APAC has concluded the review of its new 2025 Accreditation Standards for Psychology Programs (Accreditation Standards), following extensive consultation across the psychology education and training sector. This article outlines the consultation process, key outcomes and implementation considerations associated with the Accreditation Standards, effective from 1 December 2025.
The review process was iterative and involved a broad range of stakeholders, including multiple expert advisory groups, the APAC Accreditation Assessment Committee (AAC) and the APAC Board of Directors. Multiple methods of consultation were used throughout, including surveys, stakeholder focus groups and two rounds of public consultation, supporting broad participation and diverse input.
The new 2025 Accreditation Standards support the overarching objectives of the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law (National Law) by ensuring registered psychologists have the education, training, knowledge, skills and competence required to practise safely and confidently. They continue to focus on public safety, academic governance and quality assurance, program design and delivery, the student experience and assessment.
A key outcome of the review is the introduction of Domain 6 – Cultural Safety, strengthening the focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, wellbeing and cultural safety. This change aligns with amendments to the National Law and the National Scheme’s commitment to eliminating racism in health care and the health workforce, while supporting efforts to increase the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander registered psychologists.
The 2025 Accreditation Standards align with the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA) Code of conduct for psychologists and Professional competencies for psychologists (Professional Practice Standards), which also came into effect on 1 December 2025, supporting consistency across education, training and professional expectations. A managed transition process is currently underway, and APAC remains committed to supporting providers through this transition with clear, proportionate guidance.
Clarification for Providers Undergoing Reaccreditation in 2026
Providers undergoing reaccreditation in 2026 will be assessed against the 2025 Accreditation Standards. These providers have been briefed directly by APAC and have been provided with a supplementary submission pack to assist with providing evidence to meet any additional or revised criteria in the 2025 Accreditation Standards.
PsyBA Professional Practice Standards Integration
All higher education providers are expected to have integrated the PsyBA Professional Practice Standards into all accredited programs as of 1 December 2025, as previously communicated by APAC and the PsyBA. The 2026 Annual Report will include a declaration for providers to complete to acknowledge that the revised Professional Practice Standards are integrated into accredited programs.
Supporting Transparency and Shared Understanding
To support transparency and shared understanding, APAC has published an Alignment Accreditation Standards Consultation Report, which outlines the review process, consultation activities and key considerations that informed the final 2025 Accreditation Standards. The report sits alongside these Accreditation Standards to support transparency and shared understanding across the sector.
For further information, please contact apac@apac.au.