PSS Annual Declaration Launches December 2025

PSS Annual Declaration Launches December 2025

New compliance requirement strengthens professional protections for CPs

ACS is launching a new, mandatory annual requirement for Certified Professional (CP) members —the Professional Standards Scheme (PSS) Annual Declaration.

Starting 1 December, Branch and PPP managers will begin contacting over 500 CP members with certification anniversaries between August and December to introduce the Declaration and provide support through the completion process.

Strengthening Professional Protections

The PSS Annual Declaration confirms CPs' ongoing commitment to professional currency, ethical standards, and consumer protection. It ensures that liability protections under the PSS—which caps civil liability for CPs working in external tech services, consultancy, and contracting roles—remain active for the coming year.

As the PSS administrator, ACS is required to monitor and report CP compliance to the Professional Standards Councils (PSC). This Declaration streamlines the CP member experience while maintaining the professional standards that protect both practitioners and consumers.

A Simplified Process for Most Members

The new requirement recognises that CPs work in diverse professional contexts. ACS anticipates that approximately 66% of CPs will qualify for a simple exemption pathway—typically those working within companies or academic institutions with no independent practice. These members can expect to complete the Declaration in around 10-15 minutes.

The remaining CPs—consultants, sole traders, business owners, and those providing external technical services—will need to provide additional information about their professional arrangements and insurance coverage, which may take up to 30 minutes.

What CPs Can Expect

Members targeted in the December campaign will receive:

  • A personal call from their Branch or Partner Success team introducing the Declaration and answering initial questions
  • A follow-up email with a secure Microsoft Forms link and supporting resources
  • Ongoing support from the PSS Team to address questions or technical issues

The Declaration must be completed in one session and cannot be saved partway through. Members are encouraged to gather necessary documents beforehand, including their ACS member number, business tax returns (if applicable), insurance policy details, and the PI Insurance Compliance Checklist.

Timeline and Next Steps

Campaign launch: 1 December 2025
Target completion: Within two weeks of receiving the form link
Follow-up and reminders: January 2026

Looking Ahead

This December campaign marks the beginning of an annual compliance cycle that will apply to all CP members going forward. ACS will use learnings from this rollout to refine and improve the process in 2026.

For more information about the PSS or the Annual Declaration, visit the ACS PSS website or contact the PSS Team at cpcompliance@acs.org.au.

 

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