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Insights > A guide to creating a bespoke professional development pathway

A guide to creating a bespoke professional development pathway

Continuing professional development (CPD) | Private practice | Professional practice | Psychology workforce

Whether you're an early-career psychologist, an academic or someone looking to upskill in a specific aspect of psychology, APS has a suitable learning pathway to align with your career stage and aspirations. 

Every psychologist’s path is unique – and your continuing professional development should reflect that. Whether you're a student laying the groundwork, an early- career psychologist navigating ethical and clinical complexities, or a seasoned psychologist looking to expand your therapeutic toolkit, your learning needs evolve with you. 

"We know there’s no one-size-fits-all learning journey for our members," says Dr Sara Quinn, President of the APS. "Professional development is highly individual – what challenges one psychologist might be second nature to another. That’s why it’s so important to offer flexible, tailored options that meet members where they are in their careers." 

That’s why APS has tailored a CPD collection to support you at every stage – from foundational knowledge to cutting-edge skills like ethical AI usage and trauma-informed practice. 

Explore these handpicked training courses, articles and resources designed to keep you informed, inspired and future-ready. 

Note: Skip ahead to the section most relevant to your current focus.

I am a psychology student

Choosing to embark on a career in psychology can feel exciting, but there are also aspects that can be daunting, says Dr Quinn.

"There’s a lot to absorb through lectures, tutorials and, eventually, the practical components of study. While universities do an excellent job preparing psychology students with the core skills needed to enter the profession, we also know many of our student members value the opportunity to refresh key skills and explore certain areas in greater depth." 

The following resources and learning opportunities have been selected to support student psychologists looking for support in getting as many capabilities into their toolkits before they step into the professional world. 

APS psychology student learning collection:

I am an early-career psychologist 

While no two early-career psychologists will take the same path, there are some common foundational capabilities that are important to embed at this career stage. 

"All psychologists are lifelong learners. However, the early career stage is a particularly critical time to adopt a ‘sponge’ mindset – to absorb not only the fundamentals of psychology but also new and emerging trends that will shape future practice," says Dr Quinn. 

This is an important career stage to learn new techniques and deeply embed compliance processes into your psychology practice. 

APS early-career learning collection: 

I am an academic psychology professional

Psychologists working in academic settings are often at the forefront of emerging trends, with continuous learning naturally embedded in their day-to-day work.

"Academics play a vital role in shaping the future of psychology – and that means staying continually engaged with the latest research, ideas and innovations," says Dr Quinn.

 "Staying curious and engaged with emerging ideas is what helps keep their teaching, research and professional practice relevant – which benefits the entire profession and broader community," she says. 

APS academic learning collection:

I am looking to set up or currently work in a private practice 

Building or growing a private practice can offer professional autonomy, but it also requires careful attention to clinical governance, business fundamentals and client outcomes.  

Whether you’re in the early stages of establishing a practice, looking to refine your service offerings or upskilling in specialist areas, these learning opportunities can help strengthen both the clinical and operational sides of your practice. 

"Private practice is both rewarding and demanding," says Dr Quinn. 

"Beyond clinical expertise, psychologists must also navigate everything from ethical business management to emerging client needs. Professional development helps ensure private practitioners deliver safe, effective care while maintaining strong, sustainable practices." 

I am looking to upskill/develop advanced skills in a specific area 

Sometimes the next step in your professional development involves going deeper – whether that means gaining confidence in working with a particular client group or building advanced skills in a particular area. 

"Targeted CPD gives psychologists the opportunity to expand their capabilities in areas of growing community need," says Dr Quinn. "By deepening knowledge in these areas, psychologists can better support clients and broaden their impact." 

APS series learning collection:

I am looking to broaden my psychology discipline skills/knowledge 

 For psychologists wanting to stay sharp across core professional competencies – from supervision to clinical practice – a broad-based approach to CPD is invaluable. 

"Maintaining a well-rounded skill set is key to delivering high-quality care and contributing to the profession," says Dr Quinn.  

APS general psychology learning collection:

Whatever stage you’re at in your career, or wherever you’d like to expand your current capabilities, APS offers a wide range of CPD opportunities and resources designed to support your growth and evolution as a psychology professional. 

"Our members are incredibly diverse in their career paths and interests," says Dr Quinn.  

"We want every psychologist – whether they’re new to the field or decades into practice – to find learning, support and resources that not only meets their registration requirements but also sparks their curiosity, builds confidence and enhances their impact." 

Explore the APS EOFY CPD sale to start shaping your next learning chapter.