As the trusted leader of the technology profession, ACS supports professional standards that strengthen confidence in technology services.
The ACS Professional Standards Scheme (PSS) is a government-approved framework that promotes professional accountability, supports ethical practice and continuing professional development, and may provide approved limitation of liability protections for eligible participants.
What is the ACS PSS?
The ACS PSS is established under Professional Standards legislation to promote high standards of professional practice, accountability and risk management within the technology profession.
Through the PSS, eligible Certified Professionals may receive the benefit of limited occupational liability, provided they meet their professional obligations and PSS requirements.
The PSS is not an insurance policy. Professional Indemnity (PI) insurance remains a separate requirement for participants who provide professional technology services.
ACS adminsters the Scheme and is responsible for monitoring compliance with the ACS PSS and promoting continual improvement in professional standards.
Certified Professionals and the ACS PSS
Participation in the ACS PSS forms part of ACS Certified Professional certification.
When you become an ACS Certified Professional, you are automatically opted in to the ACS PSS as a participant, unless an exemption applies.
Participation in the ACS PSS supports professional accountability and helps strengthen confidence in the technology profession.
Certain obligations under the ACS PSS apply only to participants and may vary depending on individual circumstances, including the nature of your work and whether an exemption applies.
If you are newly certified, the Participant Onboarding Guide provides a helpful overview of your initial ACS PSS obligations.
Why the ACS PSS Matters
The ACS PSS helps strengthen trust in the ICT profession by supporting high standards of professionalism, accountability and risk management.
Participation demonstrates your commitment to:
- ongoing professional development
- ethical practice
- professional accountability
- responsible professional conduct
The ACS PSS also supports confidence in ICT professionals and helps maintain access to professional indemnity insurance.
Participation in the ACS PSS reflects a commitment to professional excellence and ongoing accountability, whilst also delivering benefits for participants, clients, the technology profession and the broader community.
Benefits of the ACS PSS
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For PSS Participants
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For Consumers & Clients
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For the Technology Profession
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For Industry & Insurers
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Recognition as part of a trusted professional standards framework
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Greater confidence in technology professionals
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Promotion of higher professional standards
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Supports sustainable professional indemnity insurance arrangements
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Access to approved limitation of liability protections (where eligible)
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Improved accountability and professional oversight
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Stronger public trust in technology services
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Encourages consistent professional risk management practices
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Support for professional credibility and ethical practice
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Commitment to continuing professional development and ethical conduct
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Ongoing improvement informed by monitoring and professional review activities
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Helps maintain confidence in the technology profession
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Demonstrates a commitment to professional accountability and ongoing development
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Increased confidence in the quality and reliability of professional technology services
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Supports the recognition of technology as a trusted profession
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Promotes accountability and risk awareness across the technology sector
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Your Responsibilities as an ACS Certified Professional
As an ACS Certified Professional, you are expected to maintain high standards of professionalism and ethical conduct. Participation in the ACS PSS also includes obligations that support professional accountability and consumer confidence. Depending on your circumstances, some requirements apply only where relevant or applicable. Participants are expected to meet all requirements that apply to them.
All Certified Professionals are expected to:
- complete Continuing Professional Development (CPD) minimum of 30 hours per certification year
- comply with the ACS Code of Professional Ethics & the ACS Code of Professional Conduct
- comply with the ACS Rules and ACS National Regulations
Complete your PSS Declaration each certification year through MyACS.
The PSS Declaration is the primary way ACS collects information from Certified Professionals and supports the ongoing administration of the ACS PSS. Information provided through the declaration helps ACS monitor compliance with Scheme requirements, identify emerging risks, support continual improvement initiatives, and meet its reporting obligations to the Professional Standards Councils (PSC).
Participants who provide professional technology services are required to maintain Professional Indemnity (PI) Insurance arrangements that comply with the ACS Insurance Standards.
Depending on your circumstances, you may be covered through:
- your employer
- your own PI insurance policy
- ACS Complimentary Member Insurance (where *eligible)
If your insurance arrangements do not comply with one or more requirements of the ACS Insurance Standards, you may be eligible to apply for an Insurance Standards Exemption.
*Eligible members with annual gross consulting fees within the applicable threshold may be covered by ACS Complimentary Member Insurance.
Participants who provide professional technology services to external clients are required to use the approved disclosure statement where applicable.
The disclosure statement helps inform clients that liability may be limited under a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.
Further information regarding when and how to use the disclosure statement is available on the Professional Standards Councils website.
Participants are required to notify ACS of relevant claims, settlements and circumstances that may affect their professional indemnity insurance arrangements or participation in the ACS PSS.
Timely notification helps ACS identify emerging risks, support continual improvement initiatives and meet its reporting obligations to the Professional Standards Councils (PSC).
Information reported to the PSC is de-identified.
