All health practitioners registered with AHPRA must complete continuing professional development (CPD) each year to maintain their registration. The exact requirements differ by profession. Nurses and midwives need 20 hours per year. Medical practitioners need 50 hours across three categories. Dentists must complete 60 hours over a three-year cycle. Psychologists require 30 hours including peer consultation. Pharmacists work on a credit-based system of 40 credits annually. Every practitioner must maintain a CPD portfolio, be prepared for audit, and declare compliance at renewal. Failing to meet your CPD obligations can result in conditions on your registration, suspension, or removal from the register. The requirements are set not by AHPRA directly but by the 15 National Boards that regulate each profession under the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme.
That is the high-level picture. This guide breaks down the specific requirements for every AHPRA-regulated profession, what counts as CPD, how to document it, and what happens if you fall short.
What is CPD?
Continuing professional development is the means by which health practitioners maintain, improve, and broaden the knowledge, skills, and professional attributes they need for safe and effective practice. It is a regulatory requirement, not optional professional enrichment.
AHPRA and the National Boards define CPD broadly. It is not limited to attending courses or completing online modules. CPD includes any activity that develops your competence, improves your practice, or maintains your currency in your profession. The critical test is relevance: the activity must relate to your current or intended scope of practice.
CPD is distinct from undergraduate or postgraduate education. It is ongoing, career-long learning that begins at first registration and continues until you stop practising. Every National Board publishes a CPD registration standard that sets out the minimum requirements for that profession.
How many CPD hours do you need?
This is where it gets profession-specific. Each National Board sets its own minimum CPD requirements, and they vary significantly. Some use hours, others use credits. Some have flat annual requirements, others run multi-year cycles. Some mandate specific activity types or topic areas.
Here is a summary of the CPD requirements for every AHPRA-regulated profession in 2026:
| Profession | Annual requirement | Cycle length | Key conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurses | 20 hours | 1 year (1 Jun – 31 May) | Relevant to context of practice |
| Enrolled Nurses | 20 hours | 1 year (1 Jun – 31 May) | Relevant to context of practice |
| Midwives | 20 hours (additional 20 if dual registered) | 1 year (1 Jun – 31 May) | Must include midwifery-specific CPD if dual registered |
| Medical Practitioners | 50 hours | 1 year | Split across 3 categories (see below) |
| Dentists | 60 hours over 3 years (min 20/year) | 3 years | Includes mandatory topics |
| Physiotherapists | 20 hours | 1 year | Must include practice-related activities |
| Psychologists | 30 hours | 1 year | Must include 10 hours peer consultation |
| Pharmacists | 40 credits | 1 year | Credit-weighted by activity type |
| Chiropractors | 25 hours | 1 year | 4 hours in mandatory topics |
| Occupational Therapists | 30 hours | 1 year | Must demonstrate learning outcomes |
| Optometrists | 40 credits over 2 years | 2 years | Includes therapeutic and non-therapeutic CPD |
| Paramedics | 30 hours | 1 year | Relevant to scope of practice |
These are minimum requirements. Every National Board expects practitioners to undertake additional CPD where their practice demands it. If you work across multiple areas or in a high-risk specialty, the minimum is unlikely to be sufficient.
Let us look at each profession in detail.
Registered nurses and enrolled nurses
The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) requires all nurses to complete a minimum of 20 hours of CPD per registration period. The registration period runs from 1 June to 31 May. Hours do not carry over between periods.
The NMBA does not prescribe specific activity types. Your CPD must be relevant to your context of practice and you must be able to demonstrate how each activity contributed to your professional development. You must also maintain a minimum of 450 practice hours over five years.
For a detailed breakdown of nursing CPD requirements, activity types, and audit preparation, see our complete guide to AHPRA CPD requirements for nurses.
