Time-based
You log actual training time. NSW and Victoria's REIV scheme work this way — and some states care about delivery format (face-to-face or webinar vs. self-paced online) as much as the time itself.
Get this right first
What actually counts as CPD?
CPD is measured in hours, points or sessions depending on where you're licensed — and what counts toward each one depends on your state, your licence class, and sometimes your exact role. Here's the plain-English version before you book anything.
Three measurement systems
How your state counts CPD
Knowing which system applies to you tells you what to look for when you book training.
Weighted value
Each activity is assigned a point value by the regulator or provider rather than a literal hour count. Tasmania, the ACT and WA's points model (from April 2026) all work this way.
Fixed count
Queensland requires a set number of complete, approved sessions — currently two per CPD year — regardless of how long each one runs.
The split that trips people up
One total isn't always enough
Most states don't just set a single number — they split it into categories that each need to be met on their own, so over-delivering in one category won't cover a shortfall in another.
Industry, compulsory or mandatory
Core legal, ethical and regulatory knowledge, often with topics set or approved by the regulator. This portion is rarely optional.
Elective, general or external
Broader professional development, usually with more flexibility in topic and provider choice — though some states cap how much "general" learning can count.
Role add-ons
Extra categories stack on top of your core requirement if you also work in that area — Strata Management and Stock & Station hours in NSW, or the three subject areas WA's points model spreads across.
Quick reference
What it looks like in your state
The headline requirement for each state and territory — see the full guide for your licence class and category.
NSW New South Wales No universal unit 4-7 core hours for most single-category licences, plus role-specific additions → VIC Victoria No universal unit 10 hours for REIV members (5 REIV-delivered + 5 external); statutory scheme requirement not yet published → QLD Queensland No universal unit 2 approved sessions per CPD year → WA Western Australia No universal unit 5 points, normally including at least 1 point from each subject area → SA South Australia No universal unit No universal points or hours target currently published → TAS Tasmania No universal unit 12 points total, including 8 industry-specific (4 of those from an external provider) → NT Northern Territory No universal unit No universal points or hours target currently published → ACT Australian Capital Territory No universal unit 12 points: 8 from a mandatory assessed unit of competency plus 4 from other CPD activities →
Common traps
What usually gets rejected
- Self-paced, non-interactive online courses where interactive delivery is required, such as NSW's compulsory topics.
- Training approved in one state but not automatically recognised in another — Queensland only counts Queensland-approved sessions.
- Repeating the exact same activity from your previous licence year, which some regulators (like Tasmania) won't count twice.
- Activities from a provider that isn't currently accredited or approved, even if it was in a prior CPD year.
- Treating an industry membership scheme as your full statutory requirement — REIV's CPD for its Victorian members is separate from the mandatory government scheme starting in 2027.