Cyber security is increasingly central to professional practice across almost every industry in Australia. Whether you work in information technology, law, accounting, corporate governance, or are looking to transition into a career in cyber security, professional membership with the Australian Institute of Cyber Security (AICS) provides a recognised home for your expertise and a structured pathway for your development.
What is AICS membership?
AICS membership is more than a subscription. It is admission to a professional community built around the standards, ethics, and ongoing development that define serious practitioners in the field. Membership is open to professionals at all career stages and is calibrated to reflect each member’s experience and qualifications. All AICS memberships are GST exempt.
Foundations Certified (AICSF)
AICSF is awarded to AICS members who have completed the Foundations of Cyber Security course. It is the entry-level AICS credential, open to students, IT professionals, and those in non-technical roles who hold cyber security responsibilities within their organisation. For accountants, lawyers, and other professionals who advise clients on cyber security matters or manage data-holding practices, completing the Foundations course and earning AICSF provides a credible and accessible mark of professional standing in the field.
Member of AICS (MAICS)
The MAICS designation is awarded to professionals who complete the Cyber Security Accreditation Course and maintain an active AICS membership. It marks a genuine commitment to the profession and represents the first formal step toward full AICS accreditation. MAICS demonstrates to employers, clients, and colleagues that the holder has moved beyond general awareness and is building a structured body of cyber security knowledge.
Graduate of AICS (GAICS)
The GAICS credential is awarded to members who hold MAICS and have a minimum of 4 years of verified industry experience in cyber security roles. This experience must be verified, not self-reported. GAICS is widely recognised by employers, courts, and clients as a mark of applied expertise. Maintaining GAICS status requires ongoing continuing professional development, ensuring that graduates remain at the leading edge of the field as the threat landscape evolves.
Fellow of AICS (FAICS)
The Fellowship is the highest distinction AICS confers and is awarded by invitation to members of exceptional standing in the profession. Fellows take an active role in guiding the Institute and shaping the future direction of cyber security practice in Australia. The FAICS designation represents decades of contribution, leadership, and expertise.
Corporate membership
Corporate Membership is available at all levels and provides organisations with the ability to enrol multiple team members, access additional benefits, and pursue sponsorship and partnership opportunities with AICS. For organisations that take cyber security seriously as a whole-of-business commitment, Corporate Membership provides a structured and credible way to demonstrate that commitment to clients and regulators alike.
Why the credentials matter
The postnominals conferred by AICS, whether AICSF, MAICS, GAICS, or FAICS, serve a practical purpose in the market. They signal to employers, courts, clients, and colleagues that the holder has met a defined and independently governed standard. In an era when cyber security credentials are proliferating rapidly and the quality of training varies enormously, AICS membership provides a structured, professionally governed mark of competence grounded firmly in the Australian regulatory and professional context. For lawyers and accountants, membership also demonstrates a cross-disciplinary understanding of the cyber security risks and obligations relevant to their practice. For IT professionals and career changers, the accreditation pathway provides a clear and credible route to professional recognition that employers and clients understand.
Become a member
AICS membership is open to professionals at all stages of their career. To find out which membership level is right for you and to begin the application process, visit cybersecurity.com.au/membership or contact the AICS team directly through the website.
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