Under the National Consumer Credit Protection Act 2009 (NCCP), both credit licensees and their representatives must maintain competence in their roles.
This requirement is met through Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
Why CPD matters
CPD ensures brokers remain competent in a constantly evolving environment, including:
Regulatory updates
Changes to lender policies
Technological advancements
While renewing your industry body membership confirms your eligibility, your CPD register is the documented evidence of your learning and development.
Important (Yellow)
Your CPD register must be accurate, complete and ready for review at any time.
What to include in your CPD register
Connective and your industry body may request your CPD register at any time.
Your register should include:
Date of the activity
Facilitator (e.g. lender, Connective, industry body)
Description of the activity (e.g. webinar, online training, in-person session)
CPD hours earned
Industry body activity code
Maintaining detailed records helps demonstrate compliance.
Why Connective may request your CPD register
1. Legislative obligations for Credit Representatives
If you are a Connective Credit Representative, Connective must ensure you are adequately trained.
ASIC requires licensees to:
“…monitor and supervise their representatives to ensure they are adequately trained and competent to act as their credit representatives.”
CPD evidence supports this obligation.
2. Lender accreditation requirements
Connective must attest to lenders that all members — regardless of licensing status — are properly trained.
To support this, Connective conducts sample CPD register checks.
Industry body rules and limitations
Each industry body sets category caps and eligibility rules.
You must:
Refer to your industry body’s official CPD guidelines
Ensure you do not exceed category limits
Failure to comply may result in CPD shortfalls.
Common CPD misconceptions
Mentoring
Mentoring only qualifies for CPD if:
It is a formal mentoring arrangement; and
It supports the development of a new-to-industry broker
Informal training sessions or catch-ups do not qualify.
Self-education limits
A maximum of 6 hours of self-learning is typically allowed.
This may include:
Reading industry publications
Reviewing lender policies
Using tools such as Brokerpedia
Check your industry body’s rules for confirmation.
Educational content requirement
To qualify as CPD, activities must have clear educational value.
Example:
A 6-hour golf day with a 30-minute lender presentation only qualifies for 0.5 CPD hours, not 6.
Social or entertainment components are not CPD-eligible.
Best practice tips
Update your CPD register as you complete activities — avoid year-end catch-up.
Review category caps regularly.
Ensure activities align with industry body definitions.
Retain supporting evidence (e.g. attendance confirmations, certificates).
If unsure whether an activity qualifies, contact the Compliance team before claiming it.
Need help?
If you have questions about CPD requirements or your register, contact the Compliance team at [email protected].