CPD requirements for Australian pharmacists

Registered pharmacists in Australia must meet the continuing professional development (CPD) requirements set by the Pharmacy Board of Australia as part of their annual registration renewal. This guide explains the current standards in plain language.

The annual CPD requirement

Pharmacists must complete at least 40 CPD credits during each registration period. The registration period runs from 1 October to 30 September each year.

At least 20 of the 40 credits must come from Group 2 and/or Group 3 activities — in other words, Group 1 activities can contribute at most 20 credits. You must also plan your CPD on an annual basis and keep records for the previous three full CPD periods.

The three CPD activity groups

CPD activities are grouped by how interactive or assessed they are. You cannot claim the same activity in more than one group.

What counts as a CPD activity?

A CPD activity must be relevant to your practice as a pharmacist and should support one or more of the National Competency Standards for Pharmacists in Australia. Activities can include formal education, conferences, workshops, online learning, research, peer discussion, teaching, publication and quality-improvement projects.

Keeping a CPD portfolio

The Pharmacy Board expects pharmacists to keep a CPD portfolio that records each activity and shows how it relates to their learning needs. A good portfolio usually includes:

• A learning plan or needs analysis
• The activity title, provider and completion date
• The number of CPD credits claimed and the group
• A brief description of what you learned
• A reflective statement on how it applies to your practice
• Supporting evidence, such as a certificate or attendance record

How Swift CPD helps

Swift CPD is designed around the Australian pharmacist CPD workflow. Upload a certificate and Swift CPD extracts available details such as the activity title, provider, completion date, accreditation number and CPD credits. You review and edit the record, select the correct CPD group, and save the activity with the certificate attached.

The app also tracks your progress through the current CPD period (1 October – 30 September) and lets you export your portfolio when you need a complete record.

Looking for activities to complete? See where to earn pharmacist CPD in Australia, including AJP learning modules available with PDL membership.

Swift CPD assists with CPD record keeping and administration. You remain responsible for ensuring your CPD activities and records meet your professional and regulatory requirements.

Swift CPD is an independent CPD record-keeping platform and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Ahpra or the Pharmacy Board of Australia.

Last updated: October 2026. Always check the Pharmacy Board of Australia website for the latest registration standards.