CPD for global members

Although it can be challenging for members living and working overseas to maintain requirements for continuing professional development (CPD), you are required to complete 120 hours per triennium and at least 20 hours in one year. Members living outside Australia do not need to undertake CPD activities with CPA Australia: any relevant provider is acceptable.

CPD must be relevant and extend your knowledge and skills. It may be that activities claimed are not directly related to accounting or finance, for example, learning a language if you intend to work in a new geographical area. You can claim as many hours as you would like for all activities except for structured reading, which is capped at 30 hours per triennium. CPD activity must be structured to count for CPD hours, meaning it has a clear aim, objectives and a logical framework, such as a course or workshop.

Acceptable CPD activities include:

• lectures, workshops, distance learning courses, educational videos, audio tapes and e-learning packages
• structured discussion groups
• service on technical committees
• writing technical articles, papers or books
• working as a lecturer, instructor or discussion leader on a structured course (repeat presentations do not count)
• being a mentor or mentee under the practical experience requirement
• structured relevant personal reading of INTHEBLACK or any other periodic professional journal or magazine

CPD opportunities provided by CPA Australia include online assessment, structured CPA discussion groups (held worldwide) and segments of CPA Program, Public Practice Program or masters programs offered via distance education.

You need to maintain detailed records of all CPD activities undertaken, in the form of receipts, enrolment records, certificates, transcripts, attendance lists, assessment reports, employer reports, statutory declarations and detailed diary notes. You should retain these records for 12 months after the end of the triennium, because CPA Australia conducts random audits to ensure compliance.

CPA Australia members working for employers participating in the CPA Australia Recognised Employer Program are provided with an alternative method to demonstrate adherence to CPA Australia's minimum CPD requirements.