Recognition of a CPD activity

Apply to have your next educational meeting, conference, workshop or resource recognised by the RANZCP for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours.

A wide range of activities may be eligible, including educational meetings, conferences, workshops, forums, dinner/breakfast meetings, seminars and education products such as publications, on-line programs/content, educational DVDs and education kits.

What is RANZCP CPD activity recognition? 

It is a process to assess the quality of, and recognise, courses and other educational activities against educational criteria. For CPD activities to be recognised by RANZCP, they should be based on adult learning principles and address the learning needs of Fellows and members in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.

Education criteria

The educational criteria for recognition of a CPD activity are:

1. Meet CPD standards set by the Medical Board of Australia (MBA) or Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ).
2. A learning delivery environment and support services are provided as needed that reflect the intent of the activity and are effective for achieving all expected learning outcomes.
3. Content includes clear and concise learning objectives and intended outcomes for each learning event based on identified needs. These are developed from identified learning needs and designed to promote higher-order thinking skills, in line with Bloom's Taxonomy.
4. Learning outcomes are relevant to the scope of practice of a specialist psychiatrist and are based on sound clinical and educational principles. They should incorporate adult learning principles, emphasising active participation.
5. The content aligns with the Fellowship competencies (based on the CanMEDS roles). 
6. The content links to an RANZCP CPD activity type. 
7. All CPD programs will also include some core content on CAPE domains: culturally safe practice, addressing health inequities, professionalism, and ethical practice.
8. Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) who have qualifications in health, mental health and/or medical education are involved in planning and conducting each learning activity. If a psychiatrist has not provided advice or other input into the design and delivery of the program, the program must be sponsored or endorsed by a Fellow of the RANZCP.
9. CPD activities on new or evolving medical areas will/may require a review by the RANZCP medical educators and/or subject matter experts, and providers will have to cover the cost of that review. 
10. Procedures established during planning are used to assess achievement of the learning outcomes. Evaluation questions that will assess the learning outcomes of the activity must be provided upon application.
11. A complete, permanent record of each learner’s attendance and satisfactory completion must be provided at the end of the CPD activity.
12. Evaluation data regarding learning outcomes must be provided to the RANZCP at the end of the CPD activity.
13. The activity does not contravene any RANZCP policy and/or position statement. The RANZCP reserves the right to review and cancel CPD recognised activities that no longer comply with updated policy and/or position statements requirements. Vendor will be notified of this outcome.
14. The activity aims to facilitate compliance for both the College and participants with the requirements of the AMC, the MCNZ and medical boards and other authorities in the various jurisdictions.
15. The CCPD does not recognise CPD activities for ongoing short courses that lead to recognition of an area of expertise, or credentialing.
16. The application form is submitted along with the specified application fee.

Supporting resources

The College has produced some supporting documents to help ensure your activity conforms to CPD requirements.

Guide to development of CPD activities [PDF; 202 KB]

Evaluation form for CPD activities [MS Word; 121 KB]

Fees

Application fee

• $100 (subject to change). 

This fee is non-refundable. If your application is successful, you will be charged the recognition fee outlined in the table.

Recognition fees for 2026

How to apply

CPD recognition application form [MS Word; 272 KB]

Submit your form and any supporting documentation to cpdhelp@ranzcp.org

Applications are reviewed periodically throughout the year. The dates for 2026 are:

• Friday 15 May (applications must be received by 1 May)
• Friday 12 June (applications must be received by 29 May)
• Friday 7 August (applications must be received by 24 July)
• Friday 18 September (applications must be received by 4 September)
• Friday 20 November (applications must be received by 6 November).

Allow up to 2 weeks after the allocated review date to receive an outcome. 

CPD recognised logo

If your activity is recognised, you will receive the RANZCP CPD recognised logo for use on promotional materials.

Recognition policy

Recognition of CPD activities policy and procedure [PDF; 223 KB]

Existing RANZCP CPD endorsed activities

Existing CPD endorsed activities will remain valid until their approved expiry date.

Contact

Contact the CPD Office at cpdhelp@ranzcp.org or call 1800 337 448 (toll free from Australia) or 0800 443 827 (toll-free from Aotearoa New Zealand).

Disclaimer: Recognition of a CPD activity means that an educational activity has been reviewed against educational criteria via an assessment process. It neither provides organisational support nor ratification of any content. The RANZCP assumes no responsibility or liability for any elements or impact of the recognised activities or clinical validity.