Tuesday, 26 September 2006 - Australia ’s Information and Communications Technology (ICT) industry took an important step towards enhancing the professional practice of ICT - with the launch today of an industry-backed Computer Professional (CP) program.

The groundbreaking new Program provides high level post-graduate education for professionals with more than 18 months working experience within the ICT industry.

The CP program is a not-for-profit initiative developed and subsidised by the ACS (Australian Computer Society) and governed by a Professional Development Advisory Board which includes: Peter Kazacos Chair of AIIA and founder of Kaz Group, Professor Ron Weber Dean of IT - Monash University, John Lobenstein CIO, St George Bank, and senior Federal and State Government representatives.

Aimed at enhancing professional practice, ACS President Philip Argy is confident that the Program will ultimately contribute to the lowering of insurance premiums.

“This CP program is a pivotal step towards enhancing professional practice and developing universal standards of professionalism for Australian ICT workers,” said Mr Argy. “It’s a sign of our industry’s maturity that we are taking this proactive step towards custodianship of our own professional standards – and brings us into line with the medical, legal and accountancy industries which have done so for some years.

“Employing committed ICT professionals, with up-to-date industry knowledge and skills, is an insurance policy for organisations to help ensure their corporate objectives are met within an ethical framework. The natural flow-on from this step is to see those individuals or organisations who commit to this path rewarded with reduced professional indemnity insurance premiums.”

Prior to today’s launch, the ACS spent twelve months in extensive consultation and testing of the Program amongst ACS members, industry stakeholders and academia. The ACS invests significantly in professional development opportunities for its members.

“The end result is a high quality but pragmatic and affordable industry education tool that will help professionals enhance their career and make it easier for employers to identify the skills and knowledge base of those on their ICT team,” said Mr Argy.

Mr Argy said the educational component of the Program complements, rather than competes with, a University degree, and addresses increasingly important professional issues such as such as security, public safety, privacy and ethical implications.

“The content of the CP educational program is unique and links an individual’s education with their current organisational needs, providing a structured way for them to apply and grow their knowledge within the workforce, and aligns to their employer’s strategic objectives,” he said.

The post-graduate level educational program is primarily delivered online in a structured semester format. It comprises three core subjects: Technology Trends, Business, Legal and Ethical Issues and Business Strategy and IT plus one elective subject: Project Management or Managing Technology and Operations, with others to be added over time.

Successful completion of the CP Program allows members to attach the following as post-nominal recognition to MACS (Senior) and FACS:

• Practising Computer Professionals (PCPs) – for people who undertake relevant professional development activities each year; and
• Certified Computer Professionals (CCPs) – for people who have completed the education component of the ACS CP program and are registered under the Professional Standards Scheme (for which the ACS has submitted a scheme for regional Australia ).

The CP Program will be maintained annually by undertaking the requirement for continuing professional development. All case studies and assignments of the Program will be focused on the organisation in which the person works.

Bob Hart , ACS Professional Standards and Development Manager, explains: “The CP educational program is designed for ICT professionals who are self-motivated, disciplined and who want to become leaders within their organisation. The online nature of the Program is designed to assist those with competing time commitments, or those located outside the capital cities or at a significant distance from major educational institutions.”

This educational program is delivered to students through the use of email, online discussion forums and online delivery of content. Students are grouped together in virtual classes for each subject and can sign up for one of the three terms, which commence annually in March, July and November. Students will not attend a classroom or lecture theatre other than for examinations and similar forms of assessment.

Mr Argy said the benefits of this Program extend beyond those delivered to the individuals and the organisations which employ them.

“Professionalism delivers trustworthy technology, and ultimately that enhances the reputation and growth of our Australian ICT industry – that’s good news for Australia and the Australian economy,” Mr Argy said.

To register for the CP program, ACS members can enrol online at www.acs.org.au, in the My ACS section. Those enrolling must provide details of 30 hours of training, other professional development undertaken in the past 12 months and the names of two referees who can confirm these details. To register for the CP educational program, please visit www.acs.org.au/cpprogram

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Media information:
Fleur Brown (02) 9270 0241 or mobile: 0419 270 863

About the ACS :
The ACS (Australian Computer Society) is the recognised professional association for those working in Information and Communications Technology, seeking to raise the standing of ICT professionals and represent their views to government, industry and the community.

A member of the Australian Council of Professions, the ACS is the guardian of professional ethics and standards in the ICT sector, committed to ensuring the beneficial use of ICT for all Australians.

It provides both members and non-members with opportunities for professional education, networking and certification, as well as enabling them to contribute to the development of their profession. Visit www.acs.org.au for more.

About the ACS Foundation :
An initiative of the Australian Computer Society (ACS) the ACS Foundation was established in August 2001 to encourage both private and public sponsorship of IT scholarships, higher education and research projects.

The ACS Foundation receives funding from more than 150 sponsors – including ICT companies, industry associations, Government bodies, individuals and the ACS itself.

Since the ACS Foundation’s inception, it has raised over $7.6 million in cash and in-kind sponsorship for scholarships and research, awarding more than 550 scholarships to high achievers and people who are disadvantaged in some way.