, however, a member who has earned Second Degree in this way will not be qualified to receive a charter for an AODA study group. To receive a charter for an AODA study group, the applicant must go on to complete all of the steps specified in the first option of the Ovate, Bardic, or Druid Work of the Second Degree as given above. No other requirements of the Second Degree must be met, and the time requirement of two years will be waived, but this training must be completed before a charter can be issued.

Third Degree

Third Degree is never given by transfer credit.  If you’ve got the chops to be an AODA Druid Adept, you’ve got the chops to prove it to us in the normal manner.