What is CPD?
Continuing Professional Development is any activity that systematically enhances an architect’s professional knowledge and personal skills for the advancement of architecture, society and the environment. Essentially, it applies the principal of lifelong learning to the architectural profession and covers a wide range of activities.
CPD must also be:
• Additional to activities undertaken in the normal course of practice or employment,
• Taken in one of the following competency areas: Design, Documentation, Project Management & Practice Management.
What should CPD activities contain?
CPD activities have defined learning outcomes and are linked to one or more of the four Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA) National Competency Standards in Architecture. The four units of competency are: Design, Documentation, Project Management and Practice Management.
Download the AACA National Competency Standards in Architecture.
‘Formal’ CPD activities either include formal assessment or have what is defined as ‘significant interaction’ between presenter and participant. All formal CPD is self-assessed and should be kept as part of your records.
‘Informal’ CPD involves no formal assessment or significant interaction between presenter and participant.
Voluntary activities can also count towards CPD.
How are CPD points allocated?
CPD points are allocated on the basis of one point for every hour of involvement for both formal and informal activities. The accepted minimum commitment from registered practicing architects is 20 points per annum (at least 10 formal) in a minimum of two competency units.
In some cases, limits have been applied to the number of points that can be allocated to a single activity. While these tend to apply to less structured-generally informal-activities such as reading or attending meetings, some formal CPD activities also have limits. Check with your local registration board for details.
Points can only be allocated to the educational components of an event: refreshment breaks, registration, drinks/networking sessions and the like, do not accrue points.
How to I record CPD activities?
Architects are required to manage their own CPD records. They are required to maintain records relating to each CPD activity for a period of five years.
Download a sample CPD record.
When do CPD events occur?
Refuel events are usually held on Monday evenings 5.30-7.30 pm.
Architech sessions are usually Thursday lunchtime – with approximately 4 events per year.
Perimeter events are held on Thursdays – various times and locations – as perimeter events feature a tour of the highlighted building and a CPD event.
Please check the VIC CPD events page for specific dates, times and locations of organised events or you can sign up to vmail where news, updates and event information will be delivered to your inbox weekly.