For many Australian specialists, annual membership with their medical college has long felt like a non-negotiable part of professional life. Not only did colleges historically hold the exclusive right to oversee Continuing Professional Development (CPD), but membership also seemed tied to the use of hard-earned post-nominals such as FRACS, FRACP, FRACGP and others.
With the introduction of independent, accredited CPD Homes such as CPD Australia, specialists now have a genuine choice about how they meet their CPD requirements. This shift has led many to ask an important question:
👉 What happens if I don’t renew my college membership?
The Reality of Post-Nominals
After completing years of specialty training and passing rigorous examinations, doctors are awarded fellowship with their respective college and the right to use the associated post-nominals. For example, an individual who has completed their training and become a fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians may use FRACP.
Recently, some colleges have insisted that post-nominals are tied to ongoing membership, rather than the fellowship itself. This has left some specialists uncertain, or even worried, about whether they risk “losing” their post-nominals if they choose not to renew.
Here are the key points to understand:
- There is no legal precedent in Australia of a specialist being penalised for continuing to display their post-nominals after college membership has lapsed.
- Many specialists consider their post-nominals to represent a qualification earned through training and exams, not merely through annual fees.
- To avoid confusion, some doctors choose to list their fellowship with the year awarded (e.g. FRACGP (2020)), making it clear that the post-nominal reflects a completed qualification, not current membership status.
As one specialist explained:
“I completed years of training and exams to earn my fellowship. My post-nominals reflect that achievement, not whether I pay a yearly fee to my college.”
Separating CPD From Membership
The most important distinction specialists should be aware of is that college membership is not the same as CPD compliance.
- The Medical Board of Australia requires all doctors to meet CPD obligations every year.
- Until recently, these requirements were met through college-run programs.
- Now, with the introduction of independent accredited CPD Homes, doctors can meet their obligations outside of their college.
This change has opened the door for more affordable, flexible, and tailored CPD options—without needing to remain a financial member of a college.
Why Some Specialists Are Choosing Independent CPD Homes
Feedback from specialists who have moved to independent CPD Homes highlights three common reasons:
- Cost savings – Annual college membership fees can run into thousands of dollars, while accredited CPD Homes often provide compliance at a fraction of the cost.
- Simplicity – A streamlined system designed specifically for CPD, without added administrative or financial burdens.
- Independence – Specialists value the ability to remain compliant while making their own professional decisions about membership.
One doctor described the shift this way:
“I want to keep learning and stay compliant, but I don’t want my CPD tied to an expensive membership I no longer feel represents value for the money I am spending.”
Making an Informed Decision
Ultimately, whether or not to maintain college membership is a personal choice that depends on professional needs, values, and circumstances. For some, membership offers community, networking, and advocacy benefits that remain valuable. For others, the ability to separate CPD compliance from membership creates welcome flexibility.
What is clear, however, is that compliance with CPD requirements is mandatory—and this can now be achieved through an independent, accredited CPD Home such as CPD Australia.
About CPD Australia
CPD Australia is an accredited CPD Home offering a streamlined, affordable way for specialists to stay compliant with the Medical Board of Australia’s CPD framework. We are independent, transparent, and designed to support busy doctors with:
- Automated tracking and reporting
- Flexible learning options
- Affordable annual fees
