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Advancing Professionalism: Australian Computer Society "Membership now stands at 16,000 I.T.professionals and applications are up 65% from the previous year."In 1991, the Australian Computer Society’s (ACS) membership approved a plan to start working towards a new and transformed professional society. In the years following, ACS sought guidance from around the world about how to define a true computer professional. This quest resulted in the development of the ACS’ core body of knowledge, which is now recognized by leading international organizations such as the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) and the Institute of the Electronic and Electrical Engineers (IEEE). This body of knowledge has become the basis for defining the ACS’ certification and education programs and also provides a basis for designing and rating tertiary education courses throughout Australia. Universities now design their programs to satisfy ACS requirements. “We’re careful to say it’s not a syllabus, and we’re not dictating to colleges and universities. Elements of the core body of knowledge can be spread through courses”, says Gerry Maynard who was actively involved in the development of the ACS body of knowledge. The Australian Computer Society commitment to professional and technical excellence did not come without a difficult transition period. Over 30% of its members, mainly affiliates, IT users with an interest in computers, but not necessarily qualified to attain the professional member’s level, dropped their membership. Affiliates committed to remaining in the society were able to study and take examination to qualify for the continuing membership higher levels. Membership now stands at 16,000 I.T. professionals and applications are up 65% from the previous year. ACS has truly become the voice and champion for the I.T. professional in Australia. Educational institutions seek its advice in curriculum planning, government consults with ACS on matters related to I.T., and the professionalism of its members make the social and community benefits of I.T. a high priority. “There are a lot of people who call themselves computer professionals and who are professionals at what they do in their work environment, but many wouldn’t qualify as professionals in terms that ACS will certify”. Says ACS chief executive Dennis Furini. “Technology now pervades every aspect of our lives. We rely heavily on computers, networks, telecommunications and the Internet to maintain and enhance our quality of life, in our work and professional activities, and in leisure pursuits and relationships. With our growing dependence on technology as the backdrop, it is vital that those working in the IT profession develop, implement and maintain these systems and demonstrate an appropriate level of skills, knowledge and concern for ethical considerations”. ICCP is also dedicated to the information systems profession. Through its certification program, ICCP remains committed to maintaining progressive competency and ethical standards. Moreover, ICCP services and information are targeted to directly support and enhance the role of the IT professional. ICCP is encouraged to see the successful transformation the ACS has experienced. For more information on the ICCP certification program please visit the ICCP web site at http://www.iccp.org . |
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