If you work in healthcare in Australia, it is important for you to complete Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to keep your registration. But what is CPD, and how many hours do you actually need? The answer depends on your profession. This blog explains the healthcare CPD basics simply and points you to where you can check your exact requirements.

What Is CPD and Why Is Continuing Professional Development Important?

CPD stands for Continuing Professional Development. It means the ongoing learning activities that health practitioners must complete to stay up to date in their field.

Healthcare knowledge changes quickly. New research, updated guidelines and new treatments appear all the time. Continuing professional development helps you keep your skills updated to provide safe and effective care.

So why is continuing professional development important?

By keeping healthcare professionals updated and enhancing their clinical skills, CPD training plays an important role in protecting patients. And above all, it also protects your registration. For registered health practitioners, meeting the CPD requirements set by the relevant National Board is a requirement for ongoing registration, subject to any applicable exemptions or special circumstances. 

Requirements of CPD for Australian Healthcare Professionals

The 15 National Boards regulate Australia's registered health professions and set the registration standards that apply to their respective professions. Ahpra supports the Boards and manages registration and renewal processes. 

Ahpra does not set one CPD rule for everyone. Instead, each National Board decides the CPD requirements for its own profession. This means CPD Australia rules can look quite different depending on what you do.

At renewal time, you must declare that you have met your Board's CPD requirements. Ahpra and National Boards also audit a number of practitioners each year, so you should keep clear records of your completed activities.

CPD Requirements for Different Healthcare Professionals

Doctors and General Practitioners

For GP continuing professional development and other doctors with general registration, the Medical Board of Australia requires a minimum of 50 hours of CPD each year. This must be done through an accredited CPD home.

The 50 hours are split into categories. At least 12.5 hours must be educational activities. At least 25 hours must focus on reviewing performance and measuring outcomes, with a minimum of 5 hours in each of these two areas. The remaining hours can come from any CPD category.

Doctors with specialist registration follow the CPD program set by their relevant college.

Nurses and Midwives

CPD requirements for nurses in Australia are set by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia. Registered nurses, enrolled nurses and midwives must each complete a minimum of 20 hours of CPD per year.

If you hold more than one type of registration, such as being both a nurse and a midwife, you must meet the CPD hours for each. Practitioners with an endorsement, such as a nurse practitioner, usually need extra hours related to that endorsement.

Other Healthcare Professionals

Pharmacists, physiotherapists, psychologists, paramedics and other regulated professions each have their own CPD requirements. These are set by their relevant National Board and can differ in the number of hours and the type of activities required.

Because requirements change and vary by profession, always check your National Board's website for the exact current standard that applies to you.

Continuing Professional Development Guidelines

Good continuing professional development guidelines consist of a few simple steps. Understand what your profession requires. Choose learning activities that are relevant to your scope of practice. Keep clear and organised records. Review your progress during the year, not just before renewal. Check your National Board's website regularly, as requirements can be updated.

Important: Ahpra and 14 National Boards are reviewing CPD and recency-of-practice standards in 2026. Proposed changes may affect requirements for some professions. Always check your National Board for the latest requirements before relying on the information in this article. 

How to Manage Your CPD?

• Plan your learning at the start of your registration period.
• Choose activities that match your role and scope of practice.
• Keep your records organised in one place.
• Record each activity soon after you complete it.
• Check your requirements regularly, especially before renewal.

Final Thoughts

Continuing professional development is a core part of working as a registered health practitioner in Australia. It helps you maintain safe, high-quality care, and it is a legal requirement for keeping your registration.

CPD requirements are not the same for every profession. Doctors, nurses, midwives and other health practitioners each follow different rules set by their own National Board.

Before your next renewal, check Ahpra and your relevant National Board for the current CPD requirements that apply to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get CPD certified?

You must complete the CPD requirements set by the National Board that regulates your profession. The type of CPD activity, minimum hours, and evidence requirements vary between professions. Some professions may require participation through an approved or accredited provider or program, while others allow a wider range of learning activities. 

Is CPD certificate recognised internationally?

Yes, compulsory professional development is widely recognised internationally. However, its recognition depends on the destination country's rules and regulations and the training provider.

What happens if you don’t meet the CPD requirements?

If you do not meet your profession's CPD requirements, your National Board may take regulatory action. The response depends on the circumstances, including the amount of CPD completed and the reason for the shortfall. 

Possible outcomes may include completing additional CPD, conditions on registration or other regulatory action. Making a false declaration about CPD can also lead to regulatory action. 

Which Providers are approved for CPD in Australia?

There is no single list of CPD providers approved for every Australian healthcare profession. Requirements vary by National Board. For doctors, CPD homes must be accredited by the Australian Medical Council (AMC) on behalf of the Medical Board of Australia. Other professions have different CPD requirements and arrangements, so practitioners should check their relevant National Board before choosing a provider. 

How much does CPD Australia cost?

The cost of CPD varies by profession, provider and type of activity. Some CPD activities are free, while courses, conferences, subscriptions or CPD programs may charge a fee. Doctors may also need to join an AMC-accredited CPD home. Check the provider's current pricing and your National Board's requirements before purchasing a CPD program.

Disclaimer:

This blog provides general information about CPD requirements for Australian healthcare professionals. Requirements may change and may differ between professions. Always check your relevant National Board and official AHPRA information for the latest requirements.