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Professional Development is not an end to itself; it is continuous and directed towards maintaining the professional knowledge, skills and competence necessary for the diligent and competent practice of the profession of financial planning as well as encouraging acceptance of its status as a profession by the communities it relates to.

The aim of the 2009 CPD policy is to encourage members to undertake a broader range of education and professional activity.  It provides a genuine professional pathway for members and the profession.
2009 CPD Policy
CPD Tools & Templates
Become a CPD Assessor
CPD Accreditation Guidelines
Have a program assessed for CPD points

2008 CPD Policy

CPD Programs


"Being a professional is more than being technically competent and compliant - it’s about building consumer and regulator, trust and respect." 
FPA Deputy CEO Deen Sanders



The current CPD reporting period begins on July 1, 2009 and ends on June 30, 2012

 At the centre of our approach is the Professional Development Plan (PDP) – which is crucial in capturing the relevant personal needs and development activities and will ultimately determine the success of a member's professional growth.

Professional Dimensions Model

The FPA’s Professional Dimensions model captures the six essential components that should be included in every adviser’s continuing education. 

Professional dimensions:
  1. Capability – the technical skills & knowledge needed to advise clients
  1. Attributes & Performance – Skills in building professional relationships and improving your own professional performance.
  1. Professional Conduct – All the skills and knowledge that go into making good, informed and client centred decisions
  1. Critical Thinking – the ability to process complex knowledge & create new solutions
  • Interdependence – engagement with the profession and the wider community
  1. Reflective Practice – take opportunities to reflect upon one’s own professional practice

Click here to download a copy of the 2009 CPD Policy

Snapshot of CPD requirements

CFP® Practitioner Members Associate Financial Planners (AFP)
CPD Points

 120 points per triennium - minimum of 35 points per year 90 points per triennium -  minimum of 25 points per year
Non accredited CPD Capped at 60 points (50%) per triennium Capped at 45 points (50%) triennium
Professional        Conduct requirements 3 points specifically on ethics 

Content requirements

 The PDP forms the basis of CPD activity  Engage in a broad range of CPD education across all dimensions
Record keeping
(Must keep for 5 years) 		Professional Development Plan CPD activity register evidence for non accredited training

Introducing the 2009 CPD Policy

The 2009 CPD Policy has been designed to offer members both a more rewarding and a wider range of educational options that will assist them to maintain their professional proficiency and status. All members will be required to use the new CPD Policy from 1 July 2009.  

  1. 2009 CPD Policy
  1. CPD Policy Guide for Licensees

Tools and Templates

Have a program assessed by the FPA for CPD points

Gain the advantage of having your program accredited for CPD points by the FPA and assure FPA members that your program incorporates the quality standards that meet our CPD requirements.





















How to become a CPD assessor for your organisation

Becoming an FPA Accredited CPD Assessor is more than just allocating CPD points, it's about  taking the opportunity to make a positive influence of the quality and range of CPD programs available to your planners within your own organisation.   To become a CPD Assessor, candidates must be a nominated agent of a Principal member of the FPA and successfully complete the FPA on-line CPD Assessor program.

Please note, following the introduction of the 2009 CPD policy all existing FPA Assessors will need to refresh their status by undertaking the 2009 CPD Accreditation Program in order to continue to assign CPD points from July 1, 2009.

The CPD Assessor Program is located on the FPA's CPD Online.

CPD Assessor Accreditation Guidelines

The Accreditation Guidelines have been produced to supplement the 2009 CPD Policy and to assist members and FPA accredited assessors to practically apply the requirements of the policy.

Included in the guidelines are a number of support tools and templates to assist you to record activities, implement a professional development process in your business as well as instructional design tips to encourage a higher standard and broader range of CPD activities.

Click here to access a copy of the 2009 FPA CPD Accreditation Guidelines
Click here to access a copy of the 2009 FPA Professional Reading Guide

2008 CPD Policy

This policy is valid until June 30, 2009 after which all members need to adopt the 2009 CPD Policy.

2008 CPD Policy