If you are a registered psychologist in Australia, continuing professional development is not just a box to tick — it is a career-long commitment to delivering the best possible care to your clients. Whether you are early in your career or a highly experienced practitioner, CPD shapes the way you practise, the clients you can support, and the clinical skills you bring to the consulting room. This guide breaks down what CPD means for psychologists in Australia, what activities count toward your requirements, and how specialised psychology training — particularly in evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Processing Therapy — fits into a well-rounded professional development plan.
What Is CPD and Why Is It Required for Psychologists in Australia?
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) refers to the structured and ongoing process through which registered psychologists maintain, improve and broaden their knowledge, expertise and competence throughout their careers. It is a mandatory requirement governed by the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA), which operates under the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
CPD exists because the science of psychology is always evolving. New research, emerging therapeutic approaches, and shifting client needs mean that the knowledge gained during formal training has a shelf life. CPD ensures that practitioners remain current, competent and capable of delivering safe, ethical and evidence-based care. As noted by the PsyBA, a psychologist’s scope of practice is shaped not only by their formal qualifications but also by the CPD they undertake over the course of their career.
As outlined by the Psychology Board of Australia, registered psychologists must complete a minimum of 30 hours of CPD activities annually, within the registration period running from 1 December to 30 November each year. Of those 30 hours, at least 10 must be dedicated to peer consultation — supervision and consultation undertaken in individual or group format for the purposes of professional development and clinical support.
What Counts as CPD for Psychologists?
The Psychology Board of Australia recognises a broad range of activities as valid CPD, grouped into two main categories: structured and unstructured learning.
Structured CPD includes activities with a defined learning outcome and format, such as workshops, seminars, webinars, online training modules, and formal courses. These are typically the most straightforward to log and verify, and they often provide the most direct opportunity to build new clinical skills.
Unstructured CPD covers self-directed learning activities such as reading peer-reviewed journals, reflective practice, and informal consultation with colleagues. While these activities are valuable, they generally need to be balanced with structured learning to meet PsyBA expectations.
Regardless of the activities you choose, all psychologists are required to maintain a CPD portfolio that includes a written learning plan, an activity log with evidence of participation, and written reflections on how the learning has influenced your practice. If selected for audit by AHPRA, you will need to submit this portfolio within 28 days, so keeping records up to date throughout the year is strongly recommended.
What Is CPT and How Does It Relate to CPD?
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is an evidence-based, trauma-focused psychological treatment developed specifically for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It is one of the most rigorously researched and widely recommended treatments for PTSD, with a strong body of evidence supporting its effectiveness across diverse client populations including survivors of trauma, abuse, and combat-related experiences.
For psychologists working with trauma clients, undertaking formal CPT Training is one of the most clinically meaningful CPD investments you can make. A CPT training workshop typically covers the theoretical foundations of the model, the structured protocol for delivery, case conceptualisation, and hands-on skills practice — all of which contribute directly to your competency as a trauma-informed practitioner.
Completing a CPT training program also contributes meaningfully to your annual structured CPD hours, meaning you are simultaneously meeting a regulatory requirement and deepening your clinical toolkit. For psychologists who are expanding into trauma-focused work or looking to formalise skills they have developed in practice, CPT training provides a clear, evidence-grounded pathway to do so.
How to Choose the Right CPD Activities for Your Practice
Choosing CPD activities that are genuinely useful — rather than simply completing hours for compliance — starts with an honest self-assessment of your current practice and where you want to grow. The PsyBA requires psychologists to develop a written learning plan each year that reflects this self-assessment, identifies CPD goals, and outlines the activities and timeframes for achieving them.
When selecting activities, consider the following:
Your current caseload and scope of practice should guide the majority of your CPD choices. If you regularly work with clients experiencing trauma, anxiety, or PTSD, structured training in evidence-based modalities is a natural fit. If you are looking to broaden into a new area of practice, your learning plan can reflect those future goals too.
Supervision and peer consultation serve a dual purpose: they count toward your mandatory 10 hours of peer consultation while also supporting your clinical quality and wellbeing as a practitioner. Engaging regularly with a supervisor who has expertise in your area of practice is one of the most effective ways to grow professionally.
A healthy CPD portfolio balances structured activities — such as workshops and training courses — with unstructured learning such as reading and reflection. Aiming for variety across the year ensures that your development is well-rounded and responsive to your evolving practice needs.
CPD Requirements for Endorsed and Provisional Psychologists
It is worth noting that CPD requirements are not uniform across all registration types. The standard 30-hour annual requirement applies to generally registered psychologists. However, specific circumstances involve different guidelines.
Provisionally registered psychologists complete CPD as part of their supervised practice program. Their requirements are set by their supervisor and guided by the Psychology Board’s supervised practice standards, rather than the general CPD framework.
Psychologists with area of practice endorsements — such as clinical, forensic, neuropsychology or sport and exercise psychology — may have additional CPD considerations relevant to their endorsed area. These practitioners are encouraged to ensure that a meaningful proportion of their CPD activities are directly relevant to their endorsement.
If you are unsure which requirements apply to your registration type, the Psychology Board of Australia’s website provides registration-specific guidance, and AHPRA’s CPD resources page is a reliable starting point.
Invest in CPD That Makes a Real Difference
CPD is far more than a regulatory obligation. It is the mechanism through which psychologists grow, adapt and continue to show up effectively for the people who need them most. When your professional development is purposeful and well-matched to your practice, the benefits extend well beyond compliance — they are felt in every session you deliver.
Whether you are looking to meet your annual CPD hours, build skills in trauma-focused therapy, or access high-quality supervision, finding the right training centre makes all the difference. Look for providers that offer structured psychology training and workshops designed specifically for psychologists and mental health practitioners. From CPT Training to peer consultation groups, the right program will support real clinical growth in a collaborative and professionally grounded environment. Explore what is available and take the next step in your professional development today.
Disclaimer: CPD requirements for registered psychologists are subject to change. The information in this article is based on standards current at the time of publication. Psychologists should refer to the Psychology Board of Australia and AHPRA directly for the most up-to-date registration and CPD requirements applicable to their registration type.