DIA Accredited Designer™

DIA’s DIA Accredited Designer™ program was first introduced in 2004 from research undertaken by the University of South Australia (1999) and RMIT (1998) in conjunction with the DIA and its professional members who were focused on the future of the design professions. It outlined a qualification framework, experience criteria, recognition of design courses, Continuing Professional Development (CPD) program and post nominal use. It has since undergone a number of improvements, the most recent being May 2024.

The accreditation framework is built on three tiers which accommodate flexibility and compliance and take into account the changes to the Australian education landscape.

Design Competencies - includes 2 pathways which determine eligibility
- Professional AQF 7+ plus minimum 3 years experience
- Vocational AQF 5+ or equivalent plus minimum of 5 years’ experience.

Agree to abide by the DIA Code of Conduct

Guidelines for each specific design discipline which direct designers to the legislative and regulatory regimes in each state. This includes evidence of Professional Indemnity Insurance cover.

To be eligible for the DIA Accredited Designer™ program, you must first hold a current DIA Accredited Designer membership and DIA ID number. Your DIA ID number can be found in your DIA portal when you log into your account: Membership Portal.

Secondly, you must have a design or associated profession qualification. The DIA Accredited Designer program is aligned with the Australian Qualification Framework (AQF)and the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) and Occupation Standard Classifications for Australia designer profiles. DIA recognises all Australian qualifications in any field of design that have been conferred by a university, Registered Training Organisation (RTO) or registered higher education provider. Search for higher education providers HERE. Search for vocational providers HERE In the case of overseas qualifications further evidence may be required.

There are 2 pathways to accreditation in which applicants must submit evidence of their highest level in a design qualification.
The DIA Accredited Designer - Eligibility framework is based on a points system e.g. similar to a 100 points check for identification in Australia. Qualification levels, years of experience, signing the DIA Code of Conduct and providing evidence of Professional Indemnity Insurance all accrue points.

1. Professional Pathway - Degree AQF 7+ (a copy of your qualification certificate must be provided)
ANZSCO profiles for designers are identified at Skill Level 1 = AQF7+ i.e. Degree or higher. Applicants will have broad and coherent knowledge and skills for professional design work and/or further learning. With a minimum of 15 points, members can apply directly to become a DIA Accredited Designer™. Applicants must meet minimum professional standards of education, experience, ethics and risk protection. They must have at least three years’ postgraduate design or associated profession experience that is relevant and verifiable. Design educators should use their primary tertiary qualification and teaching experience in their points system calculation. Applicants must also agree to abide by the DIA Code of Conduct for designers and provide evidence that they are practicing with the appropriate Professional Indemnity Insurance (PII) cover.

2. Vocational Pathway - Diploma AQF 5+ (a copy of qualification transcript must be provided)
The vocational pathway is more flexible and makes provision for scaffolding of qualifications and experience. Applicants at Skill Level 2 = AQF 5+ i.e. Diploma or Advanced Diploma will be deemed to have specialised knowledge and skills for skilled/paraprofessional design work and/or further learning. With a minimum of 25 points, members can also apply to become a DIA Accredited Designer™ providing they can demonstrate their design competencies. Applicants must meet minimum vocational standards of design education, experience, ethics and risk protection. They also have the option to build their points based on examination, interview and a portfolio of work. They must have at least five years’ postgraduate design or associated profession experience that is relevant and verifiable. Applicants must also agree to abide by the DIA Code of Conduct for designers and provide evidence that they are practicing with the appropriate professional indemnity insurance cover.

As with the qualifications, there are minimum years of experience required to become accredited with each pathway.

1. Professional Pathway - Minimum 3 years to a maximum 15 years claimable experience in a design or associated profession occupation. Applicants must supply a CV verifying their experience i.e. if claiming 7 years experience the CV should reflect 7 years of work undertaken. NB this may not be 7 consecutive years.

2. Vocational Pathway - Minimum 5 years to a maximum 15 years claimable experience in a design or associated profession occupation. i.e. if claiming 15 years experience the CV should reflect 15 years of work undertaken. NB this may not be 15 consecutive years.

Applicants are also required to nominate a professional designer referee (preferably a DIA member) and supply their contact details.

The DIA Code of Conduct (the Code) is issued by the DIA for the compliance of all its members participating in whatever capacity they work or practice as designers.

DIA members agree to be bound by the Code. To behave ethically and honestly, with integrity in their dealings as a professional designer with clients, the community and their colleagues. Members who do not comply with the Code of Conduct may be expelled from the DIA under the DIA Constitution.

The Code is based on the Model Code of Professional Conduct for Designers which has been accepted by members of the following bodies World Design Organisation (WDO), International Federation of Interior Designers (IFI), International Council of Design (IcoD)

The Code contains three specific areas
• Responsibility to the Community - inclusive, sustainable, and contribute positively to society.
A framework built on three tiers which accommodate flexibility and compliance.

• Responsibility to the Client - transparency about the tools and methods used in our design process, including the use of AI and setting realistic expectations for projects, acting with honesty and integrity in all client interactions.

• Responsibility to other Designers - respecting intellectual property rights of others and engaging in fair competition, fostering a collaborative design community through knowledge sharing and mentorship.

Applicants are required to supply evidence in the form of a Certificate of Currency for their Professional Indemnity Insurance. This is to ensure they are practicing with the appropriate level of cover and are protected for the services they provide. This information will also assist DIA in its registration of a Professional Standards Scheme.

Certificates of Currency can be obtained from your insurance provider. As a DIA member, tap into the DIA member discounts with DIA insurance partner who knows about design.

To maintain accreditation, DIA Accredited Designers need to demonstrate Continuing Professional Development by accruing 50 CPD points per calendar year to be granted permission to use the DIA Accredited Designer logo.

CPD helps maintain the professional standing of individuals, design practices and of Australian designers in general. Clients, businesses and the community have a right to up to date and high quality services provided by professional designers.

The DIA offers Continuing Professional Development (CPD) through member events and face-to-face and online learning programs.

CPD activities can be sourced from many places and it is not a requirement that the DIA is the provider of a CPD activity. As such, DIA members can earn CPD points by participating in events organised by others, for example courses, conferences, seminars, workshops, authoring and teaching.

CPD is most effective if undertaken on a continuous basis to ensure a currency of skills and knowledge. It can be pursued on an as-needs basis, built into your personal performance plan with your employer, or be an avenue to you becoming an Accredited Designer™.
Members participate in a self-selected range of learning activities, chosen to suit their stage of career, discipline, experience and direction. This becomes important if accruing CPD points is part of a personal performance plan with your employer or if you are wishing to become an Accredited Designer™.

To record and track your CPD points, please click the “Track your CPD points" button below and complete the form to lodge your activities.

If unsure of an activity please go ahead and submit and the DIA will assess once it has been lodged.

Please have ready before you start your application the following information and documents ready for upload.

• Member ID number which can be found in your DIA Membership Portal

• Copy of highest level of a design qualification/s

• *White Card if you are an interior designer

• ABN of primary place of work. See ABN Lookup

• CV outlining 3-5 years’ experience

• Portfolio of work as a designer for vocational pathway only

• Referee who will validate your information

• Professional Indemnity Insurance Certificate of Currency

• Read and Agree to the DIA Code of Conduct