AHPRA CPD Requirements for Psychologists: PsyBA Standards Guide (2026)

AHPRA CPD Requirements for Psychologists

Psychologists registered with AHPRA must complete 30 hours of continuing professional development (CPD) per year. This is set by the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA) and applies to all general and endorsed psychologists. At least 10 hours must be active learning. Peer consultation is mandatory. There is no opt-out (Psychology Board of Australia, 2019).

That 30-hour figure sounds simple. It is not. The PsyBA does not just count hours. It categorises them, sets minimums within those categories, and requires specific types of professional engagement that many psychologists overlook until audit time. If you hold an area of practice endorsement, the requirements tighten further.

This guide covers exactly what you need to know: hour breakdowns, category requirements, what counts, what does not, and how to prepare for an audit.

How Many CPD Hours Do Psychologists Need?

The Psychology Board of Australia requires 30 hours of CPD per registration year. Your registration year runs from the date you first registered, not the calendar year. Most psychologists renew in late November or early December.

Here is the breakdown:

| Requirement | Hours | Details | |---|---|---| | Total CPD | 30 hours/year | Mandatory for all registered psychologists | | Active learning (minimum) | 10 hours | Courses, workshops, conferences, formal education | | Peer consultation (minimum) | 10 hours | Structured group or individual peer discussion | | Remaining hours | 10 hours | Any combination of active learning, peer consultation, or other CPD | | Endorsed psychologists (additional) | Varies | Must include CPD relevant to each endorsement area |

The 10-hour minimums for active learning and peer consultation are non-negotiable. You cannot fill your entire 30 hours with conference attendance and call it done. You cannot fill them entirely with peer consultation either. The Board wants evidence of both structured learning and professional dialogue (Psychology Board of Australia, 2019).

The remaining 10 hours are flexible. You can split them however you like between active learning, peer consultation, or other professional development activities. Most psychologists find it easiest to exceed the active learning minimum and use the balance for additional peer consultation.

If you hold provisional registration, different rules apply. Provisional psychologists complete CPD as part of their supervised practice program, and the requirements are set by their supervisor and the Board's supervised practice guidelines rather than the standard CPD framework.

PsyBA CPD Categories

The Psychology Board splits CPD into two primary categories. Understanding the distinction matters because the Board audits by category, not just total hours.

Active Learning

Active learning is structured educational activity where you acquire new knowledge, skills, or professional capabilities. The Board defines this as learning that goes beyond your day-to-day practice. It must be planned, purposeful, and relevant to your professional role.

Examples of active learning:

• Attending workshops or seminars (in person or online)
• Completing accredited CPD courses
• Undertaking formal postgraduate study
• Attending professional conferences
• Participating in structured journal clubs with learning objectives
• Completing research that contributes to the evidence base
• Presenting at conferences or professional events
• Developing new assessment tools, therapeutic protocols, or training materials

The key word is "structured." Reading a journal article over lunch is not active learning unless it is part of a planned, documented learning activity with clear objectives. The Board looks for intentionality.

You need at least 10 hours of active learning per year. There is no upper limit. Many psychologists complete 15 to 20 hours of active learning and use the remaining hours for peer consultation and other activities.

Peer Consultation

Peer consultation is the second mandatory category, and it is the one that catches people out. The PsyBA requires a minimum of 10 hours per year, and the requirements for what constitutes valid peer consultation are specific.

Peer consultation means structured professional discussion with one or more registered psychologists about clinical or professional practice matters. It is not supervision (that is a separate requirement for some practitioners). It is not a casual chat with a colleague about a difficult client.

For peer consultation to count, it must:

• Involve at least one other registered psychologist
• Be planned and structured with an agenda or focus area
• Include discussion of clinical, ethical, or professional practice issues
• Be documented with dates, participants, topics, and hours

The Board explicitly distinguishes peer consultation from clinical supervision. Supervision involves a hierarchical relationship where one practitioner oversees another's work. Peer consultation is between equals. Both have value, but they are counted separately.

Solo practitioners often struggle with the peer consultation requirement. If you work alone, you need to actively seek out or establish peer consultation arrangements. More on that below.

Supervision Requirements for Psychologists

Supervision and CPD overlap but are not the same thing. Here is how they interact.

