What is Continuing Professional Development (CPD)?
Find out everything you need to know about Continuing Professional Development from this central hub.
This comprehensive guide covers CPD requirements, activities, submission processes, and tips for managing documentation. Read on to help yourself or your team stay up-to-date on requirements and maintain their career progression!
What is CPD?
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is a structured approach to lifelong learning that enables professionals to maintain, enhance, and broaden their knowledge and skills throughout their careers.
In Australia, professional organisations and regulatory authorities require CPD to keep professional licenses and memberships active. This requirement helps professionals stay updated with the latest industry standards and maintain the integrity of their fields.
What counts as CPD units or CPD hours?
CPD hours or CPD units quantify the time spent actively participating in educational activities relevant to professional development.
Most professional bodies measure CPD through hours, where typically, one CPD hour equals one CPD point or credit. For example, attending a full-day workshop from 9 AM to 5 PM with a lunch break may equate to seven CPD hours.
Types of CPD activities
Formal learning
Workshops, seminars, online courses, and conferences where one learns new skills or gain insights from experts.
Informal learning
Includes self-study and peer learning. These activities help professionals share and deepen their expertise.
Mentorship
Mentoring or training less experienced colleagues to develop mentorship skills to benefit their community.
Research & development
Producing and participating in research and development within the professional field, such a publishing articles for journals.
Community engagement
Volunteer and advocacy-related work that allows professionals to apply their skills in real-life situations.
Which professions need continuing professional development?
CDP is required to maintain board membership and credentials in numerous industries and fields, and requirements vary per profession. Here is a list of key professions that need to engage in CPD:
CPD requirements per industry & profession
A complete CPD guide for engineers by state [Updated 2025]
A complete CPD guide for healthcare per specialisation [Updated 2025]
A complete CPD guide for lawyers per state [Updated 2025]
A complete CPD guide for accountants [Updated 2025]
A complete CPD guide for builders and construction professionals [Updated 2025]
Managing CPD for your business
Businesses should establish a CPD framework to ensure licensed employees meet their CPD requirements. This framework should include:
1. Assessment
Find out their learning needs by assessing their skills and areas for improvement.
2. Goal setting
Help employees set specific, measurable goals related to their CPD activities, such as workshops, online courses, or mentorship programs.
3. Activity planning
Provide resources and options for CPD activities that align with individual goals and business needs.
4. Record-keeping
Employees who engage in CPD log their hours or points on a specified platform or format, depending on their regulatory board. Encourage employees to provide documents that back up their CPD activity for better tracking.
Tips for CPD documentation
Get to know the CPD requirements
Find out the CPD requirements of certified or licensed employees to cross-reference with their ongoing CPD activities. Set up reminders to notify employees about upcoming deadlines or required submissions, helping them stay on track.
Have a centralised tracking system
Use a centralised tracking system to keep all CPD documentation in one place. For example, some companies use a document management solution to record certificates of completion, attendance records, and reflective statements on what they learned.
Include CPD in regular employee reviews
During employee catch-ups, discuss CPD progress and help employees through any challenges. This approach shows that the company values continuous learning and helps employees see how their personal growth contributes to the business.
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Frequently asked questions about CDP
How often does CPD need to be accomplished?
The frequency of CPD activities depends on the profession. Most professionals need to complete their CPD every year or within a specific three-year period. For example, healthcare workers usually need to complete between 20 and 50 hours of CPD each year, while accountants often need 120 hours over three years.
What happens when someone fails to complete their CPD requirements?
If someone fails to meet their CPD requirements, they can face serious consequences. These may include:
- Not being able to renew their professional licenses
- Facing disciplinary actions from regulatory bodies
- Losing trust and credibility in their profession
Regulatory bodies may check if professionals have completed their CPD, and if they donโt have proof, they could face penalties.
Can CPD activities be completed overseas?
Yes, professionals can count CPD activities completed overseas toward their requirements. However, these activities must be relevant to their job. People engaging in CPD need to keep detailed records of what they did and make sure it fits with the rules set by their professional organisations.
Is CPD required for professionals on a break?
Yes, professionals can count CPD activities completed overseas toward their requirements. However, these activities must be relevant to their job. People engaging in CPD need to keep detailed records of what they did and make sure it fits with the rules set by their professional organisations.
How are CPD requirements submitted?
CPD requirements are submitted through the appropriate regulatory body or association. Members typically need to log completed activities into a tracking system or send paperwork as proof of their participation.
