What is the value of ACS membership?

Introduction

  • ACS membership is designed to support every stage of your professional growth - from building skills and networks to gaining industry recognition and leadership opportunities.
  • ACS is more than just a membership - it’s your professional community, with over 49,500 members across Australia and beyond, working together to shape the future of technology.
  • Below are six key ways ACS supports your professional journey:

1. Build the management skills that back your technical skills 

Today’s tech professionals need more than just technical know-how—they need leadership, communication, critical thinking, and adaptability. ACS membership gives you access to exclusive tools to support this development.

Skillsoft

ACS members have exclusive, unlimited access to ACS Skillsoft (Learning Accelerator), an online platform featuring over 11,000 expert-led courses. From project management to cloud computing and emerging technologies, it’s your one-stop resource for upskilling—on your schedule. The platform also includes prep materials for certifications like Microsoft Azure and AWS, helping you work toward globally recognised credentials.

MySFIA – Map Your Capabilities and Career Path

In addition, ACS members get free access to the MySFIA tool - a personalised digital career management platform that helps you assess your current skills against the internationally recognised SFIA framework (Skills Framework for the Information Age).

  • Identify your capability strengths and development areas

  • Build a personal skills profile aligned with global standards

  • Explore role-based roadmaps to guide career progression

  • Use your SFIA profile to support applications for ACS Certification or membership grade upgrades.

MySFIA gives you a clear picture of where you are now, and where you want to grow next - whether that’s technical leadership, architecture, cyber, or management. It’s a tool typically reserved for enterprise use, but ACS members access it at no additional cost.

Together, Learning Accelerator and MySFIA help you not only learn - but lead.

 

2. Create the connections to power your personal brand

Being part of active and collaborative networks is critical to career success. With over 49,500+ members, ACS offers a trusted environment that allows people to build authentic relationships that last throughout one’s career. The next person you talk to maybe your future employer or business partner!

Professional development events and networking opportunities

ACS hosts hundreds of high-value events per year that focus on leadership and technical skills. These events are offered both face-to-face and online, providing flexibility to suit your schedule. Most of these events are free or available at a low cost for members, making it easier for you to continually upskill and expand your professional network without breaking the bank. Additionally, you can join almost 30,000 members from business, government, and education on our closed ACS LinkedIn group to be part of the conversation and further expand your network. 

Local ACS branch support

ACS’s local branches provide additional support and opportunities for networking and professional development. Engaging with your local branch allows you to connect with peers in your area, attend region-specific events, and benefit from localised resources and support.

Access to Technology and Innovation Hubs

Connect, collaborate, and innovate at our Technology and Innovation Hubs. Take advantage of high-tech, digitally enabled spaces exclusively for ACS members and their guests. Hubs are a brilliant collaborative and networking opportunity. ACS members meet peers and entrepreneurs and hear about new start-ups and scale-ups.

Participation and leadership

Your subject matter expertise can also be recognised by serving on committees and task groups within ACS for developing standards, bodies of knowledge, and speaking opportunities. Volunteer to sit on ACS Technical Advisory Boards (TAB), Special Interest Groups (SIG) or speaker opportunities to contribute to sector development, build relationships with like-minded professionals and elevate your personal profile.

Pathways to recognition

ACS supports professional progression through our membership grades. Eligible members can apply to be regraded to MACS (Member of ACS), FACS (Fellow of ACS), FACS Snr and Honorary Members, providing formal recognition of your impact, leadership and service to the tech sector.

 

3. Search for jobs on a tech-exclusive platform

Search for tech roles or advertise jobs with the ACS Career Platform, offering top graduate jobs, internships, and career opportunities in Australia's tech sector. Access career tips, advice, and "day in the life" features to navigate your career path effectively. Whether starting out or advancing, this platform connects you with opportunities tailored to your skills and aspirations.

