On 20 February 2026, the Professional Standards Council of New South Wales approved an application from the Association of Australian Certifiers (AAC) for a professional standards scheme.
The scheme will be in force in New South Wales from 1 July 2026, subject to publication in the NSW Government Gazette. The scheme will be in force for a period of 5 years, unless extended. This is the first scheme approved for AAC.
In approving the scheme, the Councils had regard to the matters set out in section 10 of the Professional Standards Act 1994 (NSW), including:
- all comments and submissions provided to the Councils in response to public notification of the scheme
- the position of persons who may be affected by limiting the occupational liability of members of the AAC
- the nature and level of claims relating to occupational liability made against members of the AAC
- the risk management strategies of the AAC, and the means by which those strategies are intended to be implemented
- the cost and availability of insurance against occupational liability for members of the AAC, and
- the standards determined by the AAC in respect of insurance policies for members.
The Council considers that it is appropriate for participants in the AAC scheme, and the clients they serve, to receive the benefits of a professional standards scheme. These include improving professional standards and placing downward pressure on insurance costs, through effective risk management, continuing professional development, and complaints and disciplinary systems.
The Council would like to thank all those who provided comments, made a submission and/or completed the Have Your Say survey during the public notification of the scheme.