Certified Professionals selected for quality assurance and compliance review activities are required to cooperate with these processes and provide information requested by ACS.
These activities support the integrity of ACS professional standards programs, help identify emerging risks and opportunities for improvement, and provide assurance that professional obligations are being met.
Where selected, ACS will provide guidance on the information required and support participants throughout the review process.
ACS PSS Participation Exemptions
Participation in the ACS PSS forms part of ACS Certified Professional certification. However, ACS recognises that participation may not be appropriate in every circumstance.
Certified Professionals who are not providing paid professional technology services, or whose circumstances otherwise make participation unnecessary or inappropriate, may be eligible to apply for a participation exemption.
The table below outlines the exemption categories recognised by ACS and provides examples of circumstances where an exemption may be appropriate. Eligibility is assessed on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the PSS Exemption Guidelines.
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Exemption Category
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Criteria
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Example
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Overseas Certified Professional
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You reside or work outside Australia and do not provide paid professional technology services to Australian clients
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Lives and works overseas for a local employer
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Non-Practising Certified Professional
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You do not provide paid professional technology services to external clients (e.g. retired, volunteer, career break, or independent contractor that does not provide paid professional technology services)
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Retired, volunteer, on a career break, unemployed, or not currently providing paid professional technology services
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Academia/Education
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You work solely in academia or education and do not provide paid professional technology services outside your academic or education role
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University lecturer, researcher or teacher who does not undertake consulting work
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Internal Technology Professional
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You are an employee or director who only provides internal professional technology services for an organisation that does not provide paid professional technology services to external clients
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Internal IT Manager for a manufacturing company, school, hospital or other organisation that does not provide technology services externally
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Necessary and/or Desireable
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Your circumstances do not fit within the standard exemption categories, but there are other factors that may justify an exemption
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Unique personal or professional circumstances requiring individual assessment by ACS
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Important:
An exemption from participation in the ACS PSS does not automatically remove other Certified Professional obligations,
including Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Getting Started
Yes.
Participation in the ACS Professional Standards Scheme (ACS PSS) forms part of ACS Certified Professional certification. Certified Professionals are automatically enrolled as participants in the ACS PSS unless an exemption applies.
Participation in the ACS PSS supports professional accountability and may provide approved limitation of liability protections in certain circumstances.
Congratulations on becoming an ACS Certified Professional.
As a newly Certified Professional, you should familiarise yourself with your obligations under the ACS PSS, including your PSS Declaration, Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements, Professional Indemnity (PI) Insurance arrangements (where applicable), and any disclosure requirements relevant to your circumstances.
As part of your initial PSS Declaration, you will be asked to provide information relating to:
- your work status
- participation or exemption eligibility
- Professional Indemnity (PI) Insurance arrangements
- disclosure requirements
You will not be expected to provide a full certification year worth of CPD activities as part of your initial declaration.
Yes, unless an exemption applies.
Participation in the ACS PSS forms part of ACS Certified Professional certification. Certified Professionals are automatically opted in to the ACS PSS as participants, unless an exemption applies.
ACS recognises that participation may not be appropriate in every circumstance. If your circumstances make participation unnecessary or inappropriate, you may be eligible to apply for a participation exemption.
Yes.
ACS recognises that participation in the ACS PSS may not be appropriate in every circumstance. Certified Professionals whose circumstances make participation unnecessary or inappropriate may be eligible to apply for a participation exemption.
Applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the PSS Exemption Guidelines.
PSS Declaration
The PSS Declaration is completed each certification year through MyACS.
It is the primary way ACS collects information from Certified Professionals and supports the ongoing administration of the ACS PSS. Information provided through the declaration helps ACS monitor compliance with Scheme requirements, identify emerging risks, support continual improvement initiatives and meet its reporting obligations to the Professional Standards Councils (PSC).
Your PSS Declaration is due each certification year.
You can view your certification expiry date and complete your declaration through MyACS.
ACS recommends completing your declaration as early as possible to allow time to address any compliance issues before your next certification period.
Your PSS Declaration reflects your circumstances at the time it was completed. If your circumstances change during your certification year, it's important to let us know so we can ensure your records remain accurate.
Examples of changes include:
- changing employer or employment type;
- moving into or out of consulting or other professional technology services;
- becoming eligible for, or no longer meeting the requirements for, a PSS Participation Exemption;
- changes to your professional indemnity (PI) insurance arrangements;
- retirement or returning to professional practice; or
- any other change that may affect your participation in the ACS Professional Standards Scheme.
If you have not yet completed your PSS Declaration
Update your information as part of your PSS Declaration in MyACS.
If you have already completed your PSS Declaration
Please email the PSS Team at cpcompliance@acs.org.au with details of your change.
If required, we'll update your declaration or advise if you need to complete a new PSS Participation Exemption application.
