In recent years, Audiology Australia (AudA) has developed both standards and guidelines for Audiologists. Generally, “standards” are mandatory sets of requirements that must be adhered to by AudA members, whereas “guides” or “guidelines” are non-mandatory, best-practice recommendations that can be utilised and referred to when appropriate based on the clinician’s judgement and clients’ clinical needs. AudA is also developing a voluntary advanced paediatric audiology certification framework.

Here is an overview of the suite of inter-related standards, guidelines and framework from AudA.

Scope of Practice for Audiologists and Audiometrists
AudA's Scope of Practice provides an overview of the knowledge and skills that appropriately qualified and experienced Australian Audiologists are expected to demonstrate. It is the responsibility of members to be aware of, and only engage in, those aspects of the Scope of Practice that they have the appropriate qualifications, knowledge, skills and experience to undertake.

Code of Conduct for Audiologists and Audiometrists
The AudA Code of Conduct is based on the legislative National Code of Conduct for Health Care Workers. It sets out the fundamental standards of behaviour and responsibilities that AudA members must abide by. AudA’s Code of Conduct seeks to assist and support practitioners to deliver appropriate, effective services within an ethical framework. Practitioners have a professional responsibility to be familiar with the Code.

National Competency Standards for Audiologists
AudA’s National Competency Standards for Audiologists (NCS) came into effect on 1 January 2022 and are the reference point to describe, understand, and assess the professional attributes, skills and knowledge needed to practise audiology in Australia. The NCS have been designed for all Accredited Audiologists from their entry to the profession and for the lifetime of their membership.

Paediatric Competency Standards for Audiologists 
Introduced in March 2022, the Paediatric Competency Standards for Audiologists (PCS) describe the knowledge, skills and attributes expected of Audiologists to provide paediatric services at an advanced level to infants, children and young people aged under 18 years.

The PCS are intended to provide a framework for consistency of care and act as a form of quality assurance for clients and their families. The PCS can be used by an individual Audiologist to guide their professional development, by clinical team leaders to assess the competency of staff members and for the purpose of certification.

Certified Advanced Paediatric Audiologist 
AudA is currently developing a voluntary advanced paediatric audiology certification framework. This will enable Audiologists experienced in the delivery of paediatric audiology services to apply for certification identifying them as having advanced skills working with children, including on complex cases - Certified Advanced Paediatric Audiologist. This is in line with the Paediatric Competency Standards for Audiologists.

Professional Practice Guide
The AudA Professional Practice Guide (PPG) sets out non-mandatory guidelines and best-practice recommendations for Audiologists and audiology practices. The PPG is designed to help audiology practices and clinics deliver safe, high quality health care and embrace continuous quality improvement as good business practice.

Australian Teleaudiology Guidelines
AudA has developed guidelines for hearing health care practitioners (Audiologists and Audiometrists) and hearing services providers to support the safe and effective delivery of hearing services through teleaudiology to all Australians. Launched in July 2022, the Guidelines provide best practice recommendations for hearing services from screening to diagnosis, assessment, rehabilitation, coaching and support.