Continuing professional development (CPD) is how registered psychologists develop, maintain and improve to broaden their knowledge, expertise and competence required in their professional lives. Professional development is an ongoing process which throughout the career, adapting to changes in practice environments, new information and regulations as well as client / patient needs. In accordance with the Registration Standard (CPD) psychologists must complete a minimum of 30 hours of CPD activities annually during the period 1 December until 30 November.
As explained on the Psychology board website, the CPD requirements for psychologists are set out in the Continuing professional development registration standard and Guidelines for continuing professional development documents. These include:
The CPD requirements for Limited registrants are the same as those for General registrants.
Its important to note that medicare has its own CPD requirements to maintain eligibility to provide psychological services through the Better Access Scheme. The Medicare requirements are separate from the Board's requirements so specific questions about Better Access CPD should be directed to the Department of Health and Aging. The Better Access initiative gives Medicare rebates to eligible people, so they can access the mental health services they need.
An important part of the CPD cycle for Psychology includes Peer consultations. The requirement for peer consultation has been included with the intention of raising standards of practice. Study has suggested that engagement in peer consultation is an important part of ongoing competence and continued professional development.
It is recommended that you keep evidence of CPD, including self-directed learning as part of a portfolio. These records can be kept in hard copy or electronically and will need to be provided when requested by the Psychology Board, for example during a 'compliance audit'. The records need to contain at least the following information for each activity:
You must include:
• CPD activity log
• Peer consultation log
• Peer consultation journal
• Professional development journal
You could also include things like:
• Certificates of attendance/completion
• Receipts
• Reading list
• Evidence of compliance with the CPD requirements of your professional association
• Degree certificates or academic transcripts for postgraduate study
• University assignments/theses/research reports/published articles
• Plans and progress reports for professional supervision and mentoring
If you are interested in reviewing a list of courses that maybe suitable to help you maintain your CPD portfolio please visit the list of courses from our education partners here
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