The Civilian Service Medal 1939–1945 is awarded to civilians in Australia during World War II who served in arduous circumstances in support of the war effort as part of organisations with military-like arrangements and conditions of service.

The Committee intended to extend recognition only to those whose war service in Australia was more arduous than the norm, and was performed under military-like conditions.

Hence, Women's Land Army members, whose work was very physical, required them to live in rural areas away from their homes for lengthy periods, and was subject to military-like discipline, are generally eligible.

On the other hand, members of the industrial workforce involved in munitions production are not eligible, as they overwhelmingly lived at home and were subject to standard civilian working conditions.

Recipients of the Civilian Service Medal 1939–1945 do not earn an entitlement to use post-nominal letters.