"Most people appreciate that if you're going to get building work done, you will choose a licensed builder," Argy said, adding that trades people like electricians and plumbers have a base level of certification behind them, but IT professionals do not.

Argy said that what's important is not the licensing per se, but the process that gives people a comfort level.

The ACS has long championed the idea of a 'licence', or similar certification program for IT professionals so that employers have a standard to refer to when recruiting.

During his two-year tenure, Argy said there won't be a full licensing or certification program, but rather, more recognition of standards for technical qualifications and "ethical and social standards" of individuals that enterprises deal with.

"The ACS professional-grade membership is a proxy to this; we're not saying non-ACS members shouldn't be engaged, but they need to be interrogated more thoroughly," he said.