Membership & registrations
Become a member
Five grades, one national standard. Choose the grade that matches your practice and join in minutes with secure card payment.
Read the full membership criteriaStudent Member
SACS
$35per year
For students enrolled in a computing or adjacent degree program.
- 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
Criteria
- — 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
Associate Member
AACS
$95per year
For early-career practitioners building professional standing.
- 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
Criteria
- — 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
Professional Member
MACS
$210per year
The core grade for established computing professionals.
- 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
Criteria
- — 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
Fellow
FACS
$450per year
The Society's highest individual grade, awarded on assessment.
- 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
Criteria
- — 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
Organization Membership
ACS Approved
$2400per year
For employers developing accredited computing teams.
- 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
Criteria
- — 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
Applications are not automatically approved. Every submission is assessed against the published criteria for the grade by the Membership and Admissions Committee, and the outcome is recorded in your member portal. Payments are processed securely by Stripe. Membership renews annually and can be cancelled at any time by contacting member services.