The accredited classifier program is another way for industry to classify films and computer games for release in Australia.
What is an accredited classifier?
An accredited classifier is a person who has been approved by the Secretary of the department under section 22M of the Classification Act to make classification decisions.
You can use an accredited classifier to classify films and computer games (games) rated G to R18+ instead of:
- applying to the Classification Board
- using an authorised assessor scheme
- using an approved classification tool, or
- applying the broadcaster’s classification decision (films only).
Becoming accredited
To become an accredited classifier, you must:
- complete the relevant training module(s)
- complete the relevant exam(s) and score 90% or more
- apply to be accredited via the Classification Portal within 12 months of the date you complete the training module(s)
- be approved by the Secretary of the department.
Training modules and exams
Anyone aged 18 years and older can enrol in the online training modules and exams.
The training modules and exams are free of charge. The government will consider a fee structure in the future.
Please contact us to enrol in training, and let us know if you would like to complete training for:
- films only
- games only, or
- both films and games.
| Films | Games | |
|---|---|---|
| Training module | Film Classification Training modules | Game Classification Training modules |
| Relevant exam | Film Classification – Exam (Accredited Classifier) | Game Classification – Exam (Accredited Classifier) |
| Minimum mark | 90% | 90% |
If you score a mark of 80% or more in the exam(s), you are also eligible to become a content assessor under the:
- Additional Content Assessor (ACA) scheme (films), and/or
- Authorised Assessor – Computer Games (AACG) scheme (games).
Classification Portal application form
Once you have completed the relevant training module(s) and exam(s), you must submit an application to be accredited via the Classification Portal. You can learn how to do this on our Frequently Asked Questions and Guides webpage.
There is no fee to apply to become an accredited classifier. The government may consider a fee structure in the future.
Secretary approval
In assessing your application, the Secretary will consider matters under section 22M of the Classification Act:
- your declaration that you have not been convicted of an offence or penalty relating to fraud or dishonesty
- your completion of relevant classification training and exam result
- records showing you have previously been barred as an authorised assessor or an accredited classifier
- any reason why you would not be a suitable person to classify films and computer games.
| If your application is approved | If your application is not approved |
|---|---|
|
The Secretary will accredit you for 2 years and notify you in writing. You will then get access to the accredited classifier functions in the Classification Portal. You must also be:
Your accreditation may be revoked in certain conditions under section 22P of the Classification Act. These include if:
|
The Secretary will notify you in writing. The reason may be:
If you are not satisfied with the Secretary’s decision, you may apply for review to the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) within 28 days. |
Renewing your accreditation
You will be accredited for two years, and the date of your accreditation period is in the letter notifying you of your accreditation. To renew your accreditation before it expires, you must:
- complete the relevant training module(s) and exam(s)
- submit an accreditation application in the Classification Portal, and
- receive approval from the Secretary.
You can also use the Profile Management menu in the Classification Portal to check when your accreditation expires.
Making classification decisions
Accredited classifiers must use the Classification Portal to submit their classification decisions for films and games prior to release in Australia.
Under section 22K of the Classification Act, an accredited classifier decision comes into effect when it is published on the National Classification Database (NCD). You can search the NCD in the search bar at the top of this page.
There is no fee to submit a decision.
When you submit a decision, you must provide:
- an overall classification (rating) for the film or game
- a rating for each classifiable element that is present in the film or game
- the relevant consumer advice as per the list issued by the Classification Board under section 12A of the Classification Act at: Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) (Consumer Advice Terms) Determination 2024
- a reason for the rating and consumer advice, and
- any sensitive content in the film or game.
You can learn more on our Frequently Asked Questions and Guides webpage.
Using your decision
Under the classify once principle, the decision applies to all formats of the film or game, provided they are identical or have modifications exempt from classification.
Anyone who publishes the classified film or game in Australia must use the decision, and display classification markings.
Monitoring decisions
Classification Board powers
The Classification Board may commence a check of the classification:
- on its own initiative; or
- if requested by the Minister or Secretary of the department; or
- by application by the publisher of the film or game (see ‘Application to revoke a decision’ section).
The Classification Board may then revoke and replace a decision made by an accredited classifier if:
- they determine they would have given the film or game a different rating
- the decision includes consumer advice not on the approved list issued under section 12A of the Classification Act
- the consumer advice is misleading, incorrect or grossly inadequate You can learn more about these powers on our Legislation webpage.
Application to revoke a decision
An application to revoke a decision made by an accredited classifier can only be made:
- by the publisher of the film or game,
- within 3 months after the day the classification takes effect, and
- by using this form: Application to revoke a decision made by an accredited person.
You can complete this form digitally in some Internet browsers or in a PDF reader. Send the completed form to: accreditedclassifier@infrastructure.gov.au
The decision check process
If the Classification Board checks an accredited classifier decision, they will:
- notify the classifier and publisher in writing,
- request access to the film or game if the classifier did not upload the content when they submitted the decision
- view the content and form a preliminary view.
Any delay in providing access to the content will delay the Classification Board’s preliminary view.
There is no fee for the check.
Board’s preliminary view is the same as the accredited classifier’s decision
If the Classification Board check the content and agree with the accredited classifier’s decision, the decision remains in effect.
The Classification Board will notify the accredited classifier and the publisher in writing.
Board’s preliminary view is different to the accredited classifier’s decision
If the Classification Board checks the content and do not agree with the accredited classifier’s decision, they will:
- issue the accredited classifier and the publisher a Notice of Possible Revocation
- state the reason(s) as to why they came to the preliminary view
- invite the accredited classifier to make a submission within 7 days as to why the Board should not revoke the decision
- consider the submission (if any), and
- finalise the decision.
Following the 7-day period in which to make a submission, the Classification Board can either:
- finalise their preliminary view and revoke the classifier’s decision
- determine the classifier’s decision remains in effect.
The Classification Board will notify the accredited classifier and the publisher in writing of the outcome.
If the classifier’s decision is revoked
If the Classification Board revokes the accredited classifier’s decision, the Classification Board’s decision will replace it. The accredited classifier’s decision will be removed from the NCD and be replaced with the Classification Board decision.
The classifier and publisher will receive a classification certificate with the details of the decision.
Publishers must update the classification marking to the Classification Board’s decision, including on digital and printed products.
Contact us
Please contact us if you have any questions about the accredited classifier program.