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In most states and territories in Australia, architects are required to undertake Continuing professional development (CPD) to maintain registration. CPD requirements are governed through each jurisdiction’s Architects Act, regulations or code of professional conduct. Architects must familiarise themselves with the CPD and registration requirements in all jurisdictions in which they practice.
While some states and territories do not mandate CPD as a condition of registration, all Architects Acts across Australia require registered architects to maintain a high standard of competence and conduct, including through continuous learning and CPD. The Australian Institute of Architects (the Institute) actively encourages all members to undertake regular CPD activities annually to maintain their professional knowledge and standards.
Undertaking CPD is also recommended for those in the initial stages of their career. It is invaluable to gain knowledge and acquire new skills to develop in the profession and throughout the duration of an architectural career.
CPD may take many forms from formal professional training courses to reading relevant trade or professional literature or other less structured arrangements. In this environment it is also prudent for architects to maintain records of all CPD undertaken, both formal and informal.
It is important to identify if an event constitutes 'formal' or 'informal' CPD. Formal programs include specific learning outcomes and must involve either formal assessment or significant interaction between the presenter and participant. Informal CPD may or may not have specific learning outcomes and assessment is not a requirement. The National Framework for CPD stipulates a minimum commitment from registered practicing architects of 20 points per annum (at least 10 formal) across a minimum of two units as per the National Standard of Competency for Architects. Many jurisdictions place additional requirements on the type and number of areas architects’ CPD should cover, so always confirm requirements in your practicing jurisdiction/s. See the Institute’s Continuing professional development page for further information.
Architects should check with their local registration body for specific CPD requirements for registration. Registration board details for each state and territory can be found here.
Career progression
Australian Institute of Architects CPD resources
The Institute offers a range of CPD resources, formal and informal, for members and non-members. These include on-demand webinars, face to face events, live and on-demand informal virtual ‘lean in’ sessions, and our pre-registration and practice refresher course, PALS.
- Online CPD – The Institute’s online CPD service for architects, designers, landscape architects and planners, including standalone webinars and multipart series.
- Face to face CPD – A selection of high-quality seminars developed by the Institute and delivered across Australia.
- Informal CPD – A range of free to access, on-demand webinar recordings as well as live virtual ‘lean in’ sessions.
- Practice of Architecture Learning Series (PALS) – The Institute’s online and tutorial-based learning program to help graduates prepare for the registration exam, and, more generally, to refresh and improve architects' capabilities in practice.
Parlour Guide
Parlour Guide 06: Career progression identifies the importance of demonstrating competence and confidence as an architect to support an individual’s professional development and career progression. Further education through CPD allows individuals to develop confidence in understanding subject matter directly related to their everyday activities.
Skill development is a shared responsibility between management and staff and is fundamental to the performance of the individual and ultimately the practice. In order to achieve professional development, consideration should be given to the following:
- How to conduct a training needs analysis
- How to choose the best course for further study
- How to implement on the job training
Notes on these topics, including a development plan and review form, are available on the Institute's HR Hub.
Disclaimer
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