CPD Requirements for Locum Doctors in 2026: What You Need to Know

[6 min read | Getting Started | May 2026]

TL;DR: Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is mandatory for all medical practitioners in Australia, including locum doctors. As of January 2023, new requirements include completing 50 hours of CPD annually, creating a Professional Development Plan (PDP), and joining a CPD Home accredited by the Medical Board of Australia. Locum doctors face unique challenges in meeting these requirements due to their varied work environments. For more details, visit the Medical Board of Australia.

What are the CPD requirements for locum doctors in 2026?

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is an essential component of maintaining professional standards for medical practitioners. For locum doctors, staying compliant with CPD requirements can be challenging due to the nature of their work across various hospitals and specialties. Prior to 2023, locum doctors could self-document their CPD activities, but this method often resulted in incomplete or inadequate records.

As of 1 January 2023, the Australian Medical Council (AMC) introduced new CPD requirements to standardise practices across the medical profession. These requirements include completing a minimum of 50 hours of CPD activities annually, developing a written Professional Development Plan (PDP), and joining a CPD Home accredited by the Medical Board of Australia (MBA) by 1 January 2024.

What is a CPD Home and why is it important?

A CPD Home is an organisation accredited by the AMC that provides structured CPD programs for medical practitioners. These organisations help doctors meet their CPD obligations by offering resources and guidance. While many CPD Homes are affiliated with training colleges, locum doctors, who may not be associated with a specific college, have fewer options available.

To assist locum doctors in finding affordable and effective CPD Homes, StatDoctor has partnered with the AMA CPD Home to offer a 10% discount. The AMA CPD Home, priced at A$220 per year, is the most affordable option in Australia and is independent of any college. It is also verified and compliant with AHPRA standards.

How do you create a Professional Development Plan (PDP)?

A Professional Development Plan (PDP) is a crucial document for medical practitioners, outlining their learning goals and strategies to achieve them. The PDP should reflect the doctor's current or intended scope of practice and include self-evaluation, reflection on learning progress, and planning for future CPD activities.

CPD Homes often provide templates or structures for PDPs, but the specific requirements may vary. The PDP helps ensure that doctors focus their learning efforts effectively and meet the CPD requirements. For locum doctors, creating a PDP can be particularly beneficial in navigating the diverse environments they work in.

What does this mean for locum doctors in New South Wales?

In New South Wales, locum doctors must adhere to the same CPD requirements as their peers across Australia. However, the nature of locum work in NSW, with its diverse healthcare settings, can make meeting these obligations more complex. Locums often miss out on structured education and mentoring opportunities provided to permanent staff.

To overcome these challenges, locum doctors in NSW should prioritise joining a CPD Home and actively seek out teaching and learning opportunities across different hospitals. Documenting these activities in their CPD Home will help ensure compliance with the 50-hour requirement.