 

4. Unlock discounts and offers from leading professional development partners

ACS partners with industry-leading organisations to boost ACS members’ benefits and careers with discounts and member-exclusive offers:

  • AcudocX: Translate with confidence using NAATI-certified translations. ACS members receive an exclusive 10% discount, simplifying your migration journey with a complete translation management solution.
  • CyberKnowledge: Protect your business with AI-assisted cyber risk tools tailored for SMEs. ACS members receive 50% off cybersecurity services that provide a 12-month roadmap to resilience, policy templates, and real-time threat insights through a guided Community Licence trial.
  • Dynamic Web Training: Access a 15% ACS member discount on courses covering Microsoft, Adobe, Web Design, Mobile, Graphic Design, eLearning, Lean Six Sigma, Xero Accounting, and MYOB.
  • Global Futures Education: Drive change through climate-focused education. ACS members receive a 10% discount on programs designed to build sustainability leadership and embed environmental responsibility into tech and business practices.
  • Leaders Lounge: Upskill with leadership capabilities to secure higher pay or land a new role. ACS members receive exclusive access, including a 20% discount on Accelerator Sessions, Leadership Coaching, and the Learning Academy.
  • Lumify Group: ACS members get a 10% discount on IT training courses, premium access to events, webinars, and first-release training sessions. Choose from over 700 courses to advance your IT skills.
  • Pearson: Find your competitive edge with an exclusive 20% discount on technical and professional certification e-books from Adobe to Cisco.
  • Planit: ACS members receive 20% off Planit software testing and Agile courses.
  • PM-Partners: Obtain globally recognised certifications in methods like PRINCE2®, ITIL® 4, and Agile with a 20% discount for ACS members. Benefit from classroom and virtual instructor-led programs.
  • Self Management Group (SMG): Develop a high-performance team with the ACS SMG partnership and your exclusive 15% discount. Access world-class assessment tools to identify high-quality talent.
  • Qantas Club: Save on travel with an exclusive discount on Qantas Club Corporate Membership. ACS members receive a 30% discount on 1 and 2-year corporate membership fees and the joining fee. This provides access to comfortable travel experiences with exclusive lounges and services.
  • SharePass: ACS members receive a 10% discount on online digital security solutions from SharePass.
  • Zenva: Advance your career and gain new skills in AI, programming, and game and app creation. ACS members can enjoy access to a one-year Zenva Academy membership at a discounted rate of 30%.

ACS professional and public liability insurance: 

As part of your ACS membership, you can receive professional and public liability insurance valued at nearly $800 if purchased separately. This benefit provides peace of mind for eligible sole traders, knowing you are protected in your professional endeavours.

 

5. Create trust in your capabilities

Professional recognition and representation are key components of career growth in the IT sector. ACS membership includes access to a range of opportunities to enhance your professional standing and be an active participant in the tech community.

Certification and microcredentials

Third-party assessment of not just your knowledge but, more importantly, demonstrated capability helps you stand out from the crowd and benefits your employer too. ACS Certification and Microcredentials are based on the SFIA, an internationally recognised competency framework, making you a global practitioner. ACS offers discounted certification recognised under the Australian Professional Standards scheme. These certifications are a mark of professional credibility and can significantly enhance your career prospects.

The ACS Professional Standards Scheme (PSS) is a legal obligation. It dictates we monitor, enforce and improve the professional standards of ACS Certified Professionals.  Under the scheme, ACS Certified Professionals are provided with higher standards, quality reporting and a cap to civil liability of $2 million but must comply with insurance, continuous learning and disclosure obligations.

 

6. Stay Informed with Trusted Industry Insights

ACS members gain access to authoritative reports and publications that shape national conversations on technology, policy, and the digital economy.

Explore topics such as cyber security, data sharing, AI, workforce development, and digital disruption, with insights drawn from industry leaders, government, and academic experts. These resources are designed to keep you at the forefront of ICT trends and help you make informed decisions that impact your work and your sector.

Featured report:
📘 ACS Digital Pulse – Our flagship annual publication offering deep analysis of Australia’s digital economy, emerging skill trends, and the state of the ICT workforce.

ACS reports and publications are free for members and serve as an invaluable tool for professionals, policymakers, and business leaders alike.

 

Conclusion

ACS members are part of Australia’s largest tech community, which advocates on their behalf and furthers the professionalism of the sector while providing personalised professional development. 

The technology professionals with access to world-class career support, networks and recognition will seize the opportunities presented by Australia’s fast-moving tech sector.

And while the value of membership goes far beyond the cost, it’s worth noting that many members also benefit from claiming their ACS membership as a tax-deductible expense - a smart way to invest in your future.

Find out more about ACS Membership benefits and upcoming events or join ACS today and take full advantage of these opportunities to advance your career in technology.

 

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