How do I complete my CPD?

Keeping track of your CPD requirements with RACS just got easier with a new CPD dashboard.

Features include:

• A new colour system to let you know what’s outstanding, what’s in progress and what’s complete
• Complete your CPD (Learning Plan) in two parts; Goals, and Reflection
• Record activities and hours for Audit, Education, and Performance Review related activities
• Complete and manage Audit, Education, and Performance Review related activities
• Record the exact hours and multiple types of peer reviewed audits you complete
• Track and progress your CAPE requirements as activities are updated
• Have capped activities auto-populate competencies and hours before saving

Watch a video on the CPD dashboard below.

With the CPD mobile app, you can manage your CPD from the palm of your hand by completing CPD activities as per your individual Learning Plan.

To download the app, access either the iOS, Android or Windows App Store on your mobile phone and search for ‘RACS CPD’

Once logged in, you should be able to add activities by selecting the + button at the bottom of the screen.

The CPD Mobile App icon is displayed below: 

The RACS Program is an annual program implemented across a calendar year (1 January - 31 December). Participants are expected to have their CPD submitted by no later than 28 February.

The CPD Program requires participants to self-report their activity. Once a participant has logged sufficient activity against each category, the online platform will automatically recognise their compliance with the requirements. Participants can finalise their CPD for that year and access a CPD certificate.

For those participants who are selected to verify their participation – 5% per annum – they must first provide evidence of participation in the activities logged, sufficient to meet the minimum requirement for each category.

Please click here to access example profiles and how they would complete their CPD.

In Australia, the MBA requires all CPD programs to set program level requirements relating to cultural safety, addressing health inequities, professionalism and ethical practice. In Aotearoa New Zealand, the MCNZ requires a recertification program to define the required participation in activities that maintain and develop the knowledge, skills and performance required for safe and appropriate practice in the relevant scope(s) of practice. This must include the areas of cultural safety, professionalism and ethical practice and that cultural safety and a focus on health equity are embedded across all CPD categories..

To meet this standard, CPD participants should select cultural competence and cultural safety once (1), Health Advocacy once (1), and Professionalism twice (2) across all CPD activities, excluding your CPD Plan (Learning Plan).

See below: 

Each time a CAPE requirement is met, it progresses in the section titled CAPE Compliance, on your CPD Dashboard.

See below: 

It should be noted that CAPE can be met by any activity type in any CPD category, provided the competencies have been selected. If CAPE requirements are not met, then CPD compliance cannot be achieved.

Each year 5% of RACS participants are selected to verify their CPD activity. The verification process requires participants to submit supporting documentation for their activities to a level sufficient to meet the minimum requirements in each category. Participants will also need to demonstrate that the activities are relevant to their self-defined Areas of Practice.

Please see information on acceptable documents for verification (PDF 167.89KB).

Participants selected for verification will be notified at least 6 weeks before the end of the CPD period.

In addition to the above list of verification documents, you may instead access this single form to verify your CPD. Simply download the form, add your health service’s letterhead and ensure it is signed by your line supervisor.

Download the verification form (DOCX 76.93KB)

Please note this form can only be used for activities completed at a single health service. You may, however, use the form multiple times for different health services.

A structured conversation is a mandatory requirement for Aotearoa New Zealand participants in the RACS CPD Program and is an optional activity for Australian participants.

A structured conversation is undertaken with a peer, colleague or employer about the doctor’s clinical practice. The intent of this activity is to provide time for the doctor to reflect on their development needs, their goals for learning and professional activities and their intentions for the next year. Doctors are encouraged to use the information they have obtained undertaking activities across the three types of CPD to inform this conversation. The below template may assist you.

Download the structured conversation template (DOCX 71.36KB)

You can make an application for an exemption through your CPD dashboard. All applications are and assessed confidentially by the Professional Standards Manager and/or CPD Lead.  Where further information or assessment is required, the Professional Standards Manager or CPD Lead will contact the participant to confirm their consent to escalate the matter to the Executive Director for Surgical Affairs (Australia), Surgical Advisor (Aotearoa New Zealand) or the Professional Standards Chair.

As part of RACS’ commitment to continuous improvement, a new three-step system to facilitate the reassessment of RACS decisions has been introduced.

This process is available to any person, organization, or body corporate directly affected by an adverse decision made in relation to the training and education functions of the College.

Where applicable, and after meeting the requirements set out in the Reconsideration, Review, and Appeals Policy (RRA Policy), applicants can have an adverse decision reassessed as per the three steps outlined below.

For further information, please refer to RRA on the RACS website.

• Executive Director for Surgical Affairs (EDSA) in Australia and Surgical Advisors in Aotearoa New Zealand - available for advice and support on request
• Clinical Director (SIMG) - available to support SIMG’s on a pathway to FRACS
• Audit Assistance;
  • Peer review of audit
  • Peer review of medico legal reports via the RACS medico legal section
  • Peer review of locum logbooks facilitate via the EDSA
  • Advice on ANZASM participation via the Clinical Director, Research and Audit
• Access to support for re-entry and re-skilling program
• RACS Fellows and SIMGs can access the RACS Support Program