Before Beginning Your Application
Please read this page entirely before proceeding with your application for registration with the Australian Counselling Association (ACA).
You will read about:
- Registration eligibility
- What do I need to apply?
- Prerequisites
- Recency
- Recognition of prior learning
Registration Eligibility At A Glance
Registration applications are evaluated based on several factors as outlined in the ACA Scope of Practice. ACA does not accept qualifications in psychology, social science, social work, welfare, mental health, education, theology, genetic counselling, financial counselling, rehabilitation counselling or hybrid qualifications.
If you have completed a non-ACA-accredited Diploma of Counselling, you may still be eligible for ACA registration. Please contact us to discuss your options.
A $50.00 application fee applies to Level 1, 2, 3 and 4 registration applications.
What do I need to apply?
Mandatory:
- Certificate or Testamur of qualification in Counselling certified by a Justice of the Peace
- Full Academic Transcript of qualification in Counselling certified by a Justice of the Peace
- A current National Police Check Certificate, Working With Children Check or Blue Card
Optional:
Post Qualification Supervision Letter (if applicable)
Prerequisites
ACA only accepts counselling qualifications for membership. ACA does not accept qualifications in psychology, social science, social work, welfare, mental health, education, theology, genetic counselling, financial counselling, rehabilitation counselling, or hybrid qualifications.
There are no prerequisites to join ACA if you have completed your counselling qualification within the past five years.
If your qualification is more than five years old, you will need to provide evidence of working in the field or previous supervision hours to meet the ACA Recency Clause.
Recency
Applicants who hold qualifications that are more than five years old will need to provide evidence of working in the counselling profession or evidence of previous counselling supervision received since their qualification was awarded to meet qualification recency requirements.
Applicants holding formal counselling qualifications that are over ten years old without evidence of professional development, clinical supervision and professional practice may not be eligible for registration with ACA. In these instances, an applicant may have to complete an updated formal counselling qualification to be eligible for registration.
ACA Members must ensure that they keep their skills and knowledge up to date with their chosen modalities, to ensure that clients are receiving the most appropriate therapeutic interventions.
If you would like to discus show recency may affect your application, please contact us.
Recognition of Prior Learning
ACA does not have a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) pathway to membership. All Members must have completed a qualification as outlined in the ACA Scope of Practice. Applicants who have received RPL as part of their qualification must be assessed individually.
An individual who is seeking to receive RPL from prior qualifications should contact the training provider they wish to study through. ACA does not process RPL requests.
If you would like to discuss how recognition of prior learning may affect your application, please contact us
