What is continuing professional development?
Continuing professional development (CPD) ensures your knowledge remains relevant and
current in today’s competitive market. It is also
integral to maintaining professional standards
and is a fundamental part of your CPA Australia
membership. CPD increases your knowledge,
skills and your ability to do your job. When you
renew your membership each year, you declare
to comply with the CPA constitution, By-Laws
and continuing professional development
obligations.
For your CPD obligations, you need to
demonstrate:
- a minimum of 20 hours of CPD activities
per year
- a total of 120 hours for a three year time
period (triennium).
Hours cannot be carried forward to a new
three year period.
Each year members are randomly selected for
a review. It is important to keep an up-to-date
record of your CPD activities because if you are
selected, you may be asked to show this record.
What type of activities can
be included in my continuing
professional development?
Any activities that increase your knowledge, skills
and your ability to do your job. The activities:
- do not have to be in accounting or finance.
You can even claim learning a language
- do not have to be provided by
CPA Australia
- directly related to your role such as
“completed research for business solution
for the company and implementation of
company restructure”.
A maximum of 30 hours per triennium can be claimed for unstructured professional development ( relevant reading, video or audio) with a maximum of 10 claimable hours per year.
When does my three year period
(triennium) start?
Your three year period start is based on when
you joined CPA Australia. If you joined before
June 30, your three year period starts 1 January
that year. If you joined after June 30, your three
year period starts 1 January the following year.
Your three year periods can be calculated from
this date forward. To check when your three year
period starts, visit your CPD Diary.
Do I need to do it?
All accounting professional bodies require their
members to complete continuing professional
development. CPD is compulsory for all
Associates, CPAs, FCPAs and retired members
who provide public accounting services.
What if I am not working or
working reduced hours?
If you are not working or working reduced
hours for an extended period of time and you
are selected for a review, you can apply for a
reduction of your hours if you are selected for
review.
What happens if I do not meet
my obligations?
A member who does not provide sufficient
evidence of continuing professional development
may have their membership status downgraded
or suspended.
In order to return to your original membership
status, you will need to complete 40 hours of
additional CPD activities the year before you
apply to be reinstated.