Midwives
Midwives registered with the NMBA follow the same 20-hour minimum as nurses. If you hold dual registration as both a nurse and a midwife, you need 20 hours of CPD that is relevant to each registration. In practice, the NMBA expects your CPD portfolio to include activities relevant to both nursing and midwifery practice, though a single activity can count toward both if it is relevant to both roles.
Midwives must also meet the Midwife Standards for Practice and maintain currency in midwifery-specific competencies including intrapartum care, neonatal assessment, and antenatal screening.
Medical practitioners (doctors)
The Medical Board of Australia sets the most structured CPD requirements of any profession. Medical practitioners must complete 50 hours of CPD per year, split across three categories:
| Category | Minimum hours | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Reviewing performance | 25 hours | Activities where you review and reflect on your practice — clinical audit, peer review, multi-source feedback |
| Educational activities | 12.5 hours | Courses, conferences, workshops, online learning, journal reading |
| Measuring outcomes | 12.5 hours | Activities that measure the outcomes of your practice — patient outcome reviews, quality improvement projects |
The remaining hours (up to 50 total) can be allocated across categories as you see fit.
Medical practitioners must participate in a CPD program that is accredited by the Australian Medical Council (AMC) or a specialist medical college. The CPD home is the body that verifies your compliance — typically your specialist college (e.g., RACGP, RACS, RACP, RANZCOG). GPs enrolled with the RACGP follow the RACGP CPD program, which maps onto the Medical Board's three-category framework.
The Medical Board also requires practitioners to complete a CPD plan at the start of each year and a CPD review at the end. The plan must identify learning goals based on your scope of practice. The review must reflect on what you actually achieved.
Since 1 January 2023, all medical practitioners have been required to participate in the strengthened CPD framework, which introduced the three-category model and mandatory CPD homes.
Dentists
The Dental Board of Australia requires dentists, dental hygienists, dental therapists, oral health therapists, dental prosthetists, and dental specialists to complete 60 hours of CPD over a three-year cycle, with a minimum of 20 hours in any single year.
The Board mandates that a proportion of CPD must be in scientific content (as opposed to practice management or business-related topics). At least 80% of your CPD should be in areas directly related to clinical practice.
For dental specialists, CPD must include activities relevant to the area of specialty registration.
The Dental Board runs on a three-year cycle aligned to registration renewal dates. You must maintain records of all CPD activities and be able to produce them if audited.
For the full breakdown of dental CPD requirements, mandatory topics, and accepted activity types, see our complete guide to AHPRA CPD requirements for dentists.
Physiotherapists
The Physiotherapy Board of Australia requires all physiotherapists to complete a minimum of 20 hours of CPD per year. The Board takes a broad view of what constitutes CPD and does not prescribe specific activity types, but expects your CPD to be relevant to your area of practice and to include a mix of learning activities.
Physiotherapists must also maintain a minimum of 450 practice hours over a five-year period (or a pro-rata equivalent for those with shorter registration histories).
The Board encourages physiotherapists to develop a learning plan at the start of each CPD year, identifying areas for development based on their practice context. While this is not yet mandatory (unlike the Medical Board), it is considered best practice and is something auditors look for.
For a detailed breakdown, see our complete guide to AHPRA CPD requirements for physiotherapists.
Psychologists
The Psychology Board of Australia requires all registered psychologists to complete a minimum of 30 hours of CPD per year. Of these, at least 10 hours must be in peer consultation — structured discussions with other psychologists about clinical practice, ethical dilemmas, or professional issues.
The remaining 20 hours can be made up of any combination of active learning activities. The Board distinguishes between active and passive learning:
| Activity type | Classification | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Peer consultation | Active (mandatory 10 hours) | Case discussion groups, peer supervision, professional practice groups |
| Workshops and courses | Active | Face-to-face workshops, accredited CPD courses, skills training |
| Conferences | Active (presenting) / Passive (attending) | Presenting a paper is active; attending sessions is passive |
| Reading and self-study | Passive | Journal reading, textbook study, online articles |
| Supervision (receiving) | Active | Individual or group supervision from a senior psychologist |
| Research | Active | Conducting or publishing research |
The Board caps passive learning at a proportion of total CPD hours. The emphasis is on active engagement with learning rather than passive consumption.
