Membership FAQs
Q. Who can join the ACS?
A. ACS membership is open to everyone who is:
- currently studying an ICT course at an Australian university or registered training organisation within Australia or at an ACS accredited campus overseas
- a recent graduate in an ICT course from an Australian university or a relevant education institution
- currently working or has a significant involvement in the ICT industry.
For details of eligibility criteria, please click here
Q. How can I join the ACS?
A. Joining is easy. You can:
- apply online by clicking here
- join by phone by calling our Customer Liaison Officers on 02 9299 3666
- download and complete an application form, and send it, with your payment to:
Member Services
Australian Computer Society
PO Box Q534
QVB Sydney
SYDNEY 1230
Q. Why should I join the ACS?
A. Becoming a member of the professional association for those working in ICT, your qualifications and working experience will be recognised by your peers and employers. You are also respected for your commitment to ethical and professional conduct and practice standards.
You’re also entitled to the professional development opportunities that the ACS offers to keep your knowledge up to date and gain new skills. You will gain access to career long resources and support to manage your work and career. You can explore ideas and emerging concepts at over 400 events the ACS organises every year. There is also a long list of cost saving rewards for being a respected professional, including discounts to professional indemnity insurance premium.
Click here for a complete list of benefits and rewards.
Q. What is the ACS doing to contribute to the success of its members?
A. The ACS is run by members for members, so it understands its member’s number one priority is to further their career and their profession. That’s why the ACS has developed tools such as the careers portal, online job search, skills register, and consultants/members directory. Each year the ACS delivers over 400 events around the country as well as ensuring members have access to the latest resources, training and networking opportunities that are so vital these days for being an ICT professional.
The ACS Computer Professional (CP) Program as well as its Code of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct and Professional Practice, ensures members are recognised in the ICT community. ACS membership is highly regarded by employers who see members’ skills as more relevant and up to date. The ACS also helps its members tap into the hidden job market – a real advantage when you consider that around 70 percent of jobs are not publicly advertised.
Q. What is the ACS’ role in the ICT industry?
A. Too few people realise that the ICT industry has revenues of nearly $70 billion. Our employment is larger than banking and finance, larger than television, media and communications, larger than mining, and larger than wool, wheat and sugar combined. We are a significant contributor to the social and economic wellbeing of our country.
The role of the ACS is to represent the profession to governments, businesses and the wider community. We provide informed comment and opinion on various issues, from privacy to work-life balance, and work hard to raise awareness of the social and economic benefits of IT.
ACS also works with universities and institutions to provide necessary resources and skills sets in ICT to ensure individuals remain current in a fast paced and dynamic profession.
Q. Who are our members?
A. ACS members are qualified individuals who are committed to the ethical and professional conduct and practice standards that the ACS advocates. ACS members work in all areas of business and industry, government and academia. They are actively involved in shaping the industry, setting and maintaining its standards as well as enhancing growth of productivity and economy.
ACS membership represents their commitment to professionalism, which demands a level of excellence, rigor, integrity and honesty that provides them with a competitive edge.
Q. How much does it cost per year to join the ACS?
A. $60 for student membership. Full fee subscription is$320, plus a one off $110 application fee, GST inclusive. Click here for more details.
Q. Is the ACS membership fee tax-deductible?
A. Yes
Q. How long does it take to get my membership finalised?
A. Once your complete application has been received, the process takes approximately six to eight weeks.
Q. What is included in my membership welcome pack?
A. A welcome Pack CD contains information about ACS membership, and the many exclusive benefits and rewards. An ACS Membership Badge and Certificate, a copy of the ACS Code of Ethics and ACS Membership Card incorporating the Ambassador Card are also included.
Q. Can I attend one of the professional developments events such as branch forums and courses if I am not a member?
A. ACS events are open to everyone, however a non-member’s fee may apply. Many of our events (ie. branch forums, special interest groups, chapters) are free to members.
Q. How many networking and professional events does the ACS run annually?
A. The ACS holds over 400 events each year around Australia, ranging from branch forums to special interest groups and chapters to seminars and conferences. We also offer a comprehensive program for young ICT professionals.
Q. How can I find out about the upcoming professional development events?
A. Click here for upcoming professional development events. Alternatively, call the ACS Branch in your state
Q. Does the ACS offer any professional development programs?
A. The ACS is the resource you can turn to for everything you need to know or learn about ICT.
- ACS Computer Professional Program offers the most professionally relevant postgraduate ICT course in Australia. No classrooms, just e-learning techniques, plus peer-to-peer interaction. For more details visit www.acs.org.au/cpprogram
- ACS Annual Conference, Branch Forums, Chapter Meetings, Special Interest Groups, Technical Seminar, Workshops give you the opportunities to network with other professionals and exchange views about topics of interest
- ACS Young ICT Annual Conference/Career Workshops/Seminars help young ICT professional and students prepare for the workforce, build relationships with industry experts and find employment
- Education Across the Nation Series keep you up to date with industry trends, research, technologies and issues.
- ACS e-Learning gives you access to a wide range of information from industry reports and ACS policies to ACS journals and publications in an easy to use format
