Continuing professional development (CPD) is an important facet of any professional’s career. Although CPD has long been a feature of the professional obligations of APEGS members, it has only recently become a requirement to report individual CPD hours annually. At the 2018 Annual Meeting, members unanimously passed a bylaw about this. Due to new reporting requirements, it’s a great time for members to brush up on their record keeping practices.
The new CPD program includes an individual record keeping requirement which ultimately benefits individual members and the Association. Accurate and up-to-date record keeping practices help members evaluate their current career progress and set future career goals. Additionally, record keeping assists members in expand or refine their current competencies. At the same time, verifiable records of ongoing and continued professional education help to maintain public confidence in self-regulating professions.
Members’ CPD records should clearly document their individual scope of practice, annual CPD plan and a detailed record of completed activities throughout the year. Beyond those basic record keeping requirements, the new program does not require additional paperwork or specific forms. Individual professionals have the freedom to keep track of their annual CPD activity in a way in which they feel most comfortable and find most convenