Qualifications, certifications and memberships explained
A program can be valuable without being an accredited qualification. The important point is to know precisely what you receive and whether your target role values it.
| Category | What it means | Where to check |
|---|---|---|
| AQF qualification | A regulated qualification at a defined framework level, such as a diploma or degree. | Relevant provider and national register. |
| Professional certification | An issuing body assesses a person against its standard; conditions and renewal may apply. | Issuing professional body. |
| Membership or post-nominal | Status granted under an organisation’s membership rules. | Current membership and grade rules. |
| Short course certificate | May show attendance, completion or assessed learning; wording alone does not establish AQF status. | Course specification and provider. |
Verify before enrolling
For vocational training, check the National Training Register for the organisation and qualification. For higher education, TEQSA explains how to check provider registration and course accreditation. Some universities have self-accrediting authority; confirm the exact program with the institution. Ask whether membership fees or continuing professional development are needed to retain a designation.
A concrete example
AICD’s Company Directors Course offers optional assessment. AICD says participants who successfully complete it receive the course award and may be eligible to use GAICD if they meet membership conditions. Course attendance, the assessed award and membership grade should be described separately on a CV.