APS CPD Approved Program
The CPD Approved Program supports the delivery of high-quality professional development activities for psychologists. Activities approved under this program meet the APS Standards for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and are recognised as suitable for maintaining and enhancing professional competence.
The CPD Approved badge acknowledges the training activity has been assessed against quality standards developed by Australian psychologists and adult education experts. Whether the content is created by the APS or a third-party provider, the same guidelines are applied, giving confidence that professional development activities bearing the CPD-Approved badge is of a consistently high quality.
What is CPD approval?
CPD approval of an educational activity confirms that the activity meets the APS Standards for CPD activities in educational quality, relevance, and evidence-based practice. Approved activities are suitable for psychologists seeking to maintain and extend their knowledge and skills throughout their career.
CPD approval confirms alignment with APS CPD standards, supports high-quality evidence-based learning, and enables promotion of the approved activity via the APS CPD & Events Finder.
Approval of an activity does not guarantee participant enrolment nor does it constitute endorsement of the provider/organisation.
Standards
Each application is assessed using the robust criteria of our CPD Quality Standards framework, recognised as a benchmark for high-quality professional development within the profession.
Collaborate
Applicants have the opportunity to engage with the APS Professional Development team and receive guidance to support the development and delivery of high-quality CPD activities.
Application process
We encourage prospective applicants to speak with our team prior to submission to clarify requirements. Early engagement can support a smoother application process and reduce the need for follow-up.
Email [email protected] to request a brief online meeting.
To support transparency, the CPD approval process follows these steps:
- Submit your application,
- Receive a quote for assessment,
- Accept the quote for the current approval period and pay the invoice,
- Your application is assessed against APS standards (assessment typically takes 6–8 weeks, however timeframes may vary depending on application complexity and completeness),
- Receive your application outcome and Service Agreement.
Please note: Submitting an application does not constitute acceptance or approval of the application. Each application is assessed on its merits, and the APS reserves the right to decline an application in accordance with APS priorities and CPD standards.
Timeframes
Assessment timeframes are approximately 6–8 weeks from receipt of payment. Timeframes may vary, and complex, incomplete, or unclear applications, may require additional information and may extend assessment timeframes.
Before you apply
To support a smooth application process, ensure you have prepared the following:
- clearly defined, measurable learning outcomes,
- session plans outlining content and learning strategies – including knowledge assessments,
- supporting materials (e.g. needs assessment, presentations, transcripts, participant resources),
- post-activity participant evaluation,
- presenter biography/biographies,
- meaningful coverage of PsyBA cprofessional competencies, as applicable, and support capability development.
Learning outcomes and quality expectations
Learning outcomes should clearly describe what participants will be able to do upon completion of the activity. Outcomes should be measurable and aligned with the content and delivery of the activity.
Applications should demonstrate:
- alignment with evidence-based or emerging best practice,
- relevance to psychological practice, and
- sufficient depth to support meaningful professional development.
Psychology Board of Australia's professional competencies for psychologists
Applications should align, where appropriate, with the PsyBA's professional competencies for psychologists. Activities should demonstrate meaningful coverage of selected competencies and support capability development in these areas.
Advertising and promotion
Applicants may choose to include an advertising component as part of their application. Approved activities may be promoted via the APS CPD & Events Finder for the duration of the approval period.
Explore CPD Approved education
Ready to apply?
We encourage prospective applicants to speak with our team prior to submission to clarify requirements. Early engagement can support a smoother application process and reduce the need for follow-up. Contact the Professional Development team via email at [email protected] to request a brief online meeting.
Before submitting your application, ensure all required information and supporting materials are prepared, as the application must be completed in a single sitting.
Apply here
Contact us
For further information or questions about the CPD Approved Program, email us at [email protected] and a member of the Professional Development team will be in touch.
Providers
We align ourselves with specialist peak industry organisations, leading Australian educational organisations and universities, psychologists, and other providers. These partnerships ensure psychologists and others receive the most relevant and recent education that is evidence-based and designed to achieve the most optimal outcomes to support their ongoing professional development needs. As we continue to grow this network of quality education providers, CPD Approved activities will elevate the quality of care within the profession, and its ability to serve the Australian community.
