CPD for nurse practitioners
General information only, not legal or regulatory advice; check the official NMBA page before applying.
Continuing professional development (CPD) is how nurses and midwives maintain, improve and broaden their knowledge, expertise and competence, and develop the personal and professional qualities required throughout their professional lives. The NMBA's Registration standard: Continuing professional development came into effect on 1 June 2016.
How many hours
| Registration | Minimum CPD hours each year |
|---|---|
| Registered nurse | 20 hours |
| Nurse practitioner | 30 hours: 20 hours as a registered nurse, plus 10 additional hours for the NP endorsement |
The NMBA says the 10 additional NP hours relate to prescribing and administration of medicines, diagnostic investigations, and consultation and referral. The Safety and quality guidelines for nurse practitioners add that this CPD must be relevant to the NP's context of practice.
If you are endorsed part-way through a registration period, pro rata CPD requirements apply. The NMBA's CPD guidelines set out the hours in a table.
Keeping records
The CPD guidelines say you must keep records of your CPD activities for at least five years from the date you completed the CPD. Records must be available for audit, or if the NMBA needs them as part of an investigation arising from a notification. The NMBA has a self-directed CPD evidence record template. Using it is not mandatory, but your records must include all the information the template lists.
The NMBA may consider an exemption from the CPD requirements in exceptional circumstances. Its exemptions policy explains how.
Proposed changes
In May 2026 Ahpra and 14 National Boards consulted on proposed changes to the CPD and recency of practice registration standards. Consultation closed on 17 July 2026. The newsletter described these as proposed changes and asked for feedback. Check the standard page for the current rules.
How EndorseMe helps
- The CPD tracker (open in EndorseMe) shows the 20-hour target, or the 30-hour target split into 20 general and 10 NP-specific hours for endorsed NPs.
- Quick Add reads a certificate and lets you check each field before you save, and the Reflections tab helps you write what you learned.
- Your records and certificates stay together, which helps if you are audited.