Annual CPD Requirements
How Many CPD Points Do You Need?
Understanding your annual CPD requirements is essential for maintaining your licence and professional standing in the Australian built environment. To make it simple, this guide breaks down the specific CPD points and hours you need to earn each year.
Use the table below to find the requirements for your profession from Architects and Engineers to Builders and Designers including total annual points, formal minimums, and key mandatory topics you need to cover.
A Breakdown by Profession
| Profession | Primary Governing Body/Scheme | Total Annual Requirement (Hours/Points) | Formal/Technical Minimum | Key Mandatory Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Energy Assessor | NatHERS AAOs (ABSA, DMN, HERA) | 12 points | 6 points (NatHERS Technical) | NatHERS software, NCC energy provisions, building envelope performance. |
| Building Designer | BDAA / DMN / State Licensing | 20 points | 10 points (Formal) | State licensing requirements (if applicable) take precedence. |
| Interior Designer | DIA (for Accredited status) | 50 points | N/A (Points-based system with various activity types) | None specified, but activities must be relevant to professional practice. |
| Architect | State ARBs / AIA | 20 hours | 10 hours (Formal) | NCC, Sustainability, Ethics, Country (varies by state). |
| Chartered Engineer | Engineers Australia | 150 hours over 3 years (avg. 50/year) | N/A (Category-based) | Risk Management, Business & Management, Area of Practice. |
| Builder (NSW) | NSW Fair Trading | 12 points | N/A (Category-based) | Technical issues, compliance, safety, business management, etc. |