Yes.
Certified Professionals are expected to complete their PSS Declaration each certification year, including those who are retired.
Information provided through the declaration helps ACS understand changes in your circumstances, maintain accurate records, and update certification and participation status where appropriate.
Retirement does not necessarily mean that certification or Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements cease. Some retired Certified Professionals choose to maintain certification, while others may transition to a retired status or decertify.
Completing the PSS Declaration helps ensure that your records accurately reflect your circumstances and supports ACS reporting obligations to the Professional Standards Councils (PSC).
Completing a PSS Declaration forms part of ACS Certified Professional certification and participation in the ACS PSS.
Failure to complete your PSS Declaration may result in follow-up action by ACS and could affect your ongoing participation in the Scheme and Certified Professional status.
If you are experiencing difficulties completing your declaration, please contact the PSS Team for assistance. We are more than happy to assist you.
Professional Indemnity Insurance
Participants who provide professional technology services should ensure they have Professional Indemnity (PI) Insurance arrangements that comply with the ACS Insurance Standards.
Depending on your circumstances, you may be covered through:
- your employer
- your own PI insurance policy
- ACS Complimentary Member Insurance (where eligible)
ACS membership includes complimentary Professional Indemnity (PI) Insurance designed to protect your business and professional reputation. It is ideal for technology professionals starting out as independent consultants or undertaking limited consulting alongside their primary role.
The insurance is available to eligible members whose annual gross consulting fees fall within the applicable threshold. Members should review the policy terms, conditions and exclusions to ensure the cover is appropriate for their circumstances.
Participants who provide professional technology services remain responsible for ensuring their insurance arrangements comply with the ACS Insurance Standards.
No.
The ACS PSS is not an insurance policy. It is a government-approved framework that supports professional standards and may provide approved limitation of liability protections in certain circumstances.
Participants who provide professional technology services are required to maintain appropriate Professional Indemnity Insurance arrangements.
Yes.
Where compliance with one or more requirements of the ACS Insurance Standards cannot reasonably be achieved, participants may apply for an Insurance Standards Exemption.
An Insurance Standards Exemption does not exempt a Certified Professional from participation in the ACS PSS. Participants remain responsible for meeting their other Scheme obligations.
A Discretionary Monetary Ceiling (DMC) is a mechanism available under the ACS PSS that may allow eligible participants to apply for a higher limitation of liability than that available under the Scheme.
Applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis and are subject to approval by ACS.
A DMC does not replace the requirement to maintain Professional Indemnity Insurance.
If a claim or potential claim is made against you in relation to professional technology services, you should notify the relevant parties as soon as reasonably practicable.
If you have not yet completed your PSS Declaration, you can report the matter through your declaration in MyACS.
If you have already completed your PSS Declaration, please complete the ACS Notifications, Claims and Settlements Report and submit it to the PSS Team.
If you are covered by a professional indemnity insurance policy, you should also notify your insurer in accordance with the terms of your policy.
If you are unsure whether a matter should be reported, please contact the PSS Team at cpcompliance@acs.org.au and we'll be happy to assist.
Limited Liability Disclosure
Participants who provide professional technology services to external clients are required to use the approved disclosure statement where applicable.
The disclosure statement advises clients that liability may be limited under a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.
Further information on when and how to use the disclosure statement is available on the Professional Standards Councils website.
Quality Assurance & Compliance Reviews
Certified Professionals selected for quality assurance and compliance review activities are required to cooperate with these processes and provide information requested by ACS.
These activities support the integrity of ACS professional standards programs, help identify emerging risks and opportunities for improvement, and provide assurance that professional obligations are being met.
Where selected, ACS will provide guidance on the information required and support individuals throughout the review process.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
No.
An exemption from participation in the PSS does not automatically remove other Certified Professional obligations, including Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements.
Certified Professionals are expected to continue meeting CPD requirements unless another approved arrangement applies, such as an approved CPD Career Break.
Need Help?
If you have questions about the ACS PSS, participation requirements, exemptions, insurance arrangements or your PSS Declaration, please contact the PSS Team at cpcompliance@acs.org.au.
We are here to support Certified Professionals in understanding and meeting their professional obligations.
Resources & Guides
Whether you're newly certified, completing your PSS Declaration, reviewing your insurance arrangements or considering an exemption, the following resources may assist.
Getting Started
New to certification? Start here.
Professional Standards
Resources to support your professional obligations.
Participation & Exemptions
Understand participation requirements and exemption pathways.
Disclosure Requirements
Learn when and how to use the approved disclosure statement:
Report a Notification, Claim or Settlement:
Professional Indemnity Insurance
Support & Services
Access MyACS and contact the PSS Team for any support you need.
Contact the PSS Team at cpcompliance@acs.org.au