CPD Requirements for IPA

Members of the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA) must complete 120 hours of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) over each three-year period, with a minimum of 20 hours completed annually. Of the 120 hours, at least 90 hours must be verified CPD and up to 30 hours may be unverified CPD. The current CPD cycle runs from 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2027.

Competency Areas:

Members must complete at least 20 hours in each of the following three CPD competency areas over the three-year cycle:

• Technical and Product Knowledge (e.g., taxation, auditing, financial reporting, business law and regulation, financial advice, governance)
• Management and Professional Skills (e.g., leadership, negotiation, technology, cyber security, practice management, mental health training, business processes)
• Professional and Ethical Standards (e.g., application of APES 110 Code of Ethics, professional judgment and skepticism, statutory codes of conduct, ethics training)

Verified CPD:

Verified CPD must have structured content, designated learning outcomes, a set timeframe, and documentary evidence. Examples include:

• Structured professional courses, webinars, or workshops
• Tertiary-level study with assessment/testing
• Formal in-house training programs
• Research, writing, and presenting technical papers (capped at 30 hours per 3-year cycle)
• Mentoring in structured programs (capped at 40 hours per 3-year cycle)
• Serving on technical committees or working groups (capped at 15 hours per 3-year cycle)

Unverified CPD:

May include informal or self-directed learning with no formal assessment. Examples include self-paced study, professional or technical reading, and informal peer discussions on technical or professional issues. A maximum of 30 hours of unverified CPD may be claimed per three-year period.

Recording and Monitoring:

• Members must maintain a CPD log and retain it for at least five years after the end of each three-year CPD cycle.
• CPD logs must record: activity name, provider, date, hours, category, and verification type.
• The IPA may audit CPD records as part of its compliance and Quality Review Program (QRP). Failure to comply may result in suspension or forfeiture of membership.

Exemptions and Reductions:

Exemptions or pro-rata reductions may apply in cases such as career breaks, recent membership (joined within the past 12 months), or retirement. Members must contact the IPA membership team for approval.

LearnFormula is not affiliated with the Institute of Public Accountants. For full information, please visit:
https://www.publicaccountants.org.au/events/cpd-requirements
https://www.publicaccountants.org.au/media/4643893/Pronouncement-7-V41-CPD-6-Sep-2022.pdf