How Much CPD Do You Need?

The CPD cycle entails all of a health professional's CPD requirements and explains every element of CPD, including the CPD period, general CPD requirements, and audits.

How Much CPD Do You Need?

Understanding how much CPD you need each year depends on your registration Board.

This article breaks down the annual CPD requirements for Australia's main healthcare professions to help you stay compliant and organised.

General CPD Requirements

Regardless of how many hours of CPD you are required to do, there are some general guidelines to be aware of. For all Boards, you must record your CPD activities in a portfolio. Your portfolio should include:

• Your context of practice
• Learning goals
• Activities completed and time spent
• Reflections on what you gained
• Evidence of completion (e.g., certificates, notes)

Always check your specific Board guidelines for any extra requirements.

Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia

If you are registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia, here are the basic details you need to know about your CPD requirements.

• 20 hours of CPD are required per registration period.
• Registration year: June 1 to May 31.
• CPD must be relevant to your context of practice, and additional hours or requirements may apply if you have endorsements or dual registration (e.g., RN and Midwife and/or an endorsement as a nurse practitioner).

Find an in-depth list of CPD requirements here: Nursing and Midwifery Board - Fact sheet: Continuing professional development.

Paramedicine Board of Australia

If you are registered with the Paramedicine Board of Australia, here’s what you need to know about your CPD requirements.

• 30 hours of CPD are required per registration period.
• At least 8 hours must be completed in an interactive setting (e.g., workshops, face-to-face education).
• Registration year: December 1 to November 30.

Learn more about Paramedicine CPD here: Paramedicine Board - Continuing Professional Development.

Pharmacy Board of Australia

If you are registered with the Pharmacy Board of Australia, here’s what you need to know about your CPD requirements.

• 40 CPD credits required per registration period.
• CPD must be classified into CPD Groups:
• Group 1: Information without assessment (1 credit per hour)
• Group 2: Knowledge/skills improved with assessment (2 credits per hour)
• Group 3: Practice improvement activities (3 credits per hour)
• At least 20 CPD credits must come from Group 2 and/or Group 3 activities.
• Registration year: October 1 to September 30.
  

Learn more about Pharmacy CPD here: Pharmacy Board - Continuing Professional Development (CPD) FAQS

Occupational Therapy Board of Australia

If you are registered with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia, here’s what you need to know about your CPD requirements.

• 20 hours of CPD are required per registration period.
• At least 5 hours must be in an interactive setting (e.g., discussions with peers or supervisors).
• Registration year: December 1 to November 30.

Learn more about Occupational Therapy CPD here: Occupational Therapy Board - Guidelines.

Psychology Board of Australia

If you are registered with the Psychology Board of Australia, here’s what you need to know about your CPD requirements.

• 30 hours of CPD are required per registration period.
• At least 10 must be in an interactive setting: this means an activity with a two-way flow of information (e.g., supervision and consultation with peers in one-on-one or group format).
• Registration year: December 1 to November 30.

Find out more about Psychology CPD here: Psychology Board - Registration standards.

Physiotherapy Board of Australia

If you are registered with the Physiotherapy Board of Australia, here’s what you need to know about your CPD requirements.

• 20 hours of CPD are required per registration period.
• Registration year: December 1 to November 30.

Find out more about Physiotherapy CPD here: Physiotherapy Board - Guidelines.

Chiropractic Board of Australia

If you are registered with the Chiropractic Board of Australia, here’s what you need to know about your CPD requirements.

• 20 hours of CPD are required per registration period.
• Must also maintain a first aid qualification equivalent to HLTAID001 Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
• Registration year: December 1 to November 30.

Find out more about Chiropractic CPD here: Chiropractic Board - Guidelines.

Osteopathy Board of Australia

If you are registered with the Osteopathy Board of Australia, here’s what you need to know about your CPD requirements.

• 25 hours of CPD are required per registration period.
• At least 4 hours must cover mandatory Board-approved topics.
• Must maintain a senior first aid certificate (or equivalent).
• Registration year: December 1 to November 30.

Find out more about Osteopathy CPD here: Osteopathy Board - Guidelines.

Chinese Medicine Board of Australia

If you are registered with the Chinese Medicine Board of Australia, here’s what you need to know about your CPD requirements.

• 20 hours of CPD are required per registration period.
• At least 5 hours must be interactive, and at least 4 hours must relate to professional issues (e.g., ethics, professional boundaries).
• Registration year: December 1 to November 30.

Learn more about Chinese Medicine Practitioner CPD here: Chinese Medicine Board - Guidelines.

What next?

Once you’ve read this article on the amount of CPD required, check out the next article in our CPD series!

Unsure How Much CPD You Need?

Ausmed helps you navigate the confusion. Easily access CPD activities, track your progress, and stay audit-ready all year!