Program Structure
The CPE Program consists of three core subjects, one elective and a Professional Practice (Mentoring and Career Development) component. Risk Management: Professionalism and Compliance (formerly Business, Legal and Ethical Issues) should be completed first, and then either of the remaining core subjects as your second and third subjects. Core subjects are to be completed prior to the elective subject, unless the elective subject is being taken as a single standalone subject only.
Core subjects are completed in the following order:
- Risk Management: Professionalism and Compliance
- Business, Strategy and IT
- New Technology Alignment
- Business Analysis
- Business Process Improvement
- Consultancy
- Enterprise Architecture
- Green Technology Strategies
- Information Security
- IT Service Management
- Organisational Change Management
- Project Management
Electives can be taken as single standalone subjects outside of the full CPE Program. A certificate is issued for single elective subject completion. Elective subject students still must satisfy the pre-requisites for entry for the CPE Program and submit a CV for review.
Students may apply for recognition of prior Learning (RPL) for any of the subjects within CPE Program, except the Professional Practice subject. Note: RPL is only given for 50 per cent of the program. Read more about RPL.
Professional Practice
Professional Practice (Mentoring and Career Development subject) is a mix of an eportfolio and a reflective diary, plus a career development process, providing you with an opportunity to record your work and learning experiences while enrolled in the program. You will learn to reflect on how you can improve your performance. This unit commences in the first subject. You will work with an experienced ACS mentor who can guide you through this process and work to develop your career opportunities. You will also assess your skills against the SFIA framework and develop an e-portfolio.
Note: ACS Members who already have CP status are not required to undertake the Professional Practice component.
Study periods
There are three 13-week study periods each calendar year:
- January to April
- May to August
- September to December
You can start the CPE Program in any given study period. You can also have a break between study periods.
Note: If there are less than 10 enrolments in a core subject or less than seven in an elective subject, then the subject may not be offered in a specific study period. Students will be given the option of transferring to another subject, deferring until the specific subject is offered again, or receiving a refund.
We recommend that only one subject be taken in any one study period. If you wish to undertake more than one subject in a study period, you must get prior approval after discussions with the Principal and/or Registrar.
Program delivery
Time commitment
You will need to dedicate approximately 8-10 hours per week per subject, which will include reading, communicating with fellow students and tutors, and preparing assignments.
Study groups
Student discussion forums are an essential learning tool in the program. You are encouraged to contribute honest and critical evaluations of your professional experiences, how you have put your learning into practice, and also comment on the experiences and ideas from your fellow students.