Provisionally Registered Psychologists

If you hold provisional registration, you must complete supervised practice under a Board-approved supervisor. The supervision requirements are extensive:

• Minimum of 1 hour of individual supervision per 17.5 hours of practice (approximately fortnightly for full-time practitioners)
• Supervisor must hold general registration and meet the Board's supervisor training requirements
• Supervision must cover clinical competencies, ethical practice, and professional development

Supervision hours for provisionally registered psychologists do not double-count as CPD peer consultation hours. They are a separate requirement.

Generally Registered Psychologists

Once you hold general registration, formal supervision is no longer mandatory unless you are working in a new area of practice or your Board-approved conditions require it. However, many psychologists voluntarily continue supervision arrangements, and these can count toward peer consultation hours if the relationship is genuinely peer-based rather than hierarchical.

If you receive clinical supervision from a more senior practitioner, those hours generally count as CPD but may not satisfy the peer consultation minimum. The distinction hinges on the nature of the relationship. If there is a power differential or oversight function, it is supervision. If you are discussing practice as equals, it is peer consultation.

Supervisors

Psychologists who provide supervision to provisionally registered practitioners or psychology registrars must complete additional CPD related to supervision practice. The Board expects supervisors to maintain competence in supervision itself, not just in their clinical specialty.

This includes training in supervision models, assessment of supervisee competence, and managing the ethical dimensions of supervisory relationships. Most supervisors complete a Board-approved supervisor training program and then maintain their skills through ongoing CPD in supervision.

CPD for Endorsed Psychologists

Area of practice endorsements add a layer of complexity to CPD requirements. If you hold one or more endorsements, you must ensure your CPD addresses the competencies specific to each endorsement area.

The Psychology Board recognises the following areas of practice endorsement:

| Endorsement Area | CPD Implication | |---|---| | Clinical psychology | CPD must include advanced clinical assessment, diagnosis, and evidence-based interventions | | Clinical neuropsychology | CPD must cover neuropsychological assessment, brain-behaviour relationships, and rehabilitation | | Community psychology | CPD must address community-level interventions, social systems, and population health | | Counselling psychology | CPD must include therapeutic modalities, relational approaches, and process research | | Educational and developmental psychology | CPD must cover learning, developmental assessment, and educational interventions | | Forensic psychology | CPD must address forensic assessment, risk evaluation, and legal-psychological interface | | Health psychology | CPD must cover health behaviour change, chronic illness management, and biopsychosocial models | | Organisational psychology | CPD must include workplace assessment, organisational development, and occupational health | | Sport and exercise psychology | CPD must address performance optimisation, exercise adherence, and athlete wellbeing |

The Board does not specify an exact number of hours that must relate to your endorsement area. But if you are audited, you need to demonstrate that a meaningful portion of your CPD maintained or developed competencies within your endorsed area. A clinical psychologist who completes 30 hours of general practice management CPD and nothing related to clinical psychology will have a problem.

If you hold multiple endorsements, your CPD should reflect all of them. This does not mean multiplying your hours. It means being strategic about choosing activities that cover your areas of practice.

For endorsed psychologists, AHCRA's CPD courses are designed to align with Board-recognised competency areas, making it straightforward to demonstrate relevance during an audit.

What Counts as CPD for Psychologists?

The PsyBA takes a broad view of what constitutes valid CPD, provided the activity is relevant to your practice, planned, and documented. Here is a practical breakdown:

| Activity | Category | Typical Hours | Notes | |---|---|---|---| | Accredited CPD workshop | Active learning | 3-8 hours | Must be relevant to your practice area | | Professional conference | Active learning | 6-16 hours | Includes keynotes, breakout sessions, and workshops | | Online CPD course | Active learning | 1-6 hours | Must be from a recognised provider | | Postgraduate study | Active learning | Variable | Per unit/subject, proportional to study load | | Peer consultation group | Peer consultation | 1-2 hours/session | Must be structured with documented agenda | | Individual peer consultation | Peer consultation | 1 hour/session | One-on-one with another registered psychologist | | Journal club | Active learning or peer consultation | 1-2 hours | Depends on structure; must have learning objectives | | Research and publication | Active learning | Variable | Proportional to contribution | | Conference presentation | Active learning | Variable | Includes preparation and delivery time | | Developing training materials | Active learning | Variable | Must be for professional, not commercial, purposes | | Board or committee membership | Other CPD | Variable | Must involve professional development component | | Practice audit or quality improvement | Other CPD | Variable | Must be documented with outcomes |

