Continuous Professional Development (CPD) is a mandatory requirement for maintaining professional registration.
After the initial implementation phase, CPD operates in five-year cycles, during which each registered professional is required to accumulate a minimum number of CPD credits.
Credit Requirements
- A total of 25 CPD credits must be accumulated over a 5-year cycle
- A minimum of 3 CPD credits per year is required
- Any additional credits earned in a year may be carried forward to subsequent years within the same cycle
Initial Renewal Requirements
The number of CPD credits required for the first renewal of registration depends on the year of initial registration.
| First Registration Period | First Renewal Year | Credit Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 1969 – 1972 | 2007 | 5 Credits |
| 1973 – 1976 | 2008 | 10 Credits |
| 1977 – 1980 | 2009 | 15 Credits |
| 1981 – 1984 | 2010 | 20 Credits |
| 1985 – 2006 | 2011 | 25 Credits |
Subsequent Renewals
After the first renewal, all professionals will follow the standard requirement of:
- 25 CPD credits every 5 years
Example
For example:
A person who registered on 15 March 1983 would:
- Be required to complete their first renewal by March 2008
- Need to accumulate 10 CPD credits for that renewal
- Complete the second renewal in 2013, requiring the full 25 CPD credits
From the start of the CPD system on 1 January 2006, the individual would also be required to submit CPD activity records annually within 30 days of their renewal anniversary.
Important Notes
- CPD activities must fall within recognised categories as defined by ECSA and SARF
- All activities must be properly recorded and supported by evidence
- Failure to meet CPD requirements may affect professional registration status