As a professional accountant, staying up to date with the latest industry developments is not only essential for delivering value to your clients, but also a requirement for maintaining your CPA or CA membership. At de Jonge Read, we understand the importance of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and have developed a range of supportive resources tailored specifically for accountants across Australia.
This page provides a comprehensive overview of accounting CPD, including how to track your hours, what qualifies as verifiable CPD, and where to find free courses and webinars to stay compliant without unnecessary costs.
What is CPD for Accountants?
CPD refers to the learning activities professionals engage in to develop and enhance their abilities. For accountants, CPD ensures your knowledge and skills remain relevant and current, particularly in a fast-moving regulatory environment.
CPA Australia requires members to complete at least 120 hours of CPD over a rolling three-year period, with a minimum of 20 hours each year, including at least 10 hours of verifiable CPD annually.
Chartered Accountants ANZ (CA ANZ) also has similar CPD obligations, requiring 120 hours over three years, with a minimum of 20 hours each year and encourages a focus on relevant, practical learning. At least 90 hours must be verifiable CPD over the three years. Always check the specific requirements of your professional body to stay compliant.
Verifiable vs Non-Verifiable CPD
Understanding the difference between verifiable and non-verifiable CPD is essential:
Verifiable CPD: These are structured learning activities with measurable outcomes. Examples include:
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- Attending seminars, conferences or webinars
- Completing online courses
- Participating in workshops or training sessions
Non-Verifiable CPD: These involve self-directed learning with no formal proof of participation. Examples include:
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- Reading industry journals or technical updates
- Informal discussions with peers
- Reflecting on practical experience
We recommend focusing on verifiable CPD where possible, to ensure you meet the compliance requirements of your professional body.
Free CPD Webinars and Courses for Accountants
At de Jonge Read, we actively support the development of the accounting profession. That’s why we regularly host and share access to free CPD-accredited webinars and training sessions.
Our free resources are ideal for:
- Accountants seeking flexible online learning options
- CPA or CA members who need to meet annual CPD obligations
- Bookkeepers or finance professionals looking to upskill without added cost
To access our free webinars and sign up for upcoming sessions, simply visit our events page or follow us on our social media pages.
What Happens if You Don’t Meet CPD Requirements?
Failure to meet CPD requirements can lead to serious consequences, including:
- Suspension or removal of professional membership
- Ineligibility to use CPA or CA designations
- Reputational damage and diminished client trust
We encourage all accountants to make CPD an integrated part of their professional routine. At de Jonge Read, we’re here to support you in staying compliant and continuing to grow in your role.
CPD for Public Practitioners
If you operate a public practice, CPD takes on even greater importance. Your clients rely on your expertise and up-to-date knowledge to remain compliant with ever-changing regulations. In addition to technical training, consider CPD in areas such as:
- Client relationship management
- Business advisory skills
- Risk and governance
We work closely with public practitioners to tailor CPD pathways that strengthen both compliance and practice growth.
Partner with de Jonge Read for Your CPD Needs
de Jonge Read is more than just a firm — we’re long-term advisors and educators. We offer ongoing support to professionals looking to meet their CPD requirements through:
- Custom CPD pathways for individuals and firms
- Internal training development for accounting teams
- Verified certificates for webinar/training participation
We are here to help make compliance simpler, professional development more impactful, and your role as an accountant more rewarding.
Ready to Stay Compliant?
Whether you’re catching up on CPD hours or planning your training for the year ahead, de Jonge Read is your trusted partner in compliance and capability.
Explore our upcoming webinars, seminars and in-house trainings, and join hundreds of Australian accountants who trust de Jonge Read for ongoing support.
Need help with CPD planning? Contact our team today for tailored advice or register for our next free session.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Accounting CPD
CPD is essential for accountants to maintain and develop their skills. It ensures you remain up to date with changes in regulation, best practice, and evolving client expectations.
What are Accounting CPD Courses
These are structured learning programmes designed to help accountants meet their CPD requirements. They may be delivered online or in person and often include assessments or certifications.
What Qualifies as CPD Hours?
CPD hours can be earned through seminars, online courses, webinars, or other structured learning. To qualify, the activity should be relevant to your role and contribute to your professional development.
What is Verifiable CPD Hours CPA?
Verifiable CPD hours are those that can be evidenced, typically with a certificate or record of attendance. CPA Australia requires a minimum number of these hours annually.
What is a CPA / CPD Diary
A CPD diary helps you record the details of your professional development activities. It should include the activity name, date, duration, and provider, along with learning outcomes.
CPA CPD Examples
Examples include tax training, ethics webinars, or attending a conference on accounting software, or participating in industry roundtables. Any structured learning that supports your role can count.
CPD Diary Example
An example diary entry might list a webinar title, the date, a brief description of the topic, and your key takeaways.
CPD Log Template
A CPD log template provides a consistent format for tracking hours.
What Happens if You Don’t Do CPD?
Failing to complete required CPD can result in disciplinary action from your professional body, including suspension or removal of membership.
How Many CPD Units Are Required for CPA License?
CPA Australia requires at least 120 CPD hours over a rolling three-year period, with a minimum of 20 hours per year and at least 10 hours verifiable annually.
Where Can I Find Free Accounting Webinars in Australia?
Many organisations, including de Jonge Read, offer free CPD-accredited webinars to help accountants meet their learning goals without high costs.
What Are Free CPA CPD Hours?
These are verifiable hours gained through no-cost training sessions. Be sure to download and retain proof of attendance.
Where Can I Free CPD for Accountants Australia
Look for webinars, industry events, or online courses that provide structured, CPD-eligible training at no charge.
What Counts as CPD for Accountants?
Activities that are educational and relevant to your accounting role typically count. These may include structured courses, workshops, and practical learning.