Read the Standards #

The assessment approach for RSP-ASS relies strongly on evidence provided against the relevant Standards. Before proceeding, please read the RSP Acid Sulfate Soil Standards. Note that these contains two sets of Standards, one for ASS consultants and one set for ASS regulators.

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 #

The application and evidence form can be found in the SSA member portal.

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

Upload a curriculum vitae.  Upload a CV of 3 to 4 pages that provides evidence of significant experience relevant to the RSP-ASS competencies i.e. a minimum of 5 years’ experience working with the development and/or assessment of acid sulfate soil investigation reports and management plans.

• 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 relevant competencies.

Upload evidence of your work.  There are two evidence pathways to RSP – Acid Sulfate Soil Accreditation:

Upload relevant work documents as described above, or other written forms of communication that collectively demonstrate your experience as it relates to the Standards. Commercial documents may have identity 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, and you can keep uploading and deleting the document set until you are satisfied.

Upload data limits. There are data limits for uploads as follows:

• Qualifications – Maximum of 10 files, total maximum of 10MB
• Experience – Maximum of 10 files, total maximum of 10MB
• Evidence – Maximum of 10 files, total maximum of 40MB

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 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 RSP” webpage.

For more information #

Please direct all inquiries to [email protected].

Published May 2025