For a detailed breakdown including endorsed area requirements and supervision obligations, see our complete guide to AHPRA CPD requirements for psychologists.
Pharmacists
The Pharmacy Board of Australia uses a credit-based system rather than hours. Pharmacists must accrue a minimum of 40 CPD credits over each 12-month registration period.
Credits are weighted by activity type. Accredited activities (those assessed and accredited by the Australian Pharmacy Council or equivalent) attract more credits per hour than non-accredited activities. Group 2 activities (those involving assessment or knowledge application) earn more credits than Group 1 activities (knowledge acquisition only).
| Activity group | Credit weighting | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Group 1 — Knowledge-based | 1 credit per hour | Reading journals, attending lectures, online learning |
| Group 2 — Application-based | 2 credits per hour | Case studies, clinical audits, practice change projects |
| Group 3 — Accredited activities | Up to 4 credits per hour | Accredited courses with assessment, SHPA residency programs |
The Board requires pharmacists to complete at least one Group 2 or Group 3 activity per year. A portfolio of entirely Group 1 activities will not satisfy the standard.
For the full breakdown including intern requirements and audit preparation, see our complete guide to AHPRA CPD requirements for pharmacists.
Chiropractors
The Chiropractic Board of Australia requires chiropractors to complete a minimum of 25 hours of CPD per year. Of these, at least 4 hours must be in mandatory topic areas specified by the Board.
The mandatory topics change from year to year but typically include areas the Board has identified as high-risk or high-priority for the profession. Recent mandatory topics have included:
- Evidence-based practice
- Professional ethics and boundaries
- Record keeping and clinical documentation
- First aid and emergency care (including CPR)
The remaining 21 hours can be in any area relevant to chiropractic practice. The Board requires a mix of formal and informal learning activities.
For the full breakdown, see our complete guide to AHPRA CPD requirements for chiropractors.
Occupational therapists
The Occupational Therapy Board of Australia requires occupational therapists to complete a minimum of 30 hours of CPD per year. The Board places strong emphasis on demonstrating learning outcomes rather than simply logging hours. You must be able to articulate what you learned from each activity and how it has influenced your practice.
The Board encourages occupational therapists to use a reflective practice framework when documenting CPD. Each portfolio entry should include a description of the activity, the learning objectives, the key learnings, and how you have applied (or intend to apply) those learnings in practice.
Occupational therapists must also maintain a minimum number of practice hours. The Board's recency of practice requirements are designed to ensure you are actively applying your skills, not just accumulating CPD credits while working outside the profession.
Optometrists
The Optometry Board of Australia requires optometrists to accrue 40 CPD credits over a two-year cycle. Credits are weighted by activity type, with higher-value credits awarded for interactive or assessed learning.
Optometrists who hold a scheduled medicines endorsement (therapeutic qualification) must include CPD relevant to the prescribing and management of ocular therapeutics. The Board may require specific hours in therapeutics-related CPD depending on your endorsement status.
The two-year cycle aligns with the optometry registration renewal cycle. Credits cannot be carried over from one cycle to the next.
Paramedics
The Paramedicine Board of Australia requires all registered paramedics to complete a minimum of 30 hours of CPD per year. This is a relatively new requirement — paramedicine only became a registered profession under the National Scheme in 2018.
The Board takes a broad view of accepted CPD activities. Clinical simulation, case review, mentoring, and structured workplace learning all count alongside traditional courses and conferences. The key requirement is that CPD is relevant to your current or intended scope of practice.
Paramedics working in expanded or specialist roles (critical care, flight paramedic, community paramedicine) are expected to include CPD relevant to those advanced competencies.
