The Australian Psychological Society (APS) is Australia's leading association for psychologists in Australia, with more than 25,000 members. APS works to improve the lives of Australians through psychology, working in diverse settings and sectors around the country. APS helps the community to understand and access psychology via education, advocacy, and evidence-based practice.
APS offers several membership grades. Each grade has specific requirements, which are generally based on an applicant’s level of tertiary education in psychology. Applicants must be qualified in, or be studying, psychology programs accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC).
The APS Code of Ethics
The Australian Psychological Society Code of Ethics was adopted by the organisation in 2007, and by the Psychology Board of Australia in 2010. The Board has developed its first regulatory code of conduct, which will come into effect on 1 December 2025.
APS Presidents
The following have been Presidents of the Australian Psychological Society.[1]
President
Term
Psychology Board of Australia Area of Endorsement(s)
APS publishes science journals with the latest research in psychology, and the conceptual and policy issues affecting the field. These include the Australian Journal of Psychology, Australian Psychologist, Clinical Psychologist, Educational and Developmental Psychologist and The Australian Community Psychologist. APS promotes and facilitates psychology-related events, including the APS Festival of Psychology and APS Psychology Career Expo.
Education and training
APS has nine colleges representing different areas of practice. The Colleges support practice standards and quality assurance, organise education and training, and information sharing with members. The Colleges include: Clinical Neuropsychologists, Clinical Psychologists, Community Psychologists, Counselling Psychologists, Educational and Developmental Psychologists, Forensic Psychologists, Health Psychologists, Organisational Psychologists and Sport and Exercise Psychologists.
Registration requirements are determined by the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA) under the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme.
General registration requires a minimum six-year sequence of education and training. This typically includes a four-year Board-approved accredited sequence of study in psychology, followed by one of the below pathways.
Fourth-year graduates can choose from:
The higher degree pathway, which is an approved postgraduate degree accredited at the fifth and sixth year level (eg. two-year Masters) or higher (eg. three or four year Doctorate), or
The 5+1 internship pathway. This requires you to pass the national psychology exam before applying for general registration.
Psychologists must be registered with the Psychology Board of Australia, and meet the Board's registration standards, in order to practise in Australia.
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