CPD Tracker for Pharmacists
Pharmacists generally need at least 40 CPD credits during each 12-month CPD period ending 30 September. At least 20 credits must come from Group 2 and/or Group 3 activities, so no more than 20 can come from Group 1.
By CPDKeep Team · Requirements reviewed 1 October 2026
47 days until pharmacist registration renewal
- is your CPD up to date?CPD requirements for pharmacists
Pharmacists must complete 40 CPD credits each CPD year ending 30 September, with at least 20 credits from Group 2 and/or Group 3 activities.
40 CPD credits
Requirement details at a glance
Pharmacy CPD is measured in Board CPD credits, not simply elapsed hours. Your annual plan, activity group and supporting record all matter when deciding what to claim.
| Area | Board requirement | Practical context |
|---|---|---|
| Annual total | At least 40 CPD credits in each 12-month CPD period ending 30 September. | Record the Board credit value and group for each activity rather than treating credits as hours. |
| Activity mix | At least 20 credits must be from Group 2 and/or Group 3 activities. | This also means a maximum of 20 of the required credits can come from Group 1 activities. |
| Planning | Develop a CPD plan each year from your competency and professional development needs. | Choose activities relevant to your scope and update the plan when your practice or learning needs change. |
| Records | The standard says to maintain records for the previous three full CPD periods. | Keep enough information and evidence to support the activity, group and credit value if compliance is checked. |
Source-linked requirement
Pharmacists complete 40 CPD credits during each 12-month CPD period ending 30 September.
- Source
- Pharmacy Board CPD registration standard
- CPD unit
- CPD credits
- CPD period
- Pharmacy CPD year: 1 October to 30 September; AHPRA registration renewal is 30 November.
- Registration renewal
- 30 November
- Last reviewed
- 1 October 2026
- Review cadence
- Every 3 months; next due 1 January 2027
Category and topic requirements
- Group 2 and Group 3 CPD (minimum 20 CPD credits): At least 20 of the 40 annual CPD credits should come from Group 2 and/or Group 3 activities.
- Group 1 CPD (maximum 20 CPD credits): No more than 20 credits should be counted from Group 1 activities.
Caveats
- Pharmacy requirements are measured in CPD credits rather than hours; CPDKeep keeps the credit unit explicit but cannot infer Pharmacy Board group classifications automatically.
- Practitioners should retain evidence that supports the credit group claimed for each activity.
Pharmacy requirement data is provided to configure CPDKeep's credit target and should be checked against Pharmacy Board guidance for credit classification and audit evidence.
What counts as CPD for pharmacists?
All of these activities can be logged in CPDKeep
- Medicines education, clinical updates, and therapeutic area learning
- Case reviews, practice reflection, and workplace learning
- Seminars, webinars, conferences, and structured courses
- Quality use of medicines projects and service improvement
- Journal reading, guideline updates, and professional research
- Interprofessional education relevant to pharmacy practice
How CPDKeep helps pharmacists
Practical tools to track source-linked AHPRA CPD requirements
Source-linked setup
Starts from 40 CPD credits per year (annual cycle) and the CPD period recorded from Pharmacy Board CPD registration standard.
Requirement breakdown
Shows the registry category, topic, and standalone requirements that apply: Group 2 and Group 3 CPD (minimum 20 CPD credits): At least 20 of the 40 annual CPD credits should come from Group 2 and/or Group 3 activities. Group 1 CPD (maximum 20 CPD credits): No more than 20 credits should be counted from Group 1 activities.
Report-ready records
Generate CPD reports with activity details and an evidence appendix for uploaded files.
Individual tools
Upgrade to Individual for the PDP builder, gap analysis, and AHPRA renewal tracking.
Why pharmacists choose CPDKeep
Tracks progress against 40 CPD credits per year (annual cycle) using CPD credits from the profession registry.
Uses Pharmacy CPD year: 1 October to 30 September; AHPRA registration renewal is 30 November. for CPD period and renewal context.
