Independent Scientology is the practice of L. Ron Hubbard's original technology outside the corporate Church — without the Church's organizational control, eligibility screening, or escalating fees. The practice is the same; the organization is different. AOGP International (the Advanced Organization of the Great Plains) is one such independent org, delivering since 2011 to people across many countries.
AOGP is independent — not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by the Church of Scientology. The terms below are used in their plain, descriptive sense to identify the subject and its source technology.
The Short Answer: Same Source, Different Organization
“Independent” describes the organizational structure, not a different practice. Both draw on L. Ron Hubbard's work. The difference is who controls delivery, which materials are used (the original pre-1982 technology versus later revisions), and the access model (open versus eligibility-gated).
What Is Independent Scientology?
Independent Scientology means practicing Hubbard's technology outside the corporate Church, organized as autonomous groups and practitioners rather than one central authority. Independents are committed to standard technology — applying Hubbard's methods exactly as written, unaltered. For the full picture, see what independent Scientology is.
Independent, Free Zone, and the Church: Three Things People Confuse
The Church is corporate and centralized. Independent (in AOGP's sense) means applying the original technology unaltered, outside that corporate structure. The Free Zone is a broader umbrella of practitioners outside the Church, some of whom reinterpret or alter techniques — sometimes called squirreling (the practice of altering standard procedure) within the field. AOGP does not practice Free Zone methods. Labels the Church applies to independents (such as “SP” or “suppressive”) exist, but we note them only to explain the landscape — not to use them against anyone.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Aspect | Independent Scientology | Corporate Church |
|---|---|---|
| Organizational control | Autonomous orgs and field auditors; no single central corporate authority. | A single, centralized corporate structure. |
| Source materials | L. Ron Hubbard's original, pre-1982 materials, used unaltered. | Materials as revised after 1982. |
| Grade Chart edition | The 1981 Bridge to Total Freedom — the last edition issued under Hubbard's direct oversight. | Later, revised editions of the chart. |
| Eligibility & access | Open to anyone who reaches for it; no extensive eligibility screening. | Eligibility screening before service. |
| Disconnection policy | None. | A disconnection policy applies. |
| Cost & access model | Structured for affordability — including a lower-cost co-audit route; rates confirmed on acceptance. | Fixed, generally escalating fees per service. |
| Where delivery happens | Local field auditors and remote video, worldwide. | In person, at Church orgs. |
Comparison reflects observable practice. Any specific cost figure for either path would be shown only with a cited, published source — this page does not assert unsourced prices.
Source Materials: The Original Standard Tech and the 1981 Grade Chart
Independents like AOGP use the original, pre-1982 materials and the 1981 Bridge to Total Freedom / Grade Chart — the last edition issued under Hubbard's direct oversight. The Bridge is the step-by-step route of spiritual advancement, and the Grade Chart is the chart that maps those steps. This is the line that runs from Dianetics (Hubbard's earlier book and methods) up through Clear and beyond.
Access and Eligibility: Who Can Receive Auditing
Independents generally deliver without the Church's eligibility screening or disconnection requirements. Auditing is one-to-one spiritual counselling using Hubbard's procedures, given by an auditor to a preclear (the person receiving it). It is a spiritual practice — not medical or psychological treatment, and it makes no claim to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition.
What Independent Scientology Auditing Costs
Cost and accessibility are common reasons people look at independent delivery. AOGP delivers auditing and training through Endeavor College, including a lower-cost co-audit route, with pricing confirmed on acceptance — contact the org for current options. We do not publish a fixed price list, and any comparative figure for the Church would be presented only with a real, cited source, never as a bare number.
Why People Leave the Church and Go Independent
People give consistent, neutrally-stated reasons: they want the original unaltered technology; they object to organizational control or cost; they have concerns about disconnection from family; or they simply prefer local or remote delivery. The independent field has grown precisely to keep the technology accessible without those barriers. The “Scientology Outside of the Church” podcast (200+ episodes) is a large body of first-hand discussion on exactly this.
Is Independent Scientology Still “Real” Scientology?
Independents apply the same L. Ron Hubbard source technology — the practice is the same; the organization differs. The Church does not endorse independent groups and asserts its trademarks, which is exactly why independents use generic, source-based phrasing rather than the Church's branded program names. The careful wording is a mark of respect for those trademarks, not a hedge.
How Independent Delivery Works in Practice
Training and the Bridge are delivered through independent orgs and field auditors (independent auditors delivering outside an org) — in person or, increasingly, remotely. AOGP delivers auditing over secure video using its own digital E-Meter, and runs training through Endeavor College, with the Axiom AI study platform and study tools supporting students. Because delivery is remote-capable, where you live is not a barrier.
Finding an Independent Auditor or Course
When evaluating an independent auditor, look at training class level, whether a Case Supervisor (the C/S, who directs a preclear's program) oversees the auditing, and adherence to standard tech and the Auditor's Code. The clearest first steps with AOGP are the auditing & training hub, the free personality test, and a direct conversation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between independent Scientology and the Church of Scientology?
Both draw on L. Ron Hubbard's work, so the practice is the same. The difference is organizational: independent Scientology is delivered by autonomous groups and practitioners outside the corporate Church, typically using the original pre-1982 materials and the 1981 Grade Chart, without the Church's eligibility screening or disconnection policy.
Is independent Scientology the same as the Free Zone?
Not exactly. The Free Zone is a broad umbrella of practitioners outside the Church, and some alter or reinterpret techniques. Independent groups such as AOGP focus on applying L. Ron Hubbard's original technology exactly as written, unaltered, outside the corporate structure.
How much does independent Scientology auditing cost?
Costs vary by org and route. Cost and accessibility are common reasons people look at independent delivery. AOGP delivers training and auditing through Endeavor College, including a lower-cost co-audit route; pricing and enrollment details are confirmed on acceptance, so contact the org directly for current options.
Is independent Scientology legitimate?
Independent practitioners apply the same L. Ron Hubbard source technology, so the practice itself is the same; only the organization differs. The Church does not endorse independent groups and asserts its trademarks, which is why independents use generic, source-based wording rather than the Church's branded program names.
Why do people leave the Church of Scientology and go independent?
Common reasons include wanting the original unaltered technology, objecting to organizational control or cost, concerns about disconnection from family, and a preference for local or remote delivery. Independent delivery aims to keep the technology accessible without those organizational barriers.
Can I receive independent Scientology auditing remotely?
Yes. Independent orgs and field auditors deliver both in person and remotely, so auditing and training on the Bridge are available regardless of location. AOGP International delivers to people in many countries.
See Independent Scientology for Yourself
Explore how AOGP delivers the original technology — remotely, worldwide — or take the free personality test as a first step.