Membership & registrations
Membership criteria
Every ACS grade is assessed against the same national standard of competence, ethics and continuing professional development.
How assessment works
Choose your grade
Compare the criteria below and select the grade matching your current level of professional responsibility.
Submit evidence
Upload your CV, qualifications, CPD record and references through the member portal after payment.
Assessment
A panel of two assessors reviews your application against the ACS Competency Framework within 20 business days.
Election & post-nominals
On a successful assessment you are elected to the register and may use your post-nominal letters immediately.
Criteria by grade
Student Member
SACS
For students enrolled in a computing or adjacent degree program.
Eligibility
- Currently enrolled at an accredited U.S. institution
- Studying computing, engineering, mathematics, or a related discipline
- Coursework or self-study in Machine Learning, AI, and Cyber Security is strongly recommended
- Proof of enrollment renewed annually
What you receive
- — Digital member card and SACS post-nominals
- — Access to the ACS Digital Library and journals
- — Mentor matching with professional members
- — Free entry to all ACS chapter events
Associate Member
AACS
For early-career practitioners building professional standing.
Eligibility
- Relevant computing employment is preferred but not required
- Completed an accredited associate or bachelor's degree in computing, engineering, mathematics, or a related discipline
- Foundational knowledge of Machine Learning, AI, and Cyber Security principles
- Signed commitment to the ACS Code of Conduct
What you receive
- — AACS post-nominals and verified member profile
- — 12 CPD modules and annual ethics training
- — Career pathway review with an ACS advisor
- — Discounted certification exam vouchers
Professional Member
MACS
The core grade for established computing professionals.
Eligibility
- Four or more years of substantive professional computing practice
- Demonstrated technical responsibility and autonomy
- Accredited degree, or an assessed portfolio of equivalent competence
- Demonstrated competency in Machine Learning, AI, or Cyber Security, or equivalent continuing professional development
- Two professional references
- Current, logged CPD record
What you receive
- — MACS post-nominals and professional Charter pathway eligibility
- — Full CPD portfolio, ethics and AI assurance training
- — Voting rights in ACS elections
- — Specialist group membership and event hosting rights
- — Professional indemnity guidance and legal helpline
Fellow
FACS
The Society's highest individual grade, awarded on assessment.
Eligibility
- Ten or more years in the profession, five at senior or principal level
- Evidence of sustained leadership and impact on the profession
- Demonstrable leadership contribution to advancing Machine Learning, AI, or Cyber Security practice
- Nomination or endorsement by two existing Fellows
- Fellowship panel interview
What you receive
- — FACS post-nominals and Fellowship certificate
- — Eligibility for Council and assessment panels
- — Named listing in the ACS Register of Fellows
- — Invitations to national policy roundtables
Organization Membership
ACS Approved
For employers developing accredited computing teams.
Eligibility
- U.S.-registered organization employing computing professionals
- A named ACS liaison at management level
- Adoption of the ACS Code of Conduct across technology teams
- Commitment to upskilling staff in Machine Learning, AI, and Cyber Security
- Annual professional development review
What you receive
- — Up to 25 employee professional memberships
- — ACS Approved Employer accreditation mark
- — Team competency mapping and skills framework access
- — Priority speaking slots at ACS national events