Alignment Accreditation Standards Review 2025
Public consultation on Accreditation Standards.
Background
APAC completed the Alignment Accreditation Standards Review in 2025 to align APAC’s Accreditation Standards for Psychology Programs (Accreditation Standards) with the new Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA) Code of conduct and Professional competencies for psychologists, collectively known as Professional Practice Standards, which came into effect on 1 December 2025.
The proposed 2025 Accreditation Standards were presented to the PsyBA in accordance with the National Law (2009), following extensive consultation throughout 2025. They were subsequently approved and made effective as of 1 December 2025, superseding the 2019 Accreditation Standards.
Consultation Report
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 along the revised 2025 Accreditation Standards to support transparency and shared understanding across the sector.
Review Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the timeline for the review?
The provisional timelines for the 2025 Alignment Accreditation Standards Review can be viewed below. Please note, although every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, this timeline is provisional and subject to change. Any significant deviations from these dates will be communicated with all stakeholders in advance.
Date Milestone 31 January 2025 Expert Advisory Groups Established 17 February 2025 Public Consultation (Round One) Opens 24 March 2025 Public Consultation (Round One) Closes Early April 2025 Public Survey Published Early April 2025 First Draft Standards Developed 13 May 2025 Public Consultation (Round Two) Opens 13 June 2025 Public Consultation (Round Two) Closes August 2025 Final Draft of the Revised Accreditation Standards October 2025 Final PsyBA Approval of Revised Accreditation Standards 1 December 2026 Revised Accreditation Standards Take Effect -
Who can I contact for more information?
Please contact apac@apac.au with your inquiry and a member of the APAC team will be happy to assist you.
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What will change for assessors under the new proposed standards?
This review cycle will align the Accreditation Standards with the Psychology Board of Australia’s (PsyBA) Professional Competencies for Psychologists and Code of Conduct. Though the standards are unlikely to be completely different, there will be key changes which all assessors should familiarize themselves with as they become available. APAC will offer training and resources to ensure assessors are well-equipped to perform their duties.
Assessors provide critical insights by sharing their expertise on the practical application of current standards and contributing to revisions. We encourage assessors to share their expertise with APAC throughout the review period.
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Will the review impact students’ education?
The review aims to enhance the quality and relevance of psychology education, ensuring that training aligns with contemporary competencies and community needs. By updating the standards to align with the Psychology Board of Australia’s (PsyBA) Professional Competencies for Psychologists and Code of Conduct, students should be reassured that they are receiving the necessary knowledge, skills and behaviours to practice as psychologists in Australia.
No immediate changes to programmes will occur during the review process. Any updates will be implemented following engagement and communication with HEPs.
Students offer a unique perspective and are encouraged to share their insights with the review. Their experiences will enrich the review process ensuring that the revised Accreditation Standards reflect the views of those working in, or seeking to work in, the psychology sector.
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How can I/my organization participate in the review?
Stakeholders are strongly encouraged to participate in APAC’s public consultations, which will be open in two stages: 17 February 2025 – 24 March 2025 and 5 May 2025 – 6 June 2025. An additional survey will be released in April 2025 to provide an ongoing feedback mechanism to share your insights, concerns or queries.
All feedback will be reviewed by the expert advisory groups and the Assessment and Accreditation Committee to shape the updated standards. All submissions will be treated with respect and summaries of feedback and actions taken will be published, in line with our values of respect and transparency.
Please consider opting in to APAC’s Mailing List via our website to receive updates on the 2025 Alignment Accreditation Standards Review as well as our bi-annual APAC newsletter.
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Video transcript