What is Level 1 Membership?
https://www.theaca.net.au/level1-membership.php
A Registered Counsellor Level 1 has graduated from an ACA-accredited (AQF) course a minimum qualification in counselling at AQF level 5, 6 or 8; or a non-ACA approved AQF level 7 Bachelor of Counselling degree. For a list of ACA Accredited courses visit: https://www.theaca.net.au/careers-and-study.php
Eligibility
- Diploma of Counselling (AQF level 5);
- Advanced Diploma of Counselling (AQF level 6); or
- Associate Degree of Counselling (AQF level 6); or
- Graduate Diploma of Counselling (AQF level 8). Please note: A Graduate Certificate in Counselling is not eligible for ACA membership.
What do I need to apply for Membership:
- Certificate or Testamur of qualification certified by a JP (Justice of the Peace)
- Full Academic Transcript of qualification certified by a JP (Justice of the Peace)
- Post Qualification Supervision Letter only if relevant.
The ACA Scope of Practice page 15 states: https://www.theaca.net.au/documents/ACA_Scope_combined.pdf
Qualifications: 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.
Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites to join ACA if you have completed your qualification within the past 4 years.
If your qualification is more than 5 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 to the Association with counselling qualifications older than five (5) years and no evidence of clinical supervision, professional development or work experience in a relevant industry may not be suitable for ACA membership.
Applicants holding formal counselling qualifications older than ten (10) years without professional development, clinical supervision and relevant professional practice may not be eligible for ACA membership. New applicants with qualifications over ten (10) years old with no supervised practice, professional development or practice in a related field must complete current formal counselling qualifications.
All applicants facing recency matters will be examined on a case-by-case basis by the ACA Membership Manager – please email the Administration team at admin@theaca.net.au
Recognition of Prior Learning and Qualifications (RPL): In instances where an applicant has used recognition of prior learning (RPL) to gain credit towards their qualification, ACA will accept a maximum of 40% RPL otherwise the qualification will not be recognised by ACA for membership.