If you are an international medical graduate (IMG) arriving to practice in Australia, understanding your Continuing Professional Development (CPD) obligations is essential. All doctors with AHPRA registration are required to meet the CPD registration standard to maintain their professional registration. Failure to comply may result in conditions being placed on your registration.
This guide explains the CPD requirements for IMGs, what you need to do, and how to stay compliant.
What is CPD?
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is a structured approach for doctors to maintain, improve, and broaden their knowledge and skills throughout their career. For IMGs, completing CPD in Australia ensures that you stay up-to-date with medical practice standards and maintain safe, high-quality patient care.
Key CPD Requirements for International Medical Graduates
To meet the CPD registration standard, all doctors in Australia must complete the following each year:
- Join an AMC-Accredited CPD Home
- Unless exempt, you need to enrol in an AMC-accredited CPD home suitable for your scope of practice. This can be a college or non-college home.
- Log CPD Activities - Record your activities with your chosen CPD home.
- Declare Your CPD Home - Confirm your CPD home during your registration renewal.
- Develop a Professional Development Plan
- Create this plan each year to guide your CPD
- Complete 50 Hours of CPD Activities Annually
- 12.5 hours: Educational Activities (e.g., reading, lectures, conferences).
- 25 hours: Reviewing performance and Measuring Outcomes (minimum of 5 hours in each category).
- 12.5 hours: Flexible activities from any category.
- Complete any Program Level Requirements as directed your CPD Home
- Complete any Specialist High-Level Requirements if applicable for your specialty
Starting Partway Through the CPD Year
- If you enter Australia and start practicing partway through a CPD year, and are practising for less than six monthsin that year, you may be eligible for a variation to your CPD requirements.
- CPD Australia can provide guidance on how to manage your obligations in these cases. For more information, please email support@cpdaustralia.org - we’re here to help you understand your options and stay compliant with AHPRA requirements.
Important Deadlines
- All CPD requirements must be completed by 31 December each year.
- This includes recording your activities, completing your professional development plan, and fulfilling program-level and specialist requirements.
Why Compliance is Critical for IMGs
- Any doctor with AHPRA registration in Australia must meet CPD requirements.
- Failure to comply can result in AHPRA imposing conditions on your registration, which may restrict your practice.
- Joining an AMC-accredited CPD home and completing your CPD is the most reliable way to maintain compliance and demonstrate your commitment to professional development.
