Registration Categories

Level 1

$310


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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.

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Level 2

$330


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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:
  • 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); and
  • Completed a minimum of 12 months post-qualification experience; and
  • Can provide evidence of a minimum of 50 hours of post-qualification clinical or workplace supervision.

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Level 3

$350


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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.

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Level 4

$375


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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.

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Student

FREE


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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.

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International

$50


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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.

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Academic

$250


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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.

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Proficient

$265


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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.

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Venerable

$80


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This is a non-practising level open to ACA counsellors when they retire.

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What Do I Need to Apply?

  • Certificate or Testamur of qualification in Counselling certified by a Justice of the Peace
  • Full Academic Transcript of qualificationin 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 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

Applicants who hold qualifications that are more than five (5) 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 (10) 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.

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.

In instances where an applicant has used RPL to gain credit towards their qualification, ACA will accept a maximum of 40% RPL otherwise the qualification will not be recognised for ACA practising registration.

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.

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.


Find a Supervisor Professional Development

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.


Download Scope of Practice

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