Other registered professions
Several other professions are registered under the National Scheme and have their own CPD requirements:
| Profession | Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Practitioners | 20 hours/year | Culturally appropriate CPD encouraged |
| Chinese Medicine Practitioners | 20 hours/year | Must include infection control |
| Medical Radiation Practitioners | 20 hours/year | Includes radiographers, radiation therapists, nuclear medicine technologists |
| Osteopaths | 25 hours/year | Must include first aid and CPR |
| Podiatrists | 20 hours/year | Includes podiatric surgeons |
Check your specific National Board's website for the most current requirements, as standards are reviewed and updated periodically.
Types of CPD activities
Most National Boards accept a broad range of CPD activity types. While the specific categories vary between professions, the following types are generally recognised across the board:
Formal learning
Structured educational activities with defined learning outcomes. These include university courses, accredited CPD courses, workshops, seminars, and conferences. Formal learning typically forms the backbone of most practitioners' CPD portfolios.
Self-directed learning
Activities you undertake independently to address a specific learning need. Reading clinical guidelines, reviewing research literature, watching educational videos, completing online modules, and studying for examinations all fall into this category. Most Boards accept self-directed learning but cap the proportion of total CPD it can constitute.
Peer review and consultation
Structured discussions with colleagues about clinical practice, case management, ethical issues, or professional challenges. This is mandatory for psychologists (10 hours) but accepted by all Boards. Peer review is particularly valued because it involves critical reflection and exposure to different perspectives.
Clinical audit and quality improvement
Reviewing your own clinical data, patient outcomes, or practice processes to identify areas for improvement. Clinical audit is explicitly required for medical practitioners under the "measuring outcomes" category but is accepted as CPD by all Boards.
Supervision
Providing or receiving professional supervision counts as CPD for most professions. This includes clinical supervision, professional mentoring, and preceptorship of students or junior practitioners.
Teaching and presenting
Preparing and delivering educational content to peers, students, or the public. This includes lecturing, presenting at conferences, facilitating workshops, and developing educational resources. Most Boards weight teaching activities more highly than passive attendance.
Research
Conducting, publishing, or reviewing research relevant to your profession. Peer reviewing journal articles, serving on ethics committees, and leading research projects all count.
Practice-related activities
Some Boards recognise practice-related activities that do not fit neatly into traditional CPD categories. These might include participating in accreditation processes, contributing to policy development, serving on professional committees, or undertaking practice visits.
CPD portfolio requirements
Every AHPRA-registered practitioner must maintain a CPD portfolio. This is the documentary evidence that you have met your CPD obligations. If you are audited, your portfolio is what you will need to produce.
What must be in your portfolio?
At a minimum, your CPD portfolio should contain:
- A record of each CPD activity, including the date, duration, provider (if applicable), and a brief description
- Evidence of participation — certificates, receipts, attendance records, conference programs, or any documentation that confirms you completed the activity
- A reflective statement for each activity explaining what you learned and how it relates to your practice
- Your CPD plan (if required by your Board) outlining your learning goals for the period
- A summary log showing your total hours or credits against the required minimum
How long must you keep records?
Most Boards require you to retain CPD records for a minimum of five years. Some require longer. The safest approach is to keep records for at least five years from the date of the activity, regardless of your profession.
Digital vs paper portfolios
There is no mandated format. You can maintain your portfolio digitally (spreadsheets, dedicated CPD tracking platforms, or your professional college's online system) or on paper. What matters is that it is organised, complete, and accessible if requested.
Many professional colleges and CPD providers offer online portfolio tools that automatically log activities and generate summary reports. If your profession requires you to have a CPD home (as medical practitioners do), your CPD home will typically provide a portfolio system.
What does an audit look like?
AHPRA conducts random CPD audits at registration renewal. If you are selected, you will receive a notice asking you to provide evidence of your CPD compliance. You will typically have 28 days to respond.
