CPA Australia Online Learner Support Forums: Terms of Use

Effective from 9 June 2026

INTRODUCTION

CPA Australia operates the Online Learner Support Forums (the Support Forums) as part of its support for learners undertaking the CPA Program. The Support Forums are hosted within the CPA Australia Learning Management System (LMS).

The Support Forums provide learners with access to the following forums:

• Ask The Expert Forums – enabling learners to ask learning questions related to subject learning content and receive responses from CPA Subject Matter Experts (SMEs); 
• General Questions Forums - supporting subject‑level discussions that relate to the overall domain, rather than to a specific micro-credential; and
• Learner Community Forums – offering a space for learners to connect, collaborate, and provide peer support throughout their learning journey.

For any enquiries concerning the Support Forums or these Terms of Use, learners should contact CPA Australia on 1300 73 73 73 (within Australia) or +61 3 9606 9677 (outside Australia).

Any and all of the views or opinions expressed on the General Questions Forums and Learner Community Forums are those of individual contributors and do not reflect the views or opinions of CPA Australia or any of its affiliated entities, including its directors, officers, employees, agents or contractors.

To ensure a respectful, constructive, and effective learning environment for all learners, CPA Australia has established the following terms, which set out the required standards of participation for use of the Support Forums (Terms of Use).

PURPOSE

The purpose of these Terms of Use is to set out the rules which govern the use of the Support Forums by learners (referred to as ‘you’ or ‘learner’) and CPA Australia Ltd (referred to as ‘we’ or ‘CPA Australia’), to help ensure all participants have the best possible experience in using the Support Forums.

Before participating in the Support Forums, you should read and understand these Terms of Use. By accessing, joining, or using the Support Forums, you agree that you will comply with these Terms of Use.

THE TERMS OF USE AND CONDITIONS

1. General etiquette

Participants must observe the following standards of behaviour when using the Support Forums:

1. Respect others: Focus on the content of posts and not on the people making them. Extend the benefit of the doubt to other participants. Each participant is entitled to express their own opinion and view without critical judgement.
2. Assessment integrity:  You must not share information about specific assessments or provide guidance to other learners regarding assessment tasks. You must comply at all times with CPA Australia’s Academic Misconduct Policy.
3. Appropriate use: Use the Support Forums for their intended purpose, including sharing learning experiences, challenges, constructive feedback, and questions relevant to CPA Program studies.
4. Prohibited content: The posting of defamatory, derogatory, discriminatory, abusive, profane, threatening, politically sensitive, offensive, or illegal material is strictly prohibited. Do not post abusive comments about other learners or deliberately inflammatory remarks about CPA Australia or its products, services, directors, officers, employees, agents, contractors, or affiliates.
5. Intellectual property: Only post content that you have created yourself or for which you have permission to share. Proper attribution must be provided. CPA Australia is not responsible for, and will not be liable for, any unauthorised use or publication of content by participants.

If you receive unsolicited spam like private messages from other members, this activity can be reported to the community manager and will be dealt with accordingly.

The Forum Guidelines in the LMS for each individual Support Form set out additional information on the specific purpose and usage guidelines for each individual Support Forum. The Forum Guidelines form part of these Terms of Use. 

2. Artificial Intelligence

1. For the purposes of these Terms of Use, Artificial Intelligence (AI) includes any machines and/or computer-based systems, machine learning, large language models, algorithms, generative technologies (such as ChatGPT), and chat bots.
2. Content generated using AI tools is often incomplete or inaccurate and should not be relied upon as authoritative. Any content generated, copied, or reproduced using AI that is posted on the Support Forums must be clearly identified and appropriately attributed.
3. AI must not be used to generate false, misleading, defamatory, discriminatory, or offensive content.
4. Any post that we consider does not comply with these Terms of Use may be removed and may also result in suspension or the permanent removal of a learner’s access to the Support Forums.

3. Legal Information

1. The Support Forums are  provided as a service for learners undertaking the CPA Program or other education courses provided by CPA Australia.
2. CPA Australia is not responsible for the opinions, views and information posted on the Support Forums by others.
3. To the maximum extent permitted by law, CPA Australia is not liable for any special, indirect, or consequential loss arising from use of the Support Forums.
4. By posting content, learners warrant that they own the relevant intellectual property rights or have permission to post such material and grant CPA Australia and Support Forum users a perpetual, non exclusive license to use that content.
5. CPA Australia will be monitoring and moderating the Support Forums and reserves the right to delete content or restrict access where inappropriate content is identified. If any inappropriate posting is brought to the attention of CPA Australia, it will take all appropriate action.
6. These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Victoria, Australia.
7. The CPA Australia General Website Terms of Use also apply.
8. Data scraping, harvesting, or collection of participant information is prohibited.
9. CPA Australia may amend these Terms of Use at any time and without notice. A link to the current Terms of Use will be available on the Support Forums. Continued use of the Support Forums constitutes acceptance of the amended Terms of Use.

4. Non-compliance with these Terms of Use

CPA Australia may suspend or terminate a learner’s access to the Support Forums for non compliance with these Terms of Use. CPA Australia may also refer the matter to its Professional Conduct Unit where appropriate, and disciplinary action may be taken.

5. Privacy

Privacy Policy

1. Your personal information will be handled by CPA Australia in accordance with the CPA Australia Privacy Policy.
2. Learners acknowledge that information disclosed on the Support Forums may become publicly visible and should exercise discretion when sharing personal information. The Support Forums are supported by third party providers, including D2L Australia Pty Ltd, and their privacy policies also apply.
3. CPA Australia may disclose personal information to service providers, in connection with business transfers, or where required or permitted by law.

6. Contact CPA Australia

For any other information please visit our Contact Us page.