Feeling lost with your CPD requirements?
Are you unsure whether your latest webinar or workplace activity counts towards your CPD points in pharmacy? You’re not alone.
Every registered Pharmacist in Australia must complete CPD annually to meet AHPRA requirements, but many struggle with knowing what qualifies, how to track points, or where to find relevant learning opportunities.
In this article, we’ll break down what CPD is, why it matters, and how to earn CPD points that count.
What Are CPD Points in Pharmacy?
CPD (Continuing Professional Development) is a regulatory requirement under the Pharmacy Board of Australia. Pharmacists must complete learning activities each year to maintain and improve professional practice.
In Australia, CPD is measured in credits, not hours. You’re required to complete a minimum of 40 CPD credits annually, which must include at least one reflective activity.
Why CPD Points Matter More Than Ever
- It’s a mandatory condition of AHPRA registration
- CPD demonstrates accountability and professional growth
- Employers increasingly prefer Pharmacists who stay up to date
- Patients benefit from better-informed care
Types of CPD Activities You Can Do
CPD activities for pharmacists include a range of learning options, from knowledge-based tasks like reading journals to hands-on workshops and outcomes-based practices that directly improve patient care.
1. Group 1 – Knowledge-based Activities
- Reading journals or guidelines
- Attending lectures
- Watching CPD webinars
2. Group 2: Application to Practice
- Participating in workshops
- Attending case-based learning events
- Reviewing protocols and applying them
3. Group 3: Outcomes-based Activities
- Implementing new services in your Pharmacy
- Conducting audits and adjusting practice
- Designing a medication review protocol
How to Earn CPD Points in Pharmacy Without Leaving Work
You can earn CPD through:
- Staff meetings with a clinical focus
- Case discussions or peer reviews
- In-house training or journal clubs
- Reflective practice logs
- Conducting medication safety reviews
Every day practice can be formalised into a learning activity, provided it’s documented and includes reflection.
CPD for Locum Pharmacists: Tips for Staying Compliant
As a locum, your schedule might be irregular, so it’s essential to:
- Keep a digital CPD record accessible on mobile or cloud
- Bookmark reliable CPD providers
- Use downtime (like between shifts) for online modules
- Record and reflect on diverse work experiences
Want support finding consistent locum shifts so you can plan CPD better? Browse available locum jobs here.
How to Track CPD Activities
- Use the Pharmacy Board’s CPD Planning and Recording template
- Maintain digital records with dates, learning outcomes, and reflections
- Store certificates from training providers in a dedicated folder
- Use apps or services that sync across devices
Make sure your provider is recognised by the Pharmacy Board of Australia.
Examples of CPD Activities That Count
- Completing a weight loss certification module for Pharmacists
- Participating in a mental health first aid course
- Attending a pharmacy-focused digital marketing workshop
- Writing a reflection on a high-risk dispensing error and the changes implemented after it
Avoiding Common CPD Mistakes
- Only logging passive learning (e.g. reading articles)
- Forgetting to reflect on activities
- Failing to organise documentation
- Not meeting the minimum credit count
- Leaving it all until the last month
When and How to Submit Your CPD Log
There’s no need to submit your CPD each year unless audited.
However, you must:
- Keep records for 5 years
- Provide your log immediately upon request
- Ensure the log is up to date before renewing AHPRA registration
What Happens If You Don’t Complete Your CPD?
Failing to meet your CPD requirements can lead to:
- Delays in registration renewal
- Breach of professional standards
- Possible disciplinary action from the Pharmacy Board
CPD for Early-Career Pharmacists
If you’ve recently registered, you still need to complete the full CPD requirement. Begin by:
- Using learning plans to set focus areas
- Seeking mentorship from senior Pharmacists
- Reflecting on areas you feel less confident in
CPD Points in Pharmacy and Your Career Growth
Committing to meaningful CPD doesn’t just keep you compliant, it strengthens your resume, boosts confidence, and opens the door to:
- Higher-paying locum work
- Managerial positions
- Niche roles in medication safety, aged care, or immunisation
Wrapping Up: Are You CPD-Ready for the Year Ahead?
To sum up, earning CPD points in pharmacy is both a regulatory requirement and a professional advantage.
Whether you’re a full-time Pharmacist or a locum, staying on top of your CPD ensures better patient outcomes and career development.
So, are you tracking your CPD effectively and learning with purpose?
If you’re also looking to maximise your work opportunities while meeting your CPD requirements, get in touch with LocumCo to find the best opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many CPD points must I complete as a Pharmacist?
You must complete a minimum of 40 CPD credits per year, including at least one reflective activity.
Do all CPD activities need to be from approved providers?
No, but they must be relevant to your scope of practice and include learning outcomes and reflection.
Can I carry over CPD points for next year?
No, credits cannot be carried over. Each registration period requires 40 new CPD credits.
Do locum Pharmacists need to meet the same CPD requirements?
Yes. All registered Pharmacists, including locums, must complete the same CPD requirements.
How do I find time for CPD while working irregular shifts?
Use short breaks to complete microlearning, record workplace reflections, and use mobile apps to log CPD activities in real time.
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