Introduction
Latest Changes to cpd regulations
On behalf of the Refuel Team, we hope you have been well as we approach 2022’s end of year slate.
This message is to provide an update regarding legislative changes in the CPD environment.
In addition to our work on reviewing & accrediting CPD content – we feel it is important to keep providers up-to-date on regulatory changes that may affect business operations relating to CPD.
You can expect to see periodic updates like this moving forward as new information continues to roll out.
state-by-state breakdown
Overview of changes
Communications with the state boards have revealed multiple regulatory changes relating to architect CPD requirements.
Please familiarize yourself with these changes, as they may affect your target audience, and their specific requirements and needs.
New South Wales
Formal CPD requirements in place for NSW:
- At least 3 hours out of the 10 hours of formal CPD completed each year must address mandatory topics.
- Registered architects must complete at least 1 hour annually for each of the following mandatory topics:
- Understanding and respecting Country
- Sustainability, life cycle assessment and whole life carbon
- National Construction Code
Please see NSWARB factsheet here for more information about NSW CPD changes.
Queensland
Formal CPD requirements in place for Queensland:
- Activities in each year must relate to a minimum of 2 units in the NSCA
- Up to 3 formal points can be attributed to authorship of published articles in journals and magazines.
- Up to 5 formal points can be attributed to preparation & presentation of a CPD activity
- Up to 5 formal points can be attributed to part time lecturing at tertiary level.
- Activities relating to assessment of entries for Institute design awards, juries or similar are eligible to be counted as formal CPD hours.
Please see BOAQ factsheet here for more information about QLD CPD changes.
South Australia
Formal CPD requirements in place for SA:
- CPD courses must be mapped to one of the following 3 core activities: Design, Project, Delivery
- SA Architects must inform themselves on whether the CPD course material offered is appropriate, and that it meets the criteria for formal/informal points.
- SA Refuel Network Providers must contact the SA registration board to assess whether they meet the required checklist for delivering CPD in SA.
Please see APBSA resources here for more information about SA CPD changes.
Tasmania
Formal CPD requirements in place for Tasmania:
- CPD activities must relate to a minimum of 2 NSCA 2015 units (maximum of 5 hours on any one unit)
- Annual submissions for last 12 months must be received no later than 31 January 2023.
- No more than 5 formal CPD points can be attributed to activities such as: presenting CPD, committee membership.
Please see Tasmania Board resources here for more information about TAS CPD changes.
Victoria
Formal CPD requirements in place for Victoria:
- Minimum of 10 hours/points must be attributed to formal CPD
- CPD activities must relate to a minimum of 2 NSCA 2021 units.
Please see ARBV resources here for more information about VIC CPD changes.
Western Australia
Formal CPD requirements in place for WA:
- Minimum of 12 hours/points must be attributed to ‘core’ CPD.
- CPD activities must relate to a minimum of 2 NSCA 2015 units.
- Further information about ‘core’ and ‘non-core’ content can be found in ABWA framework.
Please see ABWA resources here for more information about WA CPD changes.
Northern Territory
- No recent developments have been reported from the NT architecture board.
Please monitor NT board website for information relating to future developments.
Australian Capital Territory
- No recent developments have been reported from the ACT architecture board.
Please monitor ACT board website for information relating to future developments
Implications
How does this affect me as a CPD provider?
The majority of changes outlined above will not affect your formal CPD presentations, nor the requirements to qualify for formal CPD.
They may, however, affect the needs of your target audience (e.g. an increase in demand for NSW content focused on new mandatory topics).
Our comprehensive review process will continue to ensure that accredited content qualifies for formal points in every state.
However, for SA CPD providers, it is important to consider the extra conditions associated with the delivery of CPD in SA. In addition to your annual review, we would advise working through the board-approved checklist, and consulting directly with the APBSA to ensure your content is compliant with the new regulations.
Wrap-up
in summary
The external environment for CPD providers is constantly changing. We hope this overview of the most recent changes assists your organization with orienting its activities accordingly. Although the majority will not directly affect recently approved CPDs – please note that they will affect the needs of your target audience.
We’ll continue to provide updates on the latest changes, and wish all the best to our providers through the new year.
As always, please reach out to suppliers@architecture.com.au if you have any further questions.
Sincerely,
Zafiro and the Refuel Team.
Contact us
Have further questions?
If you had any further questions regarding CPD, or if you’d like to become a member, please contact us at:
P: 08 8402 5914
E: suppliers@architecture.com.au
Level 2, 15 Leigh Street
Adelaide SA 5000
Follow us on Instagram at @institute_aus_refuel_cpd, and join our mailing list to find important updates on CPD regulations, new features, best practices and more.