A few things that do not count:

• Routine clinical work (seeing clients is practice, not CPD)
• Administrative tasks (writing reports, managing your practice)
• Informal reading without a documented learning plan
• Social events at conferences (the dinner does not count)
• Supervision you provide to others (this is professional service, not your CPD)

The line between "counts" and "does not count" often comes down to documentation. A conversation with a colleague about a tricky ethical dilemma could be peer consultation if you planned it, documented it, and reflected on the learning. The same conversation over Friday drinks is not CPD. The Board expects evidence of planning, engagement, and reflection (AHPRA, 2023).

If you want a structured approach to tracking what counts and what does not, AHCRA's compliance platform automates CPD documentation and flags gaps before renewal time.

Peer Consultation Groups: A Practical Setup Guide

Since peer consultation is mandatory and many psychologists find it the hardest requirement to meet, here is a practical guide to setting one up.

Group Size and Composition

Aim for 4 to 6 members. Fewer than 4 and you risk cancellations leaving you without a quorum. More than 6 and individual airtime drops below useful levels. All members must be registered psychologists. A mix of practice areas can be enriching, but ensure enough overlap that discussions are clinically relevant to everyone.

Meeting Frequency

Monthly meetings of 1.5 to 2 hours will get you to the 10-hour minimum comfortably. Fortnightly meetings of 1 hour also work. Decide on a regular schedule and stick to it. Ad hoc meetings tend to fall away.

Structure

Each meeting should have:

1. Check-in (5 minutes): Brief professional update from each member.
2. Case presentation (20 minutes): One member presents a de-identified clinical case or professional dilemma. Rotate presenters each meeting.
3. Group discussion (30-40 minutes): Structured feedback, alternative perspectives, evidence-based suggestions.
4. Ethical or professional practice topic (15-20 minutes): Discussion of a Board guideline, new research finding, or ethical scenario.
5. Documentation (5 minutes): Record date, attendees, topics discussed, and key reflections.

Documentation

Keep a simple log. For each meeting, record:

• Date and duration
• Names of participants (and their registration numbers, if you want to be thorough)
• Topics discussed (de-identified)
• Key learnings or reflections
• Any actions arising

This log is your evidence if you are audited. The Board does not require a specific format, but you do need something more than "we met and talked." A shared spreadsheet or document works fine. If your organisation uses AHCRA's team management tools, peer consultation tracking can be integrated into your existing compliance workflow.

Remote and Hybrid Groups

Video conferencing is perfectly acceptable for peer consultation. Many psychologists in regional areas, or those with niche specialties, run groups entirely online. The Board has not placed restrictions on the format, only the content and structure.

Finding Peers

If you do not have an existing network, try:

• Professional associations (APS, state-based societies)
• University alumni groups
• Special interest groups within your endorsement area
• Online professional communities and forums
• Local psychology practice networks

Starting a group takes effort upfront but becomes self-sustaining quickly. Most psychologists who establish regular peer consultation find it is the most professionally valuable part of their CPD.

Audit Preparation for Psychologists

AHPRA conducts random audits of CPD compliance. You can also be audited if concerns are raised about your practice. Here is how to be ready.

What the Board Asks For

During an audit, you will typically need to provide:

• A summary of all CPD activities completed during the audit period
• Evidence of completion (certificates, receipts, conference programs)
• Documentation of peer consultation (logs, agendas, attendance records)
• A CPD plan or reflection demonstrating how activities relate to your practice
• Evidence that CPD addressed your specific areas of practice, including endorsement areas

Record-Keeping Standards

The PsyBA expects you to retain CPD records for a minimum of five years. Do not wait until audit notification to pull your records together. If you completed a workshop three years ago and cannot produce the certificate, you may not be able to count those hours.

Store records digitally. A folder structure by registration year with subfolders for active learning, peer consultation, and other CPD works well. Scan paper certificates. Save email confirmations. Keep peer consultation logs current, not retrospective.

Common Audit Problems

These are the issues psychologists most frequently encounter:

1. Insufficient peer consultation documentation. You attended the group but have no records. The Board cannot verify hours without documentation.
2. CPD not relevant to practice area. A forensic psychologist with 30 hours of general mindfulness workshops and nothing related to forensic practice.
3. No CPD plan. The Board wants to see intentionality. Random activity selection without a plan linking CPD to practice needs looks poor.
4. Counting supervision as peer consultation. If you are receiving supervision from a senior practitioner, those hours may not satisfy the peer consultation minimum.
5. Expired or missing certificates. Providers sometimes disappear. Download and save certificates immediately.

