Course accreditation

Accreditation is a public declaration that you value quality – it demonstrates to students and employers that your course meets the expectations of the industry.

ACWA operates from the principle that quality education and training produces skilled and professional community work practitioners who can provide services that meet the needs of those who need support. A well-qualified community worker can recognise and work to address the structural barriers that prevent the achievement of a fair and just Australia where people’s human rights are recognised, protected and respected.

ACWA accreditation is nationally recognised and indicates that a course meets the industry standard.

As greater numbers of employers, including government departments, take a risk management approach to recruitment, they are increasingly relying on third party endorsements for assurance that community service qualifications are sound. Short of making their own evaluations employers, and subsequently students, depend on a reputable and respected body to make an assessment upon which they can trust. This is the case in most professions, for example, engineering, accounting, medicine, dentistry, architecture and teaching; it is also the case in our sector.

Obtaining ACWA course accreditation adds an additional layer of quality not covered by regulatory body accreditation. What will set your course apart from others is not how it meets, but how it exceeds, the Australian Qualifications Training Framework (AQTF) packaging requirements.

As an additional benefit for students can apply for student membership of ACWA and when graduated can upgrade their membership. ACWA membership eligibility is often required by employers and when it is not, it provides graduates with a competitive edge.

ACWA accreditation has a focus on: course content; course duration; fieldwork placements; teaching staff and student resources.

You can browse the list of ACWA accredited courses here.

Gaining accreditation

ACWA accredits diploma and higher education courses related to community and human services, including mental health, disability, youth work, drugs and alcohol, and counselling. Please contact us for further information.

Once accreditation is granted, your course will be added to the public course finder on the ACWA website and providers may use the ACWA logo in their marketing material.

If you would like to gain accreditation but do not believe your course yet meets the standard, our assessment team is happy to work with you to achieve your goal.

Fees

All fees are excluding GST.

Course accreditation application

Degree/postgraduate – $12,000
Diploma (Private providers) – $12,000
Diploma (TAFEs and NFP providers) – $6000

*Discounted rates are available for additional campuses and majors.

Annual course registration

Price: $2,500.00