The audit process involves submitting your CPD portfolio (or a summary of it) along with supporting evidence. An assessor will review whether you have met the minimum requirements and whether your CPD activities are relevant to your scope of practice.
If your portfolio is incomplete or your hours fall short, you may be asked to provide additional information, complete additional CPD within a specified timeframe, or attend a meeting with a Board representative. The outcome depends on the nature and extent of the shortfall.
What happens if you do not meet CPD requirements?
Non-compliance with CPD requirements is a registration matter. The consequences vary depending on the severity of the shortfall and the circumstances, but can include:
At renewal
When you renew your registration, you must declare that you have met your CPD requirements. If you declare that you have not, or if you are audited and found to be non-compliant, the Board may:
- Impose conditions on your registration requiring you to complete additional CPD within a set period
- Accept an undertaking from you to make up the shortfall
- Refuse to renew your registration if the non-compliance is serious or repeated
During an audit
If an audit reveals non-compliance, the process is similar. The Board will typically give you an opportunity to explain and to make up any shortfall. First-time minor shortfalls are usually dealt with through education and a requirement to catch up.
Serious or repeated non-compliance can result in:
- Conditions on registration (such as mandatory supervision or a requirement to complete specific CPD)
- Suspension of registration until CPD requirements are met
- Cancellation of registration in extreme cases
False declarations
Declaring that you have met your CPD requirements when you have not is a separate and more serious issue. Making a false or misleading declaration is grounds for disciplinary action by the Board and can result in conditions, suspension, or cancellation of registration regardless of the underlying CPD shortfall.
The bottom line: if you genuinely cannot meet your CPD requirements in a given period, contact your Board before renewal. It is far better to proactively seek an extension or modified plan than to make a false declaration.
Tips for meeting your CPD requirements
Start early in the registration period
Do not leave CPD to the last month before renewal. Spread your activities across the year. This gives you flexibility to respond to emerging learning needs and reduces the risk of falling short if unexpected life or work events intervene.
Create a CPD plan
Even if your Board does not mandate it, writing a brief CPD plan at the start of each period is good practice. Identify two or three areas you want to develop, based on your current practice, any critical incidents or near-misses, and any changes to guidelines or legislation in your area.
Mix your activity types
A portfolio with nothing but passive webinars is weak. Aim for a balance of formal learning, peer interaction, self-directed study, and practice-based activities. This is better for your development and more convincing at audit.
Use workplace learning
Not all CPD requires paid courses or time away from work. Case discussions, in-service training, clinical audit, and structured reflection on practice all count. If you work in a team, build CPD into your regular meetings and case reviews.
Choose accredited CPD where possible
Activities accredited by a recognised provider carry more weight in your portfolio. They typically come with certificates that simplify your audit evidence. AHCRA's accredited CPD courses are designed specifically for Australian health practitioners and align with National Board requirements across multiple professions.
Keep records as you go
Do not try to reconstruct your portfolio from memory at the end of the year. Log each activity as you complete it, attach the evidence, and write your reflective note while the learning is fresh. This takes five minutes per activity and saves hours of stress at renewal.
Align CPD with practice changes
When your scope of practice changes, new guidelines are released, or new evidence emerges in your field, treat it as a CPD opportunity. Learning that directly responds to a practice need is the most valuable kind — and the most convincing at audit.
Do not pay for CPD you can get for free
Professional associations, health departments, and organisations like AHCRA regularly publish free or low-cost CPD resources. Before paying for an expensive course, check whether the same content is available through your employer, professional body, or a free online platform.
Frequently asked questions
How many CPD hours do I need for AHPRA?
It depends on your profession. Nurses need 20 hours per year. Medical practitioners need 50 hours. Psychologists need 30 hours (including 10 hours of peer consultation). Dentists need 60 hours over three years. Pharmacists need 40 credits annually. Check the summary table above for all professions, or visit your National Board's registration standards for the most current requirements.
