The Australian Institute of Office Professionals began with 12 secretaries who passed the Commonwealth Secretarial Diploma examinations bearing the post nominal letters of CSD after their names (late 1950s). They decided to form an association for secretaries in Australia, along the lines of similar organisations in America and the United Kingdom.

In 1963 (29 July 1963), the Institute of Private Secretaries (Australia) was formed in Melbourne.

Divisions Chartered 

• South Australia (13 August 1965)
• Western Australia (29 October 1965)
• Queensland (8 April 1968)
• Victoria Division separated from the Federal Council. On 30 May 1973, the Institute became a Company Limited by Guarantee.
• Tasmania Division (3 June 1974)
• ACT Division (20 August 1976)
• New South Wales (20 July 1971)
• Northern Territory Division (15 March 1983)

DipIPSA

In 1968 the Institute became the only professional examining body for secretaries in Australia. AIOP conducted annual Diploma examinations in all States.

• Deakin University commenced administering the DipIPSA in the second half of 1996, and concluded its contract at the end of 2000.
• Early in 2000 Charles Sturt University (CSU) took over administering the DipIPSA, with CSU introducing additional programs.
• Certificate and Diploma Business Courses are now offered across Australia by TAFE Colleges and accredited institutions.