There are many blogs and information available on how an international pharmacy graduate can become a pharmacist in Australia. But there is limited information on what happens after you go through the journey of completing your skills assessment, clearing your OPRA exam, migrating to Australia, finding an internship, passing the Australian intern oral and written exams and finally becoming a registered pharmacist in Australia. Once you are a registered pharmacist in Australia your learning does not stop there as there are many advancements and modifications that occur in the field of healthcare that the pharmacist should be aware to continue the career path successfully. Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is a very important aspect of a pharmacist’s career in Australia. It makes sure that pharmacists stay current with the newest developments, regulatory modifications, and best practices in patient care. In this guide Elite Expertise, is here to help you clearly understand and explore what is CPD, why it matters, and how pharmacists can meet their CPD requirements effectively.
What is CPD?
CPD is a continuous process of learning which helps the pharmacists to develop their knowledge and enhance their skills throughout the career. It includes self-directed learning, structured educational activities, and systematic reflection on professional growth. The CPD framework helps pharmacists to:
- Identify what knowledge or learning needs or skills they need to develop or improve based on their practice scope.
- Choose educational activities to build these skills set.
- Check how this knowledge helps in their daily profession.
What are the CPD Requirements for Australian Pharmacists?
It is a mandate for the Australian Pharmacists to complete at least 40 CPD credits per year (from 1 October to 30 September). Amongst this, a minimum of 20 credits must come from higher-level activities involving assessment or practice improvement. To understand this better let’s first have a quick look into the types of CPD activities.
Are you an overseas pharmacy graduate dreaming of becoming a registered pharmacist in Australia or New Zealand and unsure of the process? Go through the video attached below for a detailed explanation.
Types of CPD Activities
There are three categories in CPD activities:
| Group | Activity Type | Examples | Credits Earned |
| 1 | Informational (without assessment) | Reading journal articles, attending lectures | 1 credit per hour |
| 2 | Assessed learning | Online modules with quizzes, workshops with evaluations | 2 credits per hour |
| 3 | Practice improvement | Implementing new protocols, publishing research | 3 credits per hour |
CPD Accreditation in Australia:
Who Accredits CPD Activities?
CPD activities in Australia are accredited by organizations authorized by the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC). Some of the major accrediting bodies include:
- Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA)
- Advanced Pharmacy Australia
- Australian College of Pharmacy
Do Activities Have to Be Accredited?
No, accreditation is not mandatory. Pharmacists can mix accredited and non-accredited activities as long as they align with their learning needs and professional practice.
What is the importance of CPD?
CPD is not just a regulatory requirement—it is crucial for professional excellence and helps the pharmacists do their job better. Here’s why:
1. Maintaining Competence
The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving. CPD ensures pharmacists stay informed about new medications, updated regulations, and emerging best practices, enabling them to deliver safe and effective care.
2. Adapting to Change
With technological advancements and evolving healthcare policies, pharmacists must continuously learn to adapt to new roles and responsibilities within the profession.
3. Regulatory Compliance
CPD is a mandatory requirement for maintaining registration with the Pharmacy Board of Australia. Non-compliance can lead to conditions on registration or even refusal of renewal.
4. Improving Patient Outcomes
By improving their knowledge and skills, pharmacists can provide better treatment advice, medication management, and patient education, leading to better health outcomes.
5. Fostering Professional Growth
CPD allows pharmacists to explore new career pathways, develop specialized expertise, and achieve long-term professional goals.
6. Ethical Responsibility
The Code of Conduct for Pharmacists emphasizes maintaining professional performance as an ethical obligation, reinforcing the significance of CPD in upholding professional standards.
Top 10 Things Pharmacists Should Know About CPD in Australia
- CPD is a Legal Requirement – Pharmacists must complete CPD to maintain their registration.
- Minimum 40 CPD Credits Annually – At least 20 credits must be from Group 2 or Group 3 activities.
- Different CPD Activity Groups – CPD is divided into three groups based on engagement and learning outcomes.
- Accreditation is Optional – Pharmacists can engage in non-accredited activities as long as they support professional learning.
- Some Pharmacists May Need More than 40 Credits – Those in specialized roles or implementing new services may require additional CPD.
- A CPD Learning Plan is Essential – Pharmacists must create a structured learning plan to track their progress.
- Maintaining a Learning Record is Crucial – A detailed record should include activity type, CPD group, accreditation status, and reflections on practice impact.
- CPD Benefits Extend Beyond Compliance – CPD enhances clinical decision-making, professional confidence, and patient care.
- Flexibility in Learning Methods – Pharmacists can choose from workshops, online courses, research, and peer discussions.
- CPD Records Must Be Retained for Three Years – In case of an audit, pharmacists must provide evidence of completed CPD activities.
Final Thoughts
CPD is not just a regulatory requirement but a gateway to professional excellence and career advancement for pharmacists in Australia. By engaging in continuous learning, pharmacists can stay updated, enhance patient care, and explore new career opportunities. Understanding the CPD framework and strategically planning learning activities can make the process both fulfilling and rewarding.
By staying committed to CPD, pharmacists ensure they remain competent, compliant, and capable of delivering the highest standard of healthcare services. To know more topics like these, subscribe to Elite expertise.
