What is SSA Accreditation? #
Soil Science Australia (SSA) manages the SSA Accreditation Framework, which sets professional standards for individuals working with soil science and land management. The Framework includes two certification programs:
- Certified Professional Soil Scientist (CPSS)
- Recognised Soil Practitioners (RSP)
These programs certify individuals who meet defined competencies, education, and experience requirements. Oversight of the Framework is delegated to the Accreditation Board by the SSA Federal Council.
Current accreditations include:
- CPSS – Certified Professional Soil Scientist
- CPSS‑CSAM – Contaminated Site Assessment and Management
- CPSS‑SSLE – Soil Survey & Land Evaluation
- RSP Soil Management
- RSP Soil Carbon
- RSP Soil Description
- RSP Gully Erosion
- RSP Acid Sulfate Soil
- RSP Erosion & Sediment Control (in partnership with IECA).
Who Can Become Accredited? #
Accreditation is open to any individual—consultants, academics, regulators or government employees—who can demonstrate they meet the standards for a particular accreditation.
As part of their evidence, applicants must provide work examples that show how they meet the competencies. While the standards describe required knowledge and skills, these can be demonstrated through a wide range of job roles. For example, many accredited individuals work in education or regulatory positions.
Some accreditations, such as RSP‑Acid Sulfate Soil, include distinct pathways for consultants and regulators.
What Are the Benefits of Accreditation? #
SSA accreditation provides:
- Verified professional expertise in soil science or related practice
- Increased employability and professional recognition
- Access to specialised or regulated work (where required)
- Clear quality benchmarks for clients and employers
- Encouragement of ongoing professional learning
- Confidence for consultants, government, and industry stakeholders
How Does SSA Accreditation Compare to Other Certification Programs? #
The SSA Accreditation Framework is aligned with the Australian and international Standard AS/NZS ISO/IEC 17024:2013, which sets requirements for certification of individuals. This ensures fair, valid, and reliable processes.
Other professional certification bodies operate in similar ways, though scopes differ. For example, IECA and IEANZ have broader programs, while SSA focuses exclusively on soil‑related competencies.
Some SSA accreditations are recognised in regulatory environments across several States and Territories.
How Are Accreditations Developed and Kept Current? #
New accreditations follow a structured development process:
- A business case is developed, including job analysis and market need.
- A task force consults widely and drafts competency standards.
- The Accreditation Board reviews and approves the standards.
- Applications open, and the Board (or delegated experts) assesses early applicants until at least five individuals are accredited.
Each accreditation is reviewed every three years to ensure it reflects current science and industry practice.
How Do I Choose Between CPSS and RSP? #
Accreditation type generally depends on your background and the work you do:
- CPSS is for soil scientists—individuals with formal university training in soil science or those who pass the Soil Science Fundamentals Assessment.
- CPSS‑CSAM and CPSS‑SSLE are specialist designations requiring CPSS plus additional experience.
- RSP accreditations are designed for practitioners who have expertise in specific areas, regardless of whether they are soil scientists.
Experience requirements vary: some RSP accreditations require only two years of experience, while CPSS specialisations require five to seven.
Is Accreditation Difficult to Obtain? #
Accreditation is achievable if you meet the education and experience requirements and can provide quality work examples and references.
Many applicants take time to gather suitable examples or identify appropriate referees (only one reference may come from an employer).
The final step is a panel interview focused on professional practice, ethics, and your submitted work. Most applicants find this a positive and valuable experience.
What Are the Costs? #
The non‑refundable application fee is $395 (GST inclusive). This fee supports the administration of the accreditation system.
The ongoing annual accreditation fee is $430. Exceptions:
- RSP‑Soil Management: $240 annually
- Additional accreditations for an already‑accredited individual: $105 each year
What Ongoing Commitments Do I Have? #
Accredited individuals must record ongoing professional development (OPD) activities in an online diary. Each entry must include evidence of participation.
The standard requirement is 40 hours of OPD over two years. CPSS specialisations require additional hours.
OPD may include learning, service to others, or significant work‑based activities that contribute to professional growth.
How Do I Prepare for Accreditation? #
Applicants should plan ahead to ensure they can meet the experience requirements and gather suitable work examples.
SSA recommends discussing accreditation goals with your employer to ensure you will have access to appropriate work opportunities.
What Resources Are Available? #
The SSA website provides dedicated pages for each accreditation, including guidelines, standards, and application forms.
Under ISO/IEC 17024, accreditation bodies must remain independent and cannot deliver training that directly prepares applicants for assessment. However, SSA is working to identify suitable third‑party training options.
How Can I Find an Accredited Person? #
The SSA website includes two searchable directories: ‘Find a CPSS’ and ‘Find a RSP’. These listings are updated in real time and can be filtered by accreditation type and State. Contact details for each accredited individual are provided.
Prospective applicants may also find it helpful to contact an accredited professional for guidance.
Contact Us #
For more information:
Accreditation – Soil Science Australia
Email: [email protected]