Continuing Professional Development (CPD) refers to the process through which professionals maintain and enhance their knowledge, skills, and abilities throughout their careers.
The Basics of CPD Requirements for Psychologists
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is a cornerstone of maintaining professional competence and ethical practice for psychologists in Australia. In addition to being a regulatory requirement, it that ensures you’re always up-to-date with the latest evidence-based practices and industry standards.
Psychologists in Australia are regulated by the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA), which is part of the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), formed in July 2010. AHPRA administers the Health Practitioner Law.
Section 128 of the Health Practitioner National Law states.
(1)A registered health practitioner must undertake the continuing professional development required by an approved registration standard for the health profession in which the practitioner is registered.
(This requirement is common across Australia, you can read the Qld law here, the NSW law here, and the Vic law here.)
The PsyBA sets out guidelines for Psychologists to meet their obligation under Section 128 of the National Law.
Key CPD Requirements for Psychologists in Australia
To maintain your registration with the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA), you must adhere to the following CPD requirements:
- Annual CPD Hours:
- General Registration: 30 hours annually, including:
- 10 hours of peer consultation
- 20 hours of other CPD activities
- Part-time Registration: Pro-rata requirements based on the duration of registration.
- General Registration: 30 hours annually, including:
- CPD Planning and Reflection:
- Develop a personal learning plan outlining your CPD goals and activities.
- Regularly reflect on your learning and its impact on your practice.
- CPD Record-Keeping:
- Maintain a detailed record of your CPD activities, including dates, duration, content, and learning outcomes.
- Be prepared to submit your CPD portfolio for audit if selected by AHPRA.
What Counts as CPD for Psychologists?
A wide range of activities can contribute to your CPD hours. Some common examples include:
- Formal Courses and Workshops: Attending conferences, seminars, or online courses.
- Conferences and Symposia: Participating in professional conferences and symposia.
- Peer Consultation: Engaging in regular discussions with colleagues to share experiences and knowledge.
- Self-Directed Learning: Reading books, articles, or research papers; watching webinars; or listening to podcasts.
- Mentoring and Supervision: Providing or receiving mentorship or supervision.
- Research and Publication: Conducting research or publishing articles in peer-reviewed journals.
Can I complete the Psychologist CPD requirements online?
There is no limitation on the format of how your CPD may be completed.
Can I include legal, administrative and communication skills training for my Psychologist CPD requirements?
In short, yes. The Psychology Board Guidelines states the following in relation to the self-assessment CPD completion model.
CPD activities must be directed towards enhancing professional competencies (both skills and knowledge).
 This includes, keeping up to date with advances in research evidence and theoretical developments in various domains of psychology, organisation of work (team building and leadership), communication, ethics, teaching, research, and administration.
CPD activities should:
Incorporate adult-learning principles, Be outcome-focused, Seek to ensure continued competence in a psychologist’s area of practice and, if relevant, develop skills and knowledge in a new area of practice, Seek to ensure they contribute to the quality psychologist’s practice, which results in the maintenance, of high-quality client services and patient care, and Be founded on evidence-based best practice.
Accordingly, to the extent that CPD enables to you to improve your general practice skills it is capable of being claimed.
How Should I Record My Psychologist CPD Requirements?
In order to meet your obligation as an AHPRA registered psychologist you will need to be able to demonstrate you have completed the required CPD hours.
Therapas provides a free CPD Tracking document here.
What is the CPD year for a Psychologist?
Registered Psychologists must complete 20 substantive hours of CPD between 1 December and 30 November each year.
Tips for Effective CPD for Psychologists
- Tailor Your CPD: Choose activities that align with your specific practice areas and professional goals.
- Prioritize Peer Consultation: This valuable activity can enhance your clinical skills and problem-solving abilities.
- Stay Organized: Use a CPD planner or digital tool to track your activities and deadlines.
- Reflect Regularly: Take time to reflect on your learning and how it has impacted your practice.
- Seek Support: If you need help with CPD planning or compliance, consult with your colleagues or professional associations.
By actively engaging in CPD, you can enhance your professional competence, stay abreast of industry trends, and deliver high-quality care to your clients.
Do Psychology CPD Providers Need to be Approved?
While the Psychology Board of Australia does provide a CPD provider approval status, this is optional and not required for the CPD to meet your annual CPD requirements.
You can read more about CPD Provider Approval here.
Remember, CPD is not just a regulatory requirement; it’s an investment in your professional growth and the well-being of your clients.
Please note that this information is intended as a general guide and may not cover all specific circumstances. It’s essential to consult the official guidelines and regulations from the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA) for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
