ACS launches new program

The Australian Computer Society (ACS) has launched a new program aimed at raising the profile of ICT professionals.

The Computer Professional (CP) program will offer ACS-subsidised post-graduate education for ICT workers with more than 18 months industry experience.

The ACS said it had spent twelve months in extensive consultation and testing of the program amongst its members, industry stakeholders and academia, prior to launch.

The educational component of the program was designed to complement a University degree, and addressed professional issues such as such as security, public safety, privacy and ethical implications, the industry body said.

ACS president Philip Argy said the program was a pivotal step toward developing universal standards of professionalism for Australian ICT workers.

“[The program] is a sign of our industry’s maturity that we are taking this proactive step towards custodianship of our own professional standards – and brings us into line with the medical, legal and accountancy industries which have done so for some years,” he said in a statement.

Argy added that individuals or organisations who commit to further education and professionalism would ultimately be rewarded with reduced professional indemnity insurance premiums.

Completion of the CP program allows members to attach the following as post-nominal recognition to MACS (Senior) and FACS:

Practising Computer Professionals (PCPs) – for people who undertake relevant professional development activities each year; and

Certified Computer Professionals (CCPs) – for people who have completed the education component of the ACS CP program and are registered under the Professional Standards Scheme (for which the ACS has submitted a scheme for regional Australia ).

The CP program will be maintained annually by undertaking the requirement for continuing professional development.