REGISTRATION CATEGORIES
Registration Tiers
Level 1
$280
Eligibility
A Registered Counsellor who has graduated from one of the following types of ACA-Accredited Courses (based on AQF level qualifications):
• Diploma of Counselling (AQF Level 5); or
• Advanced Diploma of Counselling or associate degree in counselling (AQF Level 6); or
• Graduate Diploma of Counselling (AQF Level 8)
Or, the Registered Counsellor has graduated from a non-ACA Accredited Bachelor of Counselling qualification.
Level 2
$300
Eligibility
A Registered Counsellor who has graduated from one of the following types of ACA-Accredited Courses (based on AQF level qualifications):
• Bachelor of Counselling (AQF Level 7); or Master of Counselling (AQF Level 9) or the Registered Counsellor has completed an ACA Accredited Course of:
Level 3
$320
Eligibility
A Registered Counsellor who has graduated from one of the following types of ACA-Accredited Courses (based on AQF level qualifications):
A Registered Counsellor who has graduated from one of the following types of ACA-Accredited Courses (based on AQF level qualifications):
• Bachelor of Counselling (AQF Level 7); or
• Master of Counselling (AQF Level 9); and
• Has completed a minimum of 2 years post-qualification experience;
• Provides evidence of 75 hours of post-qualification clinical or workplace supervision; and
• Provides evidence of 750 client contact hours.
Level 4
$340
Eligibility
A Registered Counsellor who has graduated from one of the following types of ACA-Accredited Courses (based on AQF level qualifications):
• Bachelor of Counselling (AQF Level 7); or
• Master of Counselling (AQF Level 9); and
• Has completed a minimum of 4 years post-qualification experience;
• Provides evidence of 100 hours of post-qualification clinical or workplace supervision; and
• Provides evidence of 1000 client contact hours.
Student
FREE
Eligibility
Students studying an ACA Accredited Course are eligible to apply for counsellor registration once their studies are completed.
Students registration is a non-practising category for those who do not already hold a formal qualification in mental health.
Once a student has completed their ACA Accredited Course, they are eligible to upgrade their student membership to Level 1 or 2, dependent on the qualification completed.
International
$50
Eligibility
This level of non-practising registration is for those who reside overseas. An individual who has completed an ACA Accredited Course and resides overseas can apply for international registration.
Academic
$250
Eligibility
This is a non–practising level. This level is exclusive to (and are employed as) lecturers, teachers, tutors, or researchers who do not actively practise as counsellors. They are employed by an ACA recognised training provider to deliver in part or whole an ACA accredited program in counselling. If working within the vocational sector, an ACA Academic must hold an AQF level 4 Certificate in Training and Assessment. This level is not open to clinical/professional supervisors, markers, or administrators.
AQF Level 10 – PhD is accepted for Academic registration only. It is not accepted for any other level of ACA registration as a stand-alone qualification.
Proficent
$240
Eligibility
Proficient is a non-practising registration with ACA. New applicants can not apply for Proficient registration.
Proficient registration is exclusively for existing ACA registered counsellors who are taking extended leave and, therefore, wish to change to a non-practising registration. A period no shorter than six months will be granted for Proficient status.
An ACA registered counsellor must formally apply to be moved to this status. Prior to returning back to practice, the counsellor must reapply to be returned to their previous level of registration in writing. While in Proficient status, you not required to engage in regular supervision or professional development.
Eligibility for Proficient status includes:
• Going On Maternity Leave for 6 months or more;
• Long Service Leave for 6 months or more;
• Sabbatical Leave; or
• Leave of absence from the Counselling field for 6 months or more.
Venerable
$80
Eligibility
This is a non-practising level open to ACA counsellors when they retire.
What do I need to apply?
- 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
registration. 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
Recognition of Prior Learning
Annual Registration Renewal Requirements
ACA Registered Counsellors must complete the following each year to maintain their registration:
• 10 hours of professional supervision, and
• 25 points of professional development.
Additionally, if engaged in self-employed private practice, ACA Registered Counsellors must maintain professional indemnity and public liability insurance and provide evidence to ACA at each renewal of registration.
ACA SCOPE OF PRACTICE
The ACA Scope of Practice for Registered Counsellors (version 2, 2021) provide clients, practitioners and professionals access to information regarding the practice of counselling in Australia. The framework for the Scope has origins in years of counselling experience and practice gained by established Registered Counsellors. It draws upon evidence of practice from Australia and other parts of the world, ensuring a comprehensive and effective approach.
The Scope is designed to support both Registered Counsellors and mental health system administrators, organisations, and agencies. As its objective, ACA has developed and implemented a demonstrated evidence-based psychological intervention framework for Registered Counsellors operating in programs and services. By adhering and practicing in accordance with the Scope, Registered Counsellors deliver services to their clients in a safe and ethical practice.
The Scope also outlines ACA registration levels, requirements and eligibility.
Register with ACA
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