Australian Register of Professional Career Development Practitioners

The Career Industry Council of Australia (CICA) would like to announce the establishment of the Australian Register of Professional Career Development Practitioners (the Register).

The Register is the single national point of reference for ensuring and promoting professional career development practitioners across the whole industry in Australia.

Why a single National Register?

The Professional Standards for Australian Career Development Practitioners came into effect on 1 January 2012 and was an important milestone for the career industry in Australia. The introduction of the Professional Standards was a significant step forward in professionalising the industry and providing confidence to stakeholders for the delivery of career services.

Over the past ten years, the industry has expanded, seeing increased awareness and recognition of the importance of career development from critical stakeholders and the preference to engage career practitioners with professional career development qualifications.

The establishment of the Register is the next step in the professionalisation of the industry.

Industry Leadership and Quality Assurance

CICA is the National Peak Body responsible for developing and promulgating the Professional Standards for Australian Career Development Practitioners.

CICA, as the National Peak Body, leads the industry to ensure a commonly understood appropriate standard of education, training and continuing professional development for career development practitioners is maintained.

This responsibility includes ensuring that key stakeholders of the Australian career development industry (e.g., including, but not limited to, professional associations, consumers, practitioners, education and training providers, government and delegated agencies, professions with interest in career development practice) have access to the information that indicates that qualifications align to the Professional Standards.

While anyone can call themselves a Career Counsellor/Adviser, Coach or Consultant and provide services, without being qualified, being a Professional Member of a CICA Member Association and being on the Register immediately conveys the message that you are qualified to practise.

What are the application requirements?

Individuals wishing to apply to join the Register will require a CICA endorsed Graduate Certificate in Career Development or higher, or an equivalent career development specific qualification, and be a Professional Member of a CICA Member Association.

Equivalent career development specific qualifications refer to completed qualifications prior to the implementation of the Professional Standards for Australian Career Development Practitioners and CICA Program Endorsement.

Applicants will be required to provide a copy of their academic transcript, testamur and proof of professional membership of a CICA Member Association.

All current and graduates of CICA endorsed programs including those previously endorsed will be eligible to meet the requirements to join the Register. For a complete list of CICA endorsed programs please click here

Individuals wishing to apply to join the Register with equivalent career development specific qualifications and those applying with international qualifications will be required to map their qualification against the Core Competencies of the CICA Professional Standards. The mapping document will be provided as part of the application process.

The Australian Register Review Committee will review the mapping provided against the Core Competencies of the CICA Professional Standards to determine suitability.

Why CICA Endorsed Programs?

CICA endorsement ensures that programs submitted by providers meet the needs of the career development industry both from a quality assurance and skill development perspective. The content being delivered in the program is mapped to the core competencies of the CICA Professional Standards.

Providers elect to submit their qualifications to CICA for endorsement. CICA does not seek out providers.

Applications for endorsement are reviewed by an independent endorsement committee to ensure that the programs are aligned to the core competencies of the CICA Professional Standards for Australian Career Development Practitioners. Endorsement processes are undertaken on a not-for-profit basis.

CICA endorsement aligns with TEQSA requirements to ensure that those teaching in the programs have a plus one qualification in career development. An endorsement also ensures that the resources being used in the programs are current and have relevance.

CICA publicly lists all endorsed programs on our website but does not provide advice or recommendations on the choice of a provider for learners.

What costs are involved?

The initial and ongoing annual fee to join the Register is $50 ex GST.

There is no application fee.

Will I receive a certificate?

Yes, and you will also be able to use the post-nominals RPCDP (Registered Professional Career Development Practitioner) after your name.

What is happening to the current CICA Registration?

Current CICA Registration will end on 30 March 2022.

Those currently registered will need to reapply if they meet the criteria to be included on the Register.

When can I apply to join the Register?

Applications will open on 1 April 2022 and is required to be completed online through the CICA website.

Information is current as of 8 March 2022.