What Are the CPD Requirements for Pharmacists in Australia?

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is a cornerstone of professional practice for pharmacists in Australia. It ensures pharmacists maintain their skills, keep up with advancements in healthcare, and continue delivering safe, effective care to patients. But what exactly are the CPD requirements for Australian pharmacists? Let’s break it down.

Annual CPD Obligations

The Pharmacy Board of Australia mandates that all registered pharmacists complete 40 CPD credits annually as part of their registration renewal. This requirement applies to pharmacists in general, provisional, or limited registration categories, with the exception of those holding non-practising registration.
Pharmacists must confirm they have met CPD obligations when renewing their registration, and they may be subject to audits to verify compliance.

Accredited and Non-Accredited CPD

CPD activities fall into two categories: accredited and non-accredited. While accredited CPD is reviewed and endorsed by recognised accrediting bodies for its educational quality and relevance, non-accredited CPD allows pharmacists to engage in self-directed learning.

Both types are valid for meeting CPD requirements, but pharmacists must ensure non-accredited CPD is well-documented, relevant to their practice, and verifiable.

Types of CPD Activities

The Pharmacy Board encourages pharmacists to engage in a variety of CPD activities across three groups:

Group 1: Knowledge Acquisition Activities like attending lectures or reading journals, which are primarily informational. CPD Credits: 1 per hour.
Group 2: Knowledge or Skill Application. Interactive activities, such as workshops or assessments, that include an evaluation of learning outcomes. CPD Credits: 2 per hour.
Group 3: Practice Improvement. Activities that assess and improve current practice, such as implementing changes based on a drug utilization review.CPD Credits: 3 per hour.

Pharmacists must balance these activities, with no more than 50% of their CPD credits derived from Group 1 activities.

Record-Keeping and Audits

Pharmacists are responsible for maintaining detailed records of their CPD activities, whether accredited or non-accredited. These records should include:

• Date of activity
• Provider or source
• Type of activity
• Topics covered
• Accreditation status
• CPD credits earned

During audits, pharmacists may need to provide supporting documentation, such as certificates of completion, learning plans, or evidence of attendance.

lrnrx Simplifies CPD Management

At lrnrx, we make meeting CPD requirements not only accessible but seamless. Our platform offers a variety of CPD options, including accredited and non-accredited activities, tailored to pharmacists’ busy schedules.

To make life even easier, lrnx provides an automated CPD record-keeping system that tracks your completed activities and ensures your documentation is always up to date. Additionally, our suggested learning plan feature identifies gaps in your professional development and recommends targeted courses to help you meet your CPD goals efficiently.

Complete your CPD plan now!