CPD is any activity which extends or updates professional knowledge, skills or judgement.
The AHI’s program focuses on three areas;
- Content
There are 3 categories of program activity
- Skill development
- Gaining new knowledge and information
- Contributing to the development of professional knowledge and practice
Within each category there are a range of possible activities. Each completed activity attracts a specific number of CPD points. These activities and points are listed in the attached table.
- Requirements of participation
Participants will
- accrue a minimum of 40 CPD points over two consecutive years of the CPD cycle, and
- achieve a minimum of 5 points in each category, and
- achieve a minimum of 10 points (in any category) in activities that foster interagency co-operation and knowledge, and
- keep a record of CPD activities in the logbook with supporting documents.
People unable to meet these requirements due to unforeseen or exceptional circumstances may apply for an exemption or extension.
- The criteria for awarding CPD points
One learning hour of CPD activity is equivalent to one CPD point, unless otherwise stated in the table of CPD activities. The AHI can advise whether a specific activity qualifies for CPD points, if the participant is unsure. Certain CPD activities approved by the AHI accrue double CPD points.
There is no maximum number of points that can be accrued in any given two year CPD cycle, but points are valid only for the current CPD cycle.
- CPD logbook and supporting documents
Participating members will record all CPD activities completed during the CPD cycle in a logbook, accessed through the CPD Page of the AHI Website.
The completed logbook will record for each activity: the activity, date and duration, evidence, category, whether it was AHI approved and the total CPD points gained. Participating members should keep relevant documentation to demonstrate their engagement in CPD activities for each CPD cycle.
- Meeting the CPD requirements
Each member will structure their CPD Program to best suit their individual learning, professional practice and career needs. They should follow the guidelines below:
5.1 What is a CPD activity?
An activity is likely to count towards CPD if you can answer ‘yes’ to these questions:
- Will this activity enhance my professional knowledge/expertise/skill/understanding?
- Will this activity help me be a more competent and effective housing professional?
- Will I actively participate in this activity?
Work activities in which you learn new skills or knowledge (e.g. setting up a new initiative or a new system) or learn about other agencies may count towards CPD.
5.2 Planning your CPD program
The range of professional development activities you complete within a CPD cycle should be guided by:
- Your current duties and responsibilities
- The skills / knowledge / expertise you are expected to demonstrate
- The skills / knowledge / expertise you would like to develop
- Any forthcoming events such as conferences which you could incorporate into your CPD program
- The requirement to engage in interagency activity
- Any special circumstances, for example a planned career break, undertaking further studies, scholarship programs
- Your long term objectives in undertaking CPD
- Your career goals
- CPD Quality Assurance
The AHI conducts regular Quality Assurance (QA) of CPD activities. A random sample of 10% of CPD program participants will be audited through the QA process each year.
- Leave of absence from the CPD program
An application for leave of absence for a CPD cycle must be made in writing to the AHI’s Professional Recognition Manager, giving reasons for seeking leave. Approved leave will be confirmed by the AHI in writing.
- CPD certification and renewal
At the end of each cycle the participant will:
- complete an on-line self assessment for CPD renewal
- complete a statement of changed circumstances
- make a declaration that all CPD requirements have been met
- pay any fees due
The AHI will issue a CPD Program Certificate, or advise the participant if they have not met the criteria for awarding a CPD Certificate.
- Dispute resolution
Any dispute about CPD matters should be reported immediately to the AHI Chief Executive Officer. If the matter is not resolved to the satisfaction of the complainant, the CEO will refer it to the Education and Practice Committee of the AHI. The decision of the Education and Practice Committee will be final.
