The ACS recognises that an essential characteristic of a profession is the need for its members to abide by a Code of Ethics. The Society requires its members to subscribe to a set of values and ideals which uphold and advance the honour, dignity, and effectiveness of the profession of information technology. The member is required at all times to be honest, forthright and impartial, to loyally serve employers, clients and the public, to strive to increase the competence and prestige of the profession and to use special knowledge and skill for the advancement of human welfare. ACS also conducts a certification program which gives professional members of the Society the opportunity to test their professional knowledge against a defined benchmark and, if successful, to have their achievement recognized. Each member receives a monthly magazine providing information on the latest developments in IT and the quarterly Australian Computer Journal, a journal of record and research papers.
Members also receive the publications of their local Branch.
Members have access to Professional Indemnity and Income Protection insurance schemes specially tailored to IT professionals and can join a credit card rewards programme offered by a major bank. The ACS has been involved in a lengthy debate concerning the criteria for membership and it is expected that new criteria for membership will be approved in 1996. The ACS recognises that one of the benefits to our members of IFIP membership is the opportunity it gives us to attract professional development events and the Society is looking forward to hosting the 1996 IFIP Congress.