Revised CPD frequently asked questions published

16 Dec 2015

The Pharmacy Board of Australia (the Board) today published revised frequently asked questions on continuing professional development (CPD) for pharmacists and pharmacy interns.

The revised CPD FAQ is a combined document for pharmacists and pharmacy interns, replacing the Board’s previously published:

• Frequently asked questions - Continuing Professional Development, and 
• Frequently asked questions for Pharmacy Interns - Continuing Professional Development.

The revised FAQ were developed to assist pharmacists and pharmacy interns in meeting the requirements of the Board’s revised Registration standard: Continuing professional development and Guidelines on continuing professional development.

The standard and guidelines came into effect on 1 December 2015, and introduce a requirement that pharmacists plan their CPD on an annual basis.

The revised standard outlines that pharmacists must review the National Competency Standards Framework for Pharmacists in Australia, identify their professional development needs and undertake activities to address their needs. The revised CPD guidelines, which supplement the standard, provide guidance to pharmacists about meeting their identified professional development needs for a given CPD period and documenting their CPD activities.

Pharmacists are reminded that they are required to meet the obligations of the revised CPD standard by the next registration renewal period on 30 November 2016. It does not apply to the 2015 cycle of renewals.

A sample CPD plan/record to guide pharmacists in developing their CPD plan and recording the CPD activities undertaken is included in the revised FAQ. This CPD plan/record is also available as a blank template, which pharmacists can download and use in developing and maintaining their own CPD plan and record.

The revised CPD standard and CPD guidelines are available in the Registration Standards and Codes, Guidelines and Policies sections of this website.

For more information

• Lodge an online enquiry form
• Fr registration enquiries: 1300 419 495 (within Australia) +61 3 9275 9009 (overseas callers)
• For media enquiries: (03) 8708 9200