The aim of any CPD program is to continuously improve competency, knowledge, and practice to ensure the professional keeps up with and contributes to the profession.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) - Points System
CPD points equate to approximately 1 point for every 1 hour of Quality Committed Activity.
For full details on points accumulation please see the CPD logbook in the Members Area (log in required)
Why is professional development important and mandatory for SIA members?
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is vital in maintaining professional competence and provides members not only with a structured career path, but also safeguards their professional status by demonstrating they are suitably qualified to both their peers and business.
To ensure all members maintain their accreditation and reflect the new minimum standards and core competencies required by the SIA as a peak body, a number of changes have been made to the SIA's CPD Program.
The changes will take effect from 1 June 2009 and provide further opportunities for members to reach their professional development targets each year, take advantage of CPD activities, encourage compliance and ensure all SIA members are suitably qualified and maintain appropriate levels of accreditation.Most importantly, the changes are there to make it easier for you to participate and comply with the new minimum standards agreed to by the SIA and approved, in February 2009, by the SIA NBOM for national application.
Participating in the CPD and keeping your log book up to date will be mandatory for all existing and new professionally accredited members (CPMSIA, FSIA and CFSIA) from 1 June, particularly those seeking to be accredited as a full professional member and to have their name/company included on the Find an OHS Professional register on the SIA website.
The SIA's CPD program will require professional members to attain a requisite number of points over a three year period to ensure they maintain their professional grading.
What's changed?
Two new categories, Share and Extend, have been introduced as have a range of new activities and revised category names which we consider will encourage a life long learning approach to professional development and see increased participation from our members:
- Learn (Education, Publication, Review, Research and Conferences/Seminars);
- Apply (OHS work, work based:- reports, policy/training development & original work);
- Share (Present at Conference/Seminar, Solution Share or Mentoring);
- Serve (SIA Committee or Community Work); and
- Extend (Non OHS Professional Development; - our CPD Log Book, management training, public speaking, well being, training cert.).
How many points do I need to maintain my professional accreditation?
The points required to maintain membership levels have also changed to a single target of 100 points per annum across all membership grades. Log books will be audited and assessed on a three year CPD cycle of 300 points rather than five years. The NBOM will review targets in three years time. We've also taken away the confusion around points by simplifying the system so one point equals one hour of OHS activity.
Are there any restrictions on how I credit my points?
How you credit your points through the different categories is open to each member, but it is intended that members will take full advantage of the new scope of activities and learning opportunities to broaden their skills and expertise.
Changes to the CPD log book
The new log book is available in the Members Area of the website at http://www.sia.org.au/members/cpdlogbook (Please note you must log in to view this area).
What do I need to do to switch over to the new system?
Switching over to the new system is easy. Those completing a current 5 year cycle will simply submit their log books under the old rule - otherwise all you need to do is copy over your current log book activities and points into the new system. For members who want to be on the Find an OHS Professional register as long as you can find 300 points from your past CPD activities then subject you having the evidence then submit your declaration (Note: 3 years is the minimum period for a log book).
If you have any further questions, please contact the National Office on +61 3 8336 1995 or natadmin@sia.org.au.