CPD Online: How to Complete Your CPD Courses
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) helps professionals maintain and develop the knowledge and skills relevant to their industry. For professionals with ongoing CPD obligations, completing CPD online can provide a flexible and practical way to undertake required training while balancing work and other commitments.
Depending on the industry, state or territory, and licence or registration type, CPD may be linked to ongoing professional obligations. Requirements can vary, so professionals should always check the current requirements that apply to their individual circumstances.
This article explains what CPD is, why it matters and how online CPD courses can support ongoing professional learning.
Why Continuing Professional Development Matters
CPD is a structured approach to maintaining and developing professional knowledge and skills.
Industries continue to evolve as legislation, regulations, technology, market conditions and professional practices change. Participating in ongoing professional development can help professionals remain informed about developments relevant to their work.
In some industries and jurisdictions, CPD is a mandatory requirement connected to maintaining a licence, registration or professional membership. The required topics, learning activities and completion periods may differ depending on the applicable regulatory requirements.
Professionals should confirm their current obligations with the relevant regulator or industry authority before enrolling in a course.
Beyond meeting professional requirements, CPD may support:
- greater confidence when applying industry knowledge
- improved awareness of legislative and regulatory changes
- stronger professional skills
- more informed decision-making
- improved service for clients and customers
- ongoing career development
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Benefits of Completing CPD Online
There is a reason CPD online learning has become a practical option for many working professionals. Flexibility is an important benefit, but online learning can offer several other advantages.
Flexible Learning Options
Online CPD courses can make it easier to balance professional development with work and personal commitments.
Depending on the course delivery method, participants may be able to complete learning activities from home or the workplace. Some courses may offer self-paced learning, while others may include scheduled webinars or facilitated online sessions.
Before enrolling, check whether the course is self-paced, instructor-led or delivered through scheduled online sessions.
Greater Access to Professional Development
Online delivery can provide access to a broader range of professional development topics without requiring participants to travel to a training location.
This may be particularly useful for professionals who live outside major metropolitan areas or have limited access to face-to-face training.
Easier Progress and Record Tracking
A training provider may provide access to digital course records, completion histories and certificates.
Keeping accurate records can make it easier to track completed professional development activities and provide evidence of completion when required. However, participants remain responsible for retaining appropriate records and confirming that completed activities meet their applicable CPD requirements.
Reduced Travel and Time Away From Work
Completing CPD online may reduce travel expenses and time away from the workplace.
Online learning can allow professionals to incorporate development activities into their existing schedules, although the time required will depend on the course format and applicable learning requirements.
Choosing the Right CPD Online Course
Before enrolling in an online CPD course, check that the course is relevant to your professional requirements and learning goals.
Consider the following:
- Does the course address a required or relevant CPD topic?
- Is the course appropriate for your industry, jurisdiction and licence or registration type?
- Does the delivery format suit your availability?
- Are the learning outcomes clearly explained?
- Are assessments or participation requirements included?
- Will evidence of completion be provided?
- Does the provider clearly explain course inclusions and requirements?
CPD requirements can vary between industries and jurisdictions. A course offered in one state or territory may not automatically satisfy requirements in another.
Where requirements are unclear, check with the relevant regulator or professional authority before enrolling.
How to Complete CPD Online
The process for completing CPD online will depend on the course provider, delivery method and applicable professional requirements. The following steps provide a general guide.
1. Check Your Current CPD Requirements
Identify the CPD requirements that apply to your licence, registration, professional membership or role.
Check:
- the required number of hours, points or learning activities
- any compulsory topics
- the applicable CPD period
- accepted course or activity types
- record-keeping requirements
- relevant completion deadlines
Refer to the relevant regulator or professional authority for current information.
2. Review Available Online CPD Courses
Explore available CPD online courses and compare their topics, learning outcomes, delivery formats and completion requirements.
Choose courses that are relevant to your professional obligations and development goals.
3. Enrol and Schedule Time for Learning
Once you have selected an appropriate course, complete the enrolment process and review the course requirements.
Setting aside dedicated learning time can help you complete the course without leaving your professional development until the end of the applicable CPD period.
4. Complete the Required Learning Activities
Participate in the required online sessions or complete the relevant learning modules.
Depending on the course, you may need to:
- attend scheduled webinars
- complete online learning activities
- review course resources
- participate in discussions
- complete knowledge checks or assessments
Ensure that you meet all attendance, participation and assessment requirements specified by the provider.
5. Retain Evidence of Completion
After successfully completing the course requirements, retain any certificate, statement or other evidence provided.
Store digital records securely and keep backup copies where appropriate. You should also confirm how long records must be retained under the requirements that apply to your industry or licence.
How to Make CPD Online Learning More Effective
Although flexibility is one of the main benefits of online learning, having a structured approach can support consistent progress.
Set aside dedicated time for each course rather than relying on spare time becoming available. Adding learning sessions to your calendar can help make professional development part of your regular work routine.
Use the learning resources provided, which may include:
- videos
- downloadable guides
- case studies
- industry examples
- knowledge checks
- additional reference materials
Keeping a record of completed courses throughout the year may also help reduce duplication and make it easier to identify any remaining professional development requirements.
Courses that include practical examples and industry scenarios can help participants connect learning content with situations they may encounter in the workplace.
Staying Current Through CPD Online Learning
Completing CPD online can provide a flexible way to support ongoing professional development while balancing work and other commitments.
Rather than approaching CPD only as a requirement to complete at the end of a reporting period, professionals may benefit from planning learning activities throughout the year. Regular professional development can support ongoing knowledge, industry awareness and professional capability.
Requirements differ between industries, jurisdictions and licence types. Before enrolling, confirm that the course is appropriate for your individual professional development requirements.
Explore Online CPD Courses With REAA
REAA provides online CPD learning options designed to support professionals in developing relevant industry knowledge and skills.
Course availability, delivery methods and requirements may vary. Review the information provided for each course and confirm that it is suitable for your individual CPD obligations before enrolling.
Explore REAA’s online CPD course options to find professional development opportunities relevant to your role and learning goals.
Get Started With REAA
Ongoing professional development does not need to be difficult to manage. With appropriate planning, online CPD courses can provide a practical way to continue developing industry knowledge while balancing professional commitments.
To discuss available course options, contact REAA on (07) 3105 6780.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours of CPD are required each year?
CPD requirements vary depending on the industry, jurisdiction, licence or registration type, and applicable CPD period. Check the current requirements published by the relevant regulator or professional authority.
Can CPD be completed online?
Some CPD requirements may be completed through online learning. Accepted delivery methods can vary depending on the relevant industry and regulatory requirements. Confirm that the course and delivery method are appropriate for your circumstances before enrolling.
What should I look for when choosing a CPD course?
Consider the course topic, learning outcomes, delivery method, completion requirements and relevance to your professional obligations. You should also check whether appropriate evidence of completion will be provided.
How do I provide evidence that I have completed CPD?
Evidence may include a certificate, completion record, statement or other documentation issued by the training provider. The required evidence and record-retention period may vary, so check the requirements that apply to your industry or licence.
Will CPD completed in another state or territory count?
Requirements differ between jurisdictions. A course completed in another state or territory may not automatically satisfy your local CPD obligations. Check with the relevant regulator or professional authority before relying on the course for compliance purposes.
Does completing an online CPD course guarantee compliance?
No. Completing a course does not automatically guarantee that all applicable CPD obligations have been met. Professionals are responsible for confirming their current requirements and ensuring that completed learning activities are appropriate for their licence, registration or professional circumstances.
