This is your guide to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements for lawyers across each state of Australia. The CPD year runs from 1 April to 31 March, except for Tasmania, where it runs from 1 May to 30 April.
This guide covers key aspects of CPD compliance, including points by format, additional obligations for accredited specialists, and the self-assessment process. Stay on top of your CPD obligations and support your ongoing professional development.
Need CPD courses to meet your requirements? Explore our CPD course catalogue to find the right courses for your professional development.
CPD Requirements for Lawyers in New South Wales (NSW)
- Total points: 10 CPD units annually
- Video-based learning: Up to 5 units can be completed through private study of audio/visual material (non-interactive)
- Accredited Specialists: Must complete an additional 10 units in their area of accreditation.
- Categories: Ethics, practice management, professional skills and substantive law.
- Carry over: Up to 3 units can be carried over to the following CPD year if they are completed between January and March. These units cannot be double-counted for both the current and future CPD years.
- Self-assessed: Lawyers are responsible for evaluating and documenting their own learning activities to ensure they meet the regulatory requirements set by the Law Society.
- For more information, visit the Law Society of NSW.
CPD Requirements for Lawyers in Victoria
- Total points: 10 CPD units per year
- Video-based learning: Up to 5 units can be completed through private study of audio/visual material.
- Accredited Specialists: Must complete 12 CPD units, with 8 units in their area of specialisation.
- Categories: Ethics, practice management, professional skills and substantive law.
- Carry over: A maximum of 3 CPD units accrued between 1 January and 31 March can be carried forward into the following CPD year but can only be counted in one year.
- Self-assessed: Lawyers are responsible for evaluating and documenting their own learning activities to ensure compliance.
- Further details are available at the Law Institute of Victoria.
CPD Requirements for Lawyers in Queensland
- Total points: 10 CPD points annually
- Video-based learning: No maximum limit on private study of audio/visual material of an event.
- Accredited Specialists: Must complete 15 CPD units, with 10 units in their area of specialisation.
- Categories: Ethics, practice management and business skills and professional skills.
- Carry over: CPD units earned between 1 January and 31 March can be counted in either the current or following CPD year, but not both.
- Self-assessed: Lawyers are responsible for evaluating and documenting their learning activities.
- Learn more at the Queensland Law Society.
CPD Requirements for Lawyers in Western Australia
- Total points: 10 CPD points each year
- Video-based learning: At least 6 hours of CPD activities must be interactive.
- Accredited specialists: 10 CPD points, with at least 6 being interactive, in their area of specialisation.
- Categories: Ethics, practice management, professional skills and substantive law.
- Carry over: Up to 3 CPD units earned between 1 January and 31 March can be transferred to the next CPD year, but they cannot be counted in both.
- Self-assessed: Lawyers must evaluate and document their CPD activities.
- Practitioner ID: Lawyers must provide their Practitioner ID when registering with CPD providers.
- For comprehensive guidelines, see the Legal Practice Board of Western Australia.
CPD Requirements for Lawyers in South Australia
- Total points: 10 units of CPD each year
- Video-based learning: Up to 5 units from private study of multimedia materials.
- Accredited Specialists: 12 CPD points, with at least 8 units in their area of specialisation.
- Categories: Practical legal ethics, practice management or business skills, professional skills plus one unit on bullying, discrimination, and harassment.
- Carry over: CPD units earned in January, February, or March that exceed the annual requirement can be applied to the following CPD year.
- Self-assessed: Lawyers are responsible for evaluating and documenting their learning activities.
- For comprehensive guidelines, visit the Law Society of South Australia.
CPD Requirements for Lawyers in Tasmania
- CPD year: 1 May to 30 April annually.
- Total points: 10 CPD units annually.
- Video-based learning: Up to 5 units through pre-recorded or online materials.
- Categories: Practical legal ethics, practice management or business skills, professional skills, substantive law and equality and wellbeing.
- Carry over: CPD units earned in February, March, or April can be allocated either to the current CPD year or the following one.
- Self-assessed: Lawyers must track and document their CPD activities.
- For more information, visit the Law Society of Tasmania.
CPD Requirements in Australian Capital Territory
- Total points: 10 CPD units annually
- Video-based learning: Unlimited (non-interactive)
- Categories: Ethics, practice management, professional skills, substantive law.
- Carry over: Up to 3 units can be carried over to the following CPD year if these 3 units were completed between January 1 and March 31 (or 5 units if you hold a volunteer certificate) in the current year.
- Self-assessed: Lawyers are responsible for evaluating and documenting their own learning activities to ensure they meet the regulatory requirements set by their respective Law Society
- For more information, visit the Law Society of ACT: Law Society of the Australian Capital Territory
CPD Requirements in Northern Territory
- Total points: 10 CPD units annually
- Video-based learning: Up to 5 units can be completed through private study of audio/visual material (non-interactive)
- Categories: Ethics, practice management, professional skills, PLUS one unit on skills relating to identifying, addressing and preventing bullying, discrimination and harassment in the workplace (CD).
- Carry over: CPD units earned between January 1 and March 31 can be transferred to the next CPD year, though they may only be applied to one CPD year's requirements.
- Self-assessed: Lawyers are responsible for evaluating and documenting their own learning activities to ensure they meet the regulatory requirements set by their respective Law Society
- For more information, visit the Law Society of NT: Law Society Northern Territory
Self-assessment of CPD compliance
In Australia, CPD compliance is largely self-assessed. As a lawyer, you are responsible for tracking your learning activities, ensuring you meet the required categories, and keeping accurate records in case of an audit. Law societies expect you to assess how your CPD activities contribute to your professional development.
Final thoughts on legal CPD compliance in Australia
Meeting your CPD requirements is crucial for maintaining your practising certificate and advancing your professional development. While each state has its own rules, staying compliant doesn’t need to be difficult. With the right planning and resources, you can easily keep on top of your CPD obligations while developing valuable skills.
Looking for flexible CPD courses tailored to your state’s requirements? Check out our CPD course catalogue for a range of options across all key categories, available in formats to suit your schedule.
