There's less than a week left until the new PsyBA Code of Conduct and professional competencies come into effect. Access these APS resources to prepare for the transition.
With the Psychology Board of Australia’s new Code of Conduct and updated competency framework coming into effect next week (1 December, 2025), many psychologists will already be well aware of what these changes may mean for their day-to-day work.
Even so, these changes may raise practical questions, especially as they shape various aspects of professional practice.
To help members feel informed and confident, the APS has developed numerous resources to support you. Below, we outline what you need to know and offer resources to help you dive deeper into certain areas.
What's changing?
From next Monday, 1 December 2025, psychologists will be required to practice in accordance with the Psychology Board of Australia Code of conduct, replacing the APS Code of Ethics as the profession’s regulatory framework.
This change reflects a move toward a single, consistent standard across regulated health professions. While the APS Code of Ethics will no longer be used by the PsyBA, it remains a valued document, with many of its principles echoed in the incoming Code of Conduct.
“The new Code builds on the strong ethical foundations that have guided our profession for many years,” says Dr Zena Burgess, CEO of the APS.
Alongside the new Code of Conduct, the PsyBA has also updated the professional competencies for psychologists. These are the first significant changes to be made to the standards in over a decade and have been designed to modernise the competencies to reflect contemporary practice.
What are members asking the APS Professional Advisory Service about the new Code?
As the weeks have drawn closer to the transition period, the APS has had many enquiries from members seeking clarification on specific aspects of the Code, namely around managing client boundaries, multiple relationships and informed consent.
Below, we've shared some top-line insights about what psychologists need to know:
Client boundaries and multiple relationships
The new Code of Conduct is an opportunity to reflect on how you manage professional boundaries and clarifies your responsibilities when navigating multiple relationships.
Areas of the Code to be mindful of include 4.8 Boundaries and 4.9 Multiple Relationships. The APS Professional practice guidelines on boundaries and multiple relationships step through these sections of the Code and identify specific considerations.
For more information, download the APS Professional practice guideline on boundaries and multiple relationships.
Informed consent
The new Code of Conduct has also raised questions around navigating consent with clients. This is covered in section 4.2.
The guidelines provide considerations for everyday practice. The APS has also developed a useful and updated consent template, privacy policy and Client Charter of Rights to support you to implement this section of the Code here.
For more information, download the APS Professional practice guideline on informed consent.
Where can I go for more information on the Code?
To support members through this transition, the APS has released a new suite of Professional practice guidelines.
These guidelines offer comprehensive guidance on the Code and have been developed in consultation with members via the APS Code of Conduct Working Group.
“We thank them for their valuable contribution and dedication to this endeavour,” says Dr Burgess.
The professional practice guidelines continue to be developed and currently include:
Additionally, the APS conducted a series of free webinars for members with further detail, designed to give members the confidence and information needed to manage this upcoming transition with ease. These webinars are now available on-demand:
“This is an important moment for the profession, and the APS is committed to walking alongside our members,” says Dr Burgess.
“We know psychologists are highly competent and already engaging with these changes. These resources provide clarity and reassurance, giving members a trusted reference point as they adapt their work to the updated requirements.”
What do I need to know about the new competencies?
The PsyBA professional competencies are the minimum knowledge and skills expected from all registered psychologists and need to be maintained throughout a psychologist’s career.
Psychologists have an ongoing commitment to learning, education and training as outlined in the Board’s Continuing Professional Development (CPD) registration standard.
Psychologists are encouraged to self-assess against the professional competencies using the self-assessment template (you can download this template here), which will help you to develop a bespoke CPD learning plan.
To assist members, APS has grouped useful professional development opportunities by each competency below:
Other resources