Why CPD Matters
Under the National Consumer Credit Protection Act 2009, both credit licensees and their representatives must maintain competence in their roles. This requirement is met through Continued Professional Development (CPD).
Though often perceived as just another compliance task, CPD is essential for brokers to stay current in a dynamic environment of:
Regulatory updates
Evolving lender policies
Technological change
Renewing your industry body membership affirms that you're up to date — but your CPD register is your evidence of that learning.
What to Include in Your CPD Register
Connective and your industry body can request your CPD register at any time, so keeping complete and accurate records is vital.
Make sure your register includes:
Date of the activity
Facilitator (e.g., lender, Connective, industry body, etc.)
Activity description (e.g., webinar, online course, in-person training)
CPD hours earned
Industry body activity code
Why Connective Might Request Your CPD Register
Connective can request your CPD register for two main reasons:
1. Legislative Obligations for Credit Representatives
If you're a Connective Credit Representative, Connective must ensure you are receiving adequate training. ASIC mandates that licensees:
“...monitor and supervise their representatives to ensure they are adequately trained and competent to act as their credit representatives.”
2. Lender Accreditation Requirements
Connective must also attest to lenders that all members (regardless of licensing status) are properly trained. To do so, Connective performs sample checks of CPD registers.
Industry Body Rules and Limitations
Each industry body outlines specific CPD category caps on their websites. You must:
Refer to your industry body’s published guidelines
Ensure you’re not exceeding category limits
Some key examples include:
Mentoring Misconceptions
Mentoring only counts if:
You're part of a formal arrangement as a mentor or mentee
The relationship supports the development of a new-to-industry broker
Training staff or catch-ups with former mentors don't qualify.
Self-Education Caps
Max 6 hours of self-learning is allowed.
This includes reading industry magazines, policies, and tools like Brokerpedia.
All CPD Must Be Educational
Events must have clear educational content to qualify for CPD:
A 6-hour golf day with a 30-minute lender presentation only qualifies for 0.5 CPD hours, not 6.
Social or entertainment-based time is not CPD-eligible.
Top Tips for Maintaining Your CPD Register
Keep up-to-date records as you go – don’t wait until the year-end scramble.
Avoid claiming activities that don’t align with industry guidelines.
Check category caps regularly to ensure compliance.
Reach out to the Compliance team at [email protected] if unsure.