What Happens If You Fail an Audit

If your CPD does not meet the standard, the Board may:

• Require you to make up the deficit within a specified timeframe
• Place conditions on your registration
• Require additional reporting or supervision
• In serious or repeated cases, take disciplinary action

The consequences are proportionate. A first-time shortfall with some evidence of CPD engagement is treated differently from a pattern of non-compliance. But any audit finding goes on your record with the Board.

For a broader look at what happens when CPD requirements are not met, see our guide on what happens if you do not meet AHPRA CPD requirements.

Exemptions

AHPRA does grant CPD exemptions in limited circumstances, including parental leave, serious illness, and other significant life events. You must apply for an exemption proactively. You cannot claim one retrospectively after failing an audit. The process is outlined in AHPRA's fact sheet on CPD exemptions (AHPRA, 2019).

Frequently Asked Questions

How many CPD hours do psychologists need for AHPRA?

Psychologists need 30 hours of CPD per registration year. At least 10 hours must be active learning (courses, workshops, conferences) and at least 10 hours must be peer consultation. The remaining 10 hours can be any combination of CPD activities.

What is the difference between peer consultation and supervision?

Supervision involves a hierarchical relationship where a senior practitioner oversees your work. Peer consultation is a discussion between equals about clinical or professional practice matters. The PsyBA requires peer consultation specifically and does not accept supervision hours as a substitute for the peer consultation minimum.

Do endorsed psychologists need more CPD hours?

No. The total remains 30 hours regardless of endorsement status. However, endorsed psychologists must ensure a meaningful portion of their CPD relates to their area of practice endorsement. If you hold multiple endorsements, your CPD should cover all of them.

Can I do all my CPD online?

Yes. The Psychology Board does not restrict the format of CPD activities. Online courses, webinars, and virtual peer consultation groups all count, provided they meet the Board's requirements for structured, documented, and relevant learning. You can find Board-relevant online CPD through AHCRA's course catalogue.

How long do I need to keep CPD records?

The PsyBA expects you to retain records for at least five years. Store certificates, peer consultation logs, and CPD plans digitally. The Board may audit any period within the last five years, so keeping only the current year's records is not sufficient.

What happens if I am audited and my CPD is incomplete?

The Board will assess the extent of the shortfall and your overall compliance history. For minor gaps, you may be required to make up the deficit within a set timeframe. For significant non-compliance, the Board may impose conditions on your registration. Repeated failures can lead to disciplinary action. If you anticipate a shortfall due to personal circumstances, apply for an exemption before your renewal date.

Planning Your CPD Year

The smartest approach is to plan your CPD at the start of each registration year rather than scrambling before renewal. Map out your 30 hours across the three areas: active learning, peer consultation, and flexible hours.

Start with your peer consultation. Lock in a regular group or arrangement early. It is the hardest requirement to meet reactively. Then identify two or three active learning activities that align with your practice goals. Fill the remaining hours with activities that address gaps or interests as they arise during the year.

If you manage a team of psychologists, tracking everyone's CPD compliance adds another layer. AHCRA's organisational tools let you monitor team-wide CPD progress and flag shortfalls before they become Board issues.

For a comparison of CPD requirements across all AHPRA-regulated professions, see our complete CPD hours breakdown by profession. And for a broader understanding of the CPD framework that underpins these requirements, read our guide to the AHPRA CPD framework.

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Sources

• Psychology Board of Australia. "Continuing Professional Development." PsyBA, 2019. https://www.psychologyboard.gov.au/Registration/Continuing-Professional-Development.aspx
• AHPRA. "Registration standard: Continuing professional development." 2023. https://www.ahpra.gov.au/documents/default.aspx?record=WD21/31046&dbid=AP&chksum=TqPI98CYQYllvPkGwiAz/w%3D%3D
• AHPRA. "Fact sheet: CPD exemptions." 2019. https://www.ahpra.gov.au/documents/default.aspx?record=WD20/29558&dbid=AP&chksum=ZZX95R5wEpDqjgWv/lJYkQ%3D%3D