Your CPD obligations

All members are responsible for recording their continuing professional development (CPD) activities and preparing their documentation in case of an audit. We are not able to advise members of the exact number of CPD hours they have available to claim.

For an activity to count as CPD hours, it must be structured. This means it must have a clear set of objectives and a logical framework. These must be recorded on an ongoing basis in a similar manner to the examples below.

An activity may have one objective but there are usually three or four; a framework is built on the objectives. Objectives drive the structure of CPD activities.

Recording your CPD hours

CPD can be recorded in any of three ways:

  • through your online CPD Diary
  • through the Member's record of CPD activities
  • or by following the format set out below:
Date  Description of activity Sponsored or organised by  Hours  Code 
         

* Please note, in case of an audit we also accept other formats including word, excel and email documents.

CPD codes

When recording your CPD hours, use these codes to note the format of the development you have completed:

 A. congress, conventions or video conferences  
 B. courses, seminars or workshops
 C. discussion groups
 D. in-house training
 E. tertiary or post graduate courses presented by accredited educational institutions (successful completion of each subject at tertiary level is treated in the same manner as a CPA subject (120 hours), however for subjects failed or for which no exam was taken, no hours are granted)
 F. developmental activities, presented by experts under the auspices of institutions, reputable commercial educational establishments or other professional bodies
 G. research or written technical publications, excluding those required to meet normal lecturing commitments
 H. member of a technical or research committee under the auspices of CPA Australia, or other professional bodies or organisations
 I. self-study, including self paced learning packages, PD Online, CD-ROM, video and / or audio packages (a separate self-study form must be completed) (the Code I form must outline the structure of this activity, please see example below)
 J. structured relevant reading, video or audio (a maximum of 30 hours can be claimed for reading); reading of professional journals, magazines, technical bulletins and releases to the extent of 30 hours per triennium will be regarded as formal development
 K.

mentoring under CPA Program
Note: Mentees and mentors can claim CPD hours for the following: 

  1. reading the Mentor Program folder or guide for mentors booklet
  2. reading and research which supports your role as a mentor or mentee
  3. utilising the Mentor Program CD
  4. attending training sessions about mentoring, whether these are offered by CPA Australia or by other organisations
 L. CPA Australia Recognised Employer Program

Example: Record of CPD activities, Code I form

In case of an audit you will be asked to provide CPA Australia with following information on each self study activity: 

  • what the activity was (does not have to be accounting or finance related, must be relevant to you in your current role) 
  • what you gained from the activity in order to have a competitive advantage in your area of expertise
  • how you accumulated the hours (for example, reading a book or research online)

Aim: enhance knowledge of accounting
Relevance: works for mining company

Date / time 

Objectives 

Activity undertaken 

Outcome 

Hours 

Date of activity*

Research 

Read  {titles and authors of books and articles} and made notes. As research is a significant part of the study program the reading and the notes should be linked to outcomes. 

Identified relevant standards, developed acceptable definition of mining industry 

Time taken 

Date of activity 

Analysis 

Developed a structure for analysis. 

Built overall picture of how standards are applied in the mining industry compared to others 

Time taken 

*Also retain notes, receipts and records of logons

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My CPA Diary

Use the diary to record and manage your CPD activities and hours.

Update your CPD Diary