Preparation #

Important: To apply for CPSS-CSAM accreditation you must already be a Certified Practising Soil Scientist (CPSS).

The assessment approach for accreditation relies strongly on evidence provided against the CPSS-CSAM Standards. Before proceeding, please read the CPSS Contaminated Site Assessment and Management (CPSS-CSAM) Standards.

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 form #

To apply for CPSS-CSAM you will need to complete and submit the application and evidence form and pay the application fee.

Your assessment will be based on how well you can demonstrate that you meet the Standards, in your CV, work examples, references, and during your interview.

Upload a curriculum vitae. You will be asked to upload a CV of 3 to 4 pages that provides evidence of significant experience relevant to the CPSS-CSAM competencies. We look for a minimum of 7 FTE years and if you work part-time, you may take longer to gain the required experience. For overseas applicants, at least 3 of the 7 years’ experience must have been worked in Australia. Include the following in your CV:

• 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
• where applicable, how your work fits with the CPSS-CSAM competencies.

Upload evidence of your work. You will need to upload 2 to 4 clearly identified work documents such as papers, reports, plans, or various 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, the applicant must identify the extent of their 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 and reference the right documents, so 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 3 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 relevant 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.

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. 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.

At the end of the process, if you are successful, after paying the annual accreditation fee, you will receive a welcome letter. Your seal and certificate will be available in the member portal, and your name will be added to the “Find a CPSS” webpage as a CPSS-CSAM.

For more information #

Please direct all inquiries to [email protected].

Published May 2025