Read the Standards #
The assessment approach for CPSS relies strongly on evidence provided against the CPSS Standards. Before proceeding, please read the Standards for Professional in Soil Science.
Confidentiality #
Applications are confidential, and only assessors, interviewers and members of the Accreditation Board having no conflict of interest can assess an application. Assessors and members of the Accreditation Board are required to delete all application documents received, so the only copy of application materials kept are those held by Soil Science Australia.
Application and evidence form #
The first step in completing the application and evidence form is to provide your contact information.
Upload qualifications. Applicants need to upload a certificate of successful completion of the Australian Soil Science Fundamentals Exam or provide university transcripts (AQF Level 7 or above) that show completion of at least four soil science subjects across different domains e.g. soil biology, soil physics, soil chemistry and pedology. Please ensure that academic transcripts and certificates are not password protected.
Provide details of at least subjects that show in the transcripts, one to each line.
Upload curriculum vitae. We are looking for applicants with a broad knowledge of, and experience in, soil science. Please provide a comprehensive CV that shows all your relevant educational qualifications and publications and demonstrates that you have at least 5 years soil-related experience and professional development over the last seven years showing:
- the name, location and contact details of the employing organisation
- the dates and duration of your employment in this appointment
- the title of the position you held
- your defined roles and responsibilities.
Post-graduate degrees count for experience at 50% of the minimum time for the qualification to be completed. For example, a one-year master’s degree counts for six months of experience and a three-year PhD counts for 18 months. At least three of the five years’ experience must have been worked in Australia.
If your employment situation precludes you from meeting any of the above requirements, you may seek consideration from the Accreditation Board using the online SSA Accreditation consideration Form.
Upload evidence of your work. You will need to upload 2 or more clearly identified work documents such as survey reports or case studies or other forms of written communication that collectively demonstrate your experience as it relates to the Standards. Commercial documents may have identifying information redacted. Documents must be accessible (no passwords) and easy to read. There is a data limit on uploads.
Where reports or publications have multiple authors, you must identify the extent of your contribution in the document, and co-authors may be required to corroborate that information. Work that has been audited or peer reviewed is particularly welcome.
It takes time to find the right documents, and you can keep uploading and deleting the document set until you are satisfied.
Complete declarations about evidence. You are asked to declare that the evidence you have provided demonstrates that you meet the majority of the Standards and answer other questions about the documentation you have provided.
Provide names of referees. You will be asked to provide name, company, role, email address and phone number for 2 referees, checking beforehand that they agree to act in this capacity. No more than one referee should be from your employing organisation. The other two referees should not have a material interest in your accreditation or have a close relationship with you. Referees will be emailed an invitation to provide a reference using a question template based on the CPSS-SSLE Standards.
Complete the disclosure. You are asked to identify any actions against you that SSA, as the accrediting body, should know about such as disciplinary or legal action. The responses to the disclosure questions are yes/no and in most cases a yes answer does not necessarily prevent your application going forward. There is an upload box for you to clarify any of questions where you answered “yes”.
Complete the applicant declaration. This declaration asks you if you agree and consent to:
- adhere to the SSA Accreditation Code of Ethics and Rules of Conduct
- be bound by, and conform to, the Rules and By-Laws of the Soil Science Australia
- meet the requirements for Ongoing Professional Development
- furnish any other information the Accreditation Board may request as part of my accreditation
- use the relevant post-nominal and the electronic seal only whilst you remain accredited
- allow Soil Science Australia to disclose that you are accredited.
Eligibility for Registered Soil Practitioner – Soil Management. If you are successful in achieving CPSS, you may also be eligible to be accredited as a Registered Soil Practitioner – Soil Management based on meeting CPSS Standard 5.2 Supervises and/or manages the collection and preparation of soil data, analyses soil data, and makes sound recommendations on soil function and management.
You may like to review the Registered Soil Practitioner – Soil Management Standards before making a decision, and you can also make this decision later.
Payment #
You will be invoiced for the application fee ($395) to be paid before your application can be evaluated.
Submit form #
You can save the form before submitting and once you submit the form you will receive a PDF copy. Receipt of the form will be acknowledged and then it will be checked to ensure that all necessary documentation has been provided. You may be contacted during this process for additional information or clarification.
Interview #
If all required application information has been supplied, an interview will be arranged at a mutually agreed time. A panel of three people will assess your documentation and references before conducting a 30 to 45-minute online panel interview. The interview will address the applicant’s qualifications, experience and competencies. Visit the accreditation interview page for more information about interviews.
The panel will make a recommendation to the Accreditation Board to accept the applicant as accredited, or not.
Onboarding #
At the end of the process, if you are successful, after paying the annual fee you will receive a welcome letter and will be able to access your seal and certificate through the member portal. Your details will be added to the “Find a CPSS” webpage.
For more information #
Please direct all inquiries to [email protected].
Published April 2025