Surfaces registry-linked category, topic, and standalone rules: Group 2 and Group 3 CPD (minimum 20 CPD credits): At least 20 of the 40 annual CPD credits should come from Group 2 and/or Group 3 activities. Group 1 CPD (maximum 20 CPD credits): No more than 20 credits should be counted from Group 1 activities.
Stores activity details and evidence so audit reports can be generated from the same record set.
Keeps source, review, caveat, and disclaimer metadata attached to the public requirement summary.
Use guided reflection prompts while you log CPD, and unlock the PDP builder, gap analysis, and AHPRA renewal tracking when you upgrade to Individual.
What happens if you don't meet CPD requirements?
CPD is mandatory for every registered pharmacistin Australia. Here's what's at stake if you fall short.
Registration can be refused or cancelled
Your National Board can refuse to renew your registration if you cannot demonstrate that you have met your CPD requirements.
You can be audited at any time
Your National Board may select you for a CPD audit at any point during your registration period. You must be able to substantiate every hour you claim.
Disciplinary action may follow
If you are selected for audit and cannot provide evidence of your CPD, the Board may take disciplinary action — which can become part of your public record.
Conditions may be placed on your practice
The Board may impose conditions or undertakings that restrict how, where, or what you can practise until your CPD is brought up to standard.
You still pay the registration fee
Even if your renewal is refused because required CPD is missing, you are still liable for the registration renewal fee.
CPDKeep keeps activity, certificate, and hour records together so they are ready to review.
Recommended reading
Guides and resources to help you stay on top of your CPD
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about CPDKeep
How much CPD do pharmacists need in Australia?
Pharmacists should track 40 CPD credits per year (annual cycle). Pharmacists must complete 40 CPD credits each CPD year ending 30 September, with at least 20 credits from Group 2 and/or Group 3 activities. Source: Pharmacy Board CPD registration standard.
When is the CPD period for pharmacists?
Pharmacy CPD year: 1 October to 30 September; AHPRA registration renewal is 30 November.
What counts as CPD for pharmacists?
CPDKeep shows the registry-linked requirement breakdown for 40 CPD credits: Group 2 and Group 3 CPD (minimum 20 CPD credits): At least 20 of the 40 annual CPD credits should come from Group 2 and/or Group 3 activities. Group 1 CPD (maximum 20 CPD credits): No more than 20 credits should be counted from Group 1 activities.
How do I prove my CPD for an audit?
Keep dated activity records, reflections where relevant, and supporting evidence such as certificates or notes. CPDKeep stores these details and can generate an audit report.
Is CPDKeep free for pharmacists?
The Free plan covers CPD activity logging, guided reflection prompts, and a basic progress dashboard. Paid plans add reports, reminders, evidence uploads, and professional planning tools.
What should I check before relying on this requirement summary?
Pharmacy requirement data is provided to configure CPDKeep's credit target and should be checked against Pharmacy Board guidance for credit classification and audit evidence.
CPD tracking for other professions
CPDKeep supports 16 AHPRA-registered health professions
Nurses
20 hours per year (annual cycle)
Midwives
20 hours per year (annual cycle)
Medical Practitioners
50 hours per year (annual cycle)
Dental Practitioners
60 hours per 3-year cycle
Psychologists
30 hours per year (annual cycle)
Physiotherapists
20 hours per year (annual cycle)
Occupational Therapists
20 hours per year (annual cycle)
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Practitioners
20 hours per year (annual cycle)
Chinese Medicine Practitioners
20 hours per year (annual cycle)
Paramedics
30 hours per year (annual cycle)
Podiatrists
20 hours per year (annual cycle)
Osteopaths
25 hours per year (annual cycle)
Optometrists
20 hours per year (annual cycle)
Medical Radiation Practitioners
60 hours per 3-year cycle
Chiropractors
20 hours per year (annual cycle)
Start tracking your CPD today
Track CPD records, evidence, and readiness against your profession requirements in one place.