New application guides now available

To assist applicants to put together an application for the grade of Member via the Non-standard route, the following detailed guides have been compiled which give an indication of the type of information that is being sought. There are guides for applicants who work in different settings: academics; private practitioners; and public sector, NGO and other workplace practitioners. Please see below:

 

There are two routes to the grade of Member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS).

  • The standard route to the grade of Member requires successful completion of six years of accredited university training in psychology, through the attainment of an accredited four year sequence of undergraduate study in psychology, followed by completion of either an APS-accredited postgraduate coursework degree in psychology (minimum of two years full-time), or a postgraduate research degree in psychology (minimum of two years full-time).
  • The non-standard route to the grade of Member is for people whose situation does not fit the standard route. Clause 5(c)(ii) enables people who may have other qualifications, under certain circumstances, to fulfil the requirements for election to be a Member of the Society.

Non-standard route requirements

To assist applicants to determine whether they would be likely to succeed in being elected to the grade of Member via this route, applicants should forward a Member application form together with documentation that demonstrates the following:

For applicants who are primarily practitioners

Applications usually will be considered no sooner than five (5) years following full registration as a psychologist practising psychology. The applicant must provide an integrated summary demonstrating how they have made an outstanding contribution to the field of psychology over a sustained period of time. Such evidence might include:

  • managing psychological services;
  • demonstrating psychological expertise in specific areas;
  • holding senior positions of responsibility;
  • providing expert consultancies as a psychologist;
  • substantial teaching, training or supervision of psychology students or trainees at a university;
  • supervising provisionally registered psychologists towards full registration; and
  • significant recognition within the profession from other psychologists (e.g., letters of reference).

For applicants who are primarily academics

Applications usually will be considered no sooner than five (5) years following commencement of employment in an academic position. The applicant must provide an integrated summary demonstrating how they have made an outstanding contribution to the discipline of psychology over a sustained period of time. Such evidence might include:

  • publications - journal articles, books, and book chapters;
  • innovations in the profession such as new treatment approaches, new research findings;
  • as a representative from the field of psychology on committees and/or boards;
  • substantial teaching, training or supervision of psychology students or trainees at a university;
  • supervising students pursuing postgraduate research degrees in psychology; and
  • significant recognition within the discipline from other psychologists (e.g., letters of reference).

In addition, all applicants should provide:

  • evidence of participation in continuing professional development activities over several years and a comprehensive curriculum vitae, which details their employment history in the field of psychology.

AND

  • Comprehensive reports which address the above criteria (at least two A4 pages) from at least two psychologist colleagues, who must hold the grade of Member of the Society and be closely familiar with the applicant’s work.

Applicants are also encouraged to submit any other documentation which they consider is relevant and will strengthen their application, such as evidence of commitment to the profession of psychology, e.g. involvement at the local Branch level as an Associate Member of the Society, or involvement in other psychological societies and/or other relevant professional bodies.

Please note that Member application forms may be downloaded from Membership grades and application forms. Alternatively, you may contact Member Services and staff will send you an application form.

Further information

Please contact Member Services:

PO Box 38
Flinders Lane VIC 8009
Tel: 61 3 8662 3300
Fax: 61 3 9663 6177
Email: membership@psychology.org.au

 

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