APAC
The Australian Psychological Accreditation Council (APAC) has been established by the Australian Psychological Society (APS) and the Council of Psychologists Registration Boards (Australasia) (CPRB). From 1 January 2006 APAC is the body that will assess and approve courses of study in psychology from recognised Schools of Psychology for the purposes of registration. A website for APAC is currently under construction - when this is completed it will be added to the "Links" page of this website.
Memberships / Additional Qualifications / Titles
The Board wishes to remind all registered psychologists of the requirements when stating memberships in advertising etc., and also regarding the use of additional qualifications and titles as set out in the Board's Code of Professional Conduct & Practice to ensure that all advertising etc. is in accordance with Board policy.
Section 3.9(c):
"Psychologists must not include titles, descriptions, credentials, or initials for such, before or after their name that would suggest specialisation. It is suitable however to make a statement about an area of special interest or additional training, eg. rather than stating “Sports Psychologist” it would be appropriate to state “psychologist practising in the area of sports psychology”.
Similarly, terms or abbreviations used after a therapist’s name such as MAPS or MASH are not permitted as members of the public would not understand these abbreviations, and could be misled into believing the psychologist has formal additional qualifications. These terms must be used in full, ie:
- Member of Australian Psychological Society
- Member of Australian Society of Hypnosis"
Section 3.9(d):
"Not uncommonly, a psychologist may have pursued post-graduate degrees outside psychology such as an M Ed, or an MBA. These conferred degrees, obtained at a University level, can be used by registrants after their name in addition to the psychology degree, provided they are entered on the Register of Psychologists. Applications to have additional qualifications on the Register must be made to the Board with the prescribed fee."