Maintaining compliance with CPD rules is a critical responsibility for Australian architects, underpinning both professional standing and the standard of care provided to the industry. With the 2021 National Standard of Competency for Architects (NSCA) placing greater emphasis on sustainability, technical resolution, and safety, understanding how to effectively log and verify your learning is essential.
DuraCube has supported the Australian architectural community for over 30 years. We recognise that your time is best spent on design and delivery, which is why we have compiled this guide to the current architect CPD guidelines and record-keeping requirements.
The National Framework: 20 Points, 20 Hours
The fundamental CPD rules across Australia are governed by a national framework. To renew your registration annually, you must demonstrate the maintenance of professional competence.
- The 20-Point Benchmark: Practising architects must obtain a minimum of 20 CPD points per year.
- The Time Conversion: Generally, one hour of learning equals one CPD point.
- The Formal Minimum: At least 10 of these points must be “Formal CPD.”
- The “No Carry-Over” Rule: CPD points cannot be banked or “rolled over” to the next registration year. Each year is a standalone compliance period.
Formal vs. Informal CPD: Defining the Difference
One of the most common questions regarding CPD hours rules is how to distinguish between formal and informal activities.
Formal CPD (Min. 10 Points)
To qualify as formal, an activity must be structured and include a stated set of learning outcomes. Crucially, it must involve an assessment (such as a quiz) or significant interaction between the presenter and the learner.
- Competency Requirement: Formal points must span at least two of the four NSCA Units of Competency (e.g., Detailed Design & Construction Documentation and Practice Management).
- Examples: Structured DuraCube technical sessions such as Maximising Privacy in Shared Bathrooms or Australian Cubicle Standards. We encourage architects to sign up for these formal CPD presentations here to ensure their learning meets the necessary interaction and assessment criteria.
Informal CPD
Informal CPD provides the flexibility to tailor your learning to specific areas of interest that may not have a structured assessment.
- Examples: attending our informal technical overviews, such as Designing Inclusive Gender Neutral Bathrooms or The Evolution of End-of-Trip Facilities. We invite you to register for our presentations to be notified of our latest informal learning opportunities.
- Pro Tip: While these are informal, they must still relate to the practice of architecture and be additional to your daily employment tasks.
Leveraging Technical Resources for CPD
Architects can often claim informal CPD points (and occasionally formal points through structured workshops) by engaging with advanced technical documentation and material science.
When specifying commercial wet areas, such as end-of-trip facilities or education amenities, utilising detailed BIM and ArchiCAD models allows you to resolve complex “Detailed Design” challenges. DuraCube provides a comprehensive suite of resources to assist in this process:
- BIM & ArchiCAD Integration: Resolve spatial constraints with precision using our Revit BIM Models and ArchiCAD Models.
- Material Specification: Researching the impact resistance and waterproof properties of DuraSafe 13mm compact laminate contributes to your technical knowledge base.
State Variations: A Quick Summary
While the national framework sets the baseline, individual state boards maintain specific CPD rules that architects must follow regarding core topics and reporting dates.
- NSW, QLD, SA & TAS: Adhere strictly to the 20-hour requirement with a minimum of 10 formal hours.
- Victoria: The ARBV recommends the national framework and conducts random audits of 5% of registered architects annually.
- Western Australia: Requires 20 points, but 12 of these must be “Core” CPD points specifically aligned with the NSCA.
Best Practices for CPD Record-Keeping
A common pitfall for architects is a lack of documentation during an audit. To ensure your records satisfy the Board, follow these standard architect CPD guidelines:
- Maintain a Live Log: Use a digital record or the “Form 09” provided by your state board. Don’t wait until the renewal period to reconstruct your year.
- Verify Learning Outcomes: For formal points, ensure you have a certificate of completion or a copy of the assessment task.
- Link to Competencies: Explicitly state which NSCA Unit of Competency the activity addressed.
- Keep Evidence for 5 Years: Most boards require you to retain your CPD records for several years in the event of a retrospective audit.
Simplifying Compliance
Navigating cpd rules is a vital part of your professional journey. By staying organised and choosing high-quality, relevant learning opportunities, you ensure that your practice remains compliant and your designs remain industry-leading.
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