Continuing professional development

Continuing professional development (CPD) is an activity that develops the knowledge, skills and competencies of Registered Social Workers for social work practice, and is identifiably linked to the context of your work and/or to your future career development.

Registered Social Workers are expected to have a minimum of 150 hours of CPD over three years. This is a requirement for renewing of your Annual Practising Certificate, as are activities that support or maintain or develop competence to work with Maori and different ethnic or cultural groups.

Types of CPD

There are many different types of CPD. Examples include courses, conferences, workshops, seminars, professional reading, research and supervision or mentoring. Activities like staff, team or advisory group meetings are not considered part of professional development.

Activities that support or maintain or develop competence to work with Maori and different ethnic or cultural groups are compulsory.

Keeping a log - CPD Log

Registered Social Workers should keep a log of their CPD. We might ask to see it.

You can download template here:

Continuing Professional Development log (MS Word template, 212Kb)