Clear information helps practitioners, training providers and the public understand the expectations associated with CMC recognition and professional practice. This page brings together CMC standards, conduct expectations, complaints information and practical guidance in one place.
Practical standards for responsible practice
Standards are most useful when they are clear, relevant and easy to understand. CMC provides information about the requirements and professional expectations that apply within its recognition framework, helping those involved understand what is expected and where their responsibilities lie.
The information on this page is intended to support consistent professional behaviour, clearer communication and better public understanding. Requirements may vary according to the relevant CMC pathway, so practitioners and providers should refer to the applicable criteria and current CMC documents when checking specific obligations.
- Standards
The standards that support professional practice
CMC standards provide a framework for understanding the expectations associated with recognised or registered practice. The areas below highlight the main subjects addressed by the CMC framework. Specific requirements should always be checked against the current criteria applicable to the relevant status or pathway.
1. Training & competence
Practitioners should have appropriate training and knowledge for the activities they undertake. Evidence of relevant education, qualification or competence may be required where it forms part of the applicable CMC criteria.
2. Professional conduct
Professional interactions should be respectful, responsible and appropriate. Practitioners are expected to conduct themselves in a way that supports client dignity, professional boundaries and confidence in the service provided.
3. Documentation & records
Relevant information should be recorded, maintained and handled responsibly. Practitioners and providers should understand any documentation and record-keeping requirements that apply to their CMC status or professional activity.
4. Insurance & CPD
Where insurance, continuing professional development or other ongoing requirements form part of the relevant CMC pathway, practitioners should maintain the required evidence and keep their information up to date.
5. Hygiene & safety
Safe and hygienic practice is an important part of responsible complementary-therapy work. Where specific hygiene, safety or treatment-environment requirements apply, practitioners should follow the relevant CMC criteria and other applicable requirements.
6. Advertising & representations
Information presented to clients and the public should be accurate and should not create a misleading impression about qualifications, professional status, services or expected outcomes.
- Code
Code of Conduct
The CMC Code of Conduct sets out the behavioural and professional expectations associated with CMC status. It should be read alongside the applicable recognition or registration criteria and any other current CMC policies.
- Responsibilities
Professional responsibilities in practice
Professional responsibility extends beyond completing training or holding a recognised status. It includes how practitioners describe their qualifications, interact with clients, work within their competence and represent their relationship with CMC.
01 – Accurate representation
Describe qualifications, experience and CMC status accurately. Do not exaggerate professional credentials, suggest a status that has not been granted or make claims that cannot be supported.
02 – Client dignity & respect
Treat clients with courtesy, respect and appropriate professional boundaries. Protect personal information and maintain a professional environment throughout the client relationship.
03 – Scope of competence
Work within the knowledge, training and competence relevant to the services being provided. Do not present yourself as qualified to undertake activities for which you do not have appropriate training or authorisation.
04 – CMC marks & references
Use CMC names, logos, recognition marks or registration references only in the manner permitted by the applicable CMC rules. They should never be used in a way that suggests government approval, statutory regulation or a status that has not been granted.
- Complaints
A clear route for raising concerns
A clear complaints process allows concerns to be raised, considered and responded to in a structured way. CMC’s complaints route should be used for matters that fall within its published responsibilities and procedures.
The process:
01 – Submit
Provide the relevant details through the approved CMC complaints route, including enough information for the concern to be understood and reviewed.
02 – Acknowledge
CMC confirms receipt of the complaint in accordance with its complaints procedure.
03 – Review
The matter is considered against the relevant information, requirements and procedure.
04 – Outcome
The complainant is informed of the outcome and any further review or escalation route available under the applicable procedure.
Helping the public make informed decisions
People choosing a practitioner or training provider should be able to understand what a CMC status represents and what it does not. Clear public information can help distinguish a stated professional status from broader claims about regulation, approval or clinical effectiveness.
Where CMC provides a register or status-checking facility, the public should use the current information published by CMC when checking a provider, qualification or practitioner status.
Status information should be understood in relation to its scope and current validity. Where concerns arise about a listed status, the appropriate CMC contact or complaints route should be used rather than relying solely on information presented by an individual practitioner or provider.
Understand what CMC status represents
CMC status should be described accurately and within its defined scope. It should not be interpreted as a broader regulatory or governmental status unless there is a specific legal or formal basis for such a claim.
Need clarification?
CMC information is designed to make standards, responsibilities and recognition requirements easier to understand. For questions about a specific application, status or published requirement, contact CMC directly.
