Continuing Professional Development (CPD) refers to lifelong learning that helps individuals improve their skills and apply them in the workplace. It ensures that pharmacists' qualifications remain current, provides opportunities to keep learning, and supports career growth.
Whether you're an intern or a fully registered pharmacist, completing CPD annually is a requirement set by the Pharmacy Board of Australia to maintain your registration.
The CPD period runs from 1 October to 30 September each year. Pharmacists must meet the yearly CPD requirements within this period and declare their compliance when renewing their registration by 30 November.
Intern pharmacists are not bound by these dates. Instead, they must complete their annual CPD requirements during their internship and submit evidence as required by their training provider.
No credits carry over - make sure you meet the 40 CPD credits requirement each period.
CPD activities can include:
Reading pharmacy journals or listening to pharmacy-related podcasts/webinars
Online courses or attending conferences
Delivering presentations or training sessions to peers or staff
Participating in study groups where each member presents a topic
What should your CPD year look like?
Develop a CPD Plan: Create a structured plan for how you will complete your CPD activities during the year.
Complete CPD Activities: Choose activities from Groups 1, 2, or 3. (Note: No more than 50% of your CPD credits can come from Group 1 activities).
Meet the Minimum Requirements: Complete at least 40 CPD credits per CPD period (1 October to 30 September).
Reflect on Your CPD: Consider how the activities have impacted your practice.
Keep Evidence: Retain records of your CPD activities, plans, and reflections.
CPD activities are divided into three groups:
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Group 1: Reading or Listening
Activities like reading articles or listening to podcasts/webinars.
No assessment required.
1 CPD credit per hour of activity.
Limit: No more than 50% of your total CPD credits can come from Group 1.
·
Group 2: Assessment-Based Activities
Activities with an assessment component, like completing multiple-choice questions after reading a journal article.
2 CPD credits per hour of activity.
·
Group 3: Practice Change and Reflection
Activities that lead to changes in practice, such as delivering a presentation, publishing a journal article, or implementing new practices.
3 CPD credits per hour of activity.
When selecting CPD activities, consider whether they:
Will improve your practice as a pharmacist.
Are relevant to your role.
Will help you prepare for future roles or responsibilities.
Consist of a range of CPD activity groups (i.e. from Groups 1, 2, 3)
CPD Records
Pharmacists must maintain a record of their CPD activities, including the details outlined by the Pharmacy Board. While no specific format is required, the record should be comprehensive and kept accessible for audits.
CPD activities must be documented for each CPD period (1 October to 30 September). Online records provided by CPD providers should also be accessible if required for audit purposes.
Retain records of your CPD activities, plans, and reflections for at least 3 full CPD periods.
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