Professional Development

Continuing professional development (CPD)

Standards and guidelines under National Registration
Australian Psychology Society Members can accrue Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours by participating in CPD activities that they determine to be relevant to their individual professional skills, learning plans and goals. These may be self- initiated. CPD activities do not need to be endorsed by the APS.

The Psychology Board of Australia has introduced a requirement of continuing professional development (CPD) in accordance with the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law Act 2009. Thirty hours of CPD per year are required. The annual cycle is November to November the following years. Registrants are encouraged to identify their learning needs, write a CPD plan to address these needs, and keep a record of their activities.

The key elements required include a minimum of 10 hours of peer consultation in individual or group format. For the remaining 20 hours, it is recommended that at least 10 hours should be 'active CPD' involving written or oral activities designed to enhance and test learning. For the detailed psychology guidelines see http://www.psychologyboard.gov.au/

The Physiotherapy Board of Australia requirements are broadly similar but are less prescriptive than those of the Psychology Board. Practising physiotherapists must complete at least 20 hours of CPD per year. All learning activities which help physiotherapists maintain competence will be accepted as CPD. These include both ormal and informal activities in any mix. For the detailed physiotherapy guidelines see http://www.psychologyboard.gov.au/