What are the 5 types of CPD?
While different Boards categorise CPD differently, the five most commonly recognised types are: (1) formal education — courses, workshops, conferences; (2) self-directed learning — reading, online modules, research; (3) peer review and consultation — case discussions, peer supervision; (4) clinical audit and quality improvement — reviewing your own practice outcomes; and (5) teaching and supervision — educating others in your profession. Most Boards accept all five types but may weight them differently or cap certain categories.
What is CPD AHPRA?
CPD stands for continuing professional development. Under the AHPRA National Registration and Accreditation Scheme, all registered health practitioners must complete a minimum amount of CPD each year to maintain their registration. The specific requirements (hours, types, and documentation) are set by the National Board that regulates your profession. CPD is designed to ensure practitioners maintain the competence and currency they need for safe, effective practice throughout their careers.
Can you add CPD training from two years ago?
Generally, no. CPD must be completed within the current registration period or cycle to count toward your requirements. Hours and credits do not carry over from previous periods. If you completed training two years ago and did not log it at the time, it cannot be retrospectively applied to your current CPD obligations. Some Boards have limited exceptions — for example, if you are completing a multi-year qualification — but these are rare. The safest practice is to log and declare CPD in the period you completed it.
What happens if you do not complete CPD for AHPRA?
If you fail to meet your CPD requirements and this is identified (either through your renewal declaration or an audit), the Board may impose conditions on your registration, require you to complete additional CPD within a set timeframe, or in serious cases suspend or cancel your registration. Making a false declaration that you have met your CPD requirements when you have not is treated as a separate disciplinary matter and can result in more severe consequences. If you are struggling to meet your CPD obligations, contact your Board before renewal to discuss options.
Do online courses count toward AHPRA CPD?
Yes. All National Boards accept online learning as a valid CPD activity, provided the content is relevant to your scope of practice. Online courses, webinars, e-learning modules, and virtual conferences all count. Some Boards may cap the proportion of CPD that can be completed through passive online learning (such as watching recorded webinars without interaction), so aim for a mix that includes interactive or assessed activities as well.
Is CPD the same as training?
Not exactly. Training typically refers to formal instruction in a specific skill or competency. CPD is broader — it encompasses any activity that maintains, improves, or broadens your professional competence. Training is one form of CPD, but CPD also includes peer review, clinical audit, self-directed learning, research, teaching, and reflective practice. The key distinction is that CPD is self-directed and driven by your own learning needs, while training is usually externally structured.
How does AHPRA verify my CPD?
AHPRA uses a combination of self-declaration and random audit. At registration renewal, you declare that you have met your CPD requirements. A proportion of practitioners are then randomly selected for audit each year. If audited, you must provide your CPD portfolio with evidence of all activities, hours, and reflective statements. AHPRA does not routinely verify CPD for every practitioner, but the audit process is rigorous and the consequences of being found non-compliant (or of making a false declaration) are serious.
Key takeaways
CPD requirements under AHPRA are not optional and they are not uniform. The hours, types, and documentation standards vary significantly between professions, and it is your responsibility as a registered practitioner to know and meet the requirements set by your National Board.
The fundamentals are consistent across all professions: complete the minimum hours or credits, document your activities in a portfolio, maintain evidence of participation, reflect on your learning, and declare honestly at renewal.
If you are looking for CPD that is relevant, accredited, and designed for Australian health practitioners, explore AHCRA's course catalogue. Our courses are built to align with National Board requirements across nursing, medicine, allied health, and pharmacy.
For profession-specific guidance, see our detailed CPD guides for nurses, dentists, physiotherapists, psychologists, pharmacists, and chiropractors.
Registered Nurse & Healthcare Compliance Professional
Justine Coupland is a registered nurse and healthcare compliance professional at AHCRA, with a background in practice management, healthcare IT, and regulatory compliance across Australia.