Structured learning and development
Formal Activities
Courses, certifications, seminars, conferences, workshops and structured internal training.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
What is CPD?
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) helps ACS members maintain and develop their professional knowledge, skills and competence throughout their careers.
CPD can include formal learning, informal learning, professional interaction and contributions to the profession. Activities should be relevant to your professional practice and support your ongoing development.
CPD requirements
Certified ACS members must complete the following minimum CPD each year:
- Certified Professional (CP): 30 hours
- Certified Technologist (CT): 20 hours
Non-certified ACS members are encouraged to complete at least 15 hours of CPD each year.
CPD is assessed over a 12-month period aligned with your certification year for certified members and the membership year for non-certified members.
How to complete and record CPD
CPD can include a broad range of activities such as structured courses, conferences, seminars, workshops, professional reading, mentoring, presentations, technical activities and contributions to the profession.
Members should record their CPD activities in MyACS and retain appropriate supporting evidence.
Refer to the ACS CPD Member Guide for information about eligible activities, recording CPD and evidence requirements.
CPD activities
Activities that build your ICT knowledge, skills or professional capability may count as CPD. CPD can take many forms across four activity categories.
Self-directed learning and development
Informal Activities
Reading, research, webinars, podcasts, videos and self-directed learning.
Learning through professional engagement
Peer & Professional Activities
Mentoring, ACS committees and working groups, communities of practice and professional networking.
Sharing knowledge and expertise
Contributing to the Profession
Presenting, writing, volunteering, developing learning material and knowledge sharing.
A mix of categories and activity types is recommended to support well-rounded professional development.
CPD Career Breaks
ACS recognises that there may be periods when members are reasonably unable to undertake their usual CPD due to a significant break from the workforce or other eligible circumstances.
Eligible members may apply for a CPD Career Break arrangement, which may include a reduction or modification of their CPD requirements.
Career Break arrangements may be available for circumstances such as parental leave, extended illness, caring responsibilities, involuntary unemployment or other significant periods away from professional practice.
For full eligibility and arrangement details, refer to the CPD Career Break Guidelines.
Ready to apply? Submit a CPD Career Break application.
CPD records and reviews
ACS members are responsible for maintaining an accurate record of their CPD activities and retaining appropriate evidence.
ACS undertakes periodic CPD audits as part of its quality assurance and compliance activities. Members selected for audit may be asked to provide evidence supporting CPD activities recorded during the relevant assessment period.
Refer to the CPD Member Guide for record-keeping requirements and information about CPD audits.
Resources and support
For more detailed information about CPD requirements, eligible activities, recording CPD and Career Break arrangements, refer to:
- ACS CPD Member Guide – CPD requirements, eligible activities, recording CPD and supporting evidence
- CPD Career Break Guidelines – eligibility and available Career Break arrangements
- CPD Career Break application – apply for a Career Break arrangement
Need help?
If you have questions about your CPD requirements, recording CPD, Career Break arrangements or a CPD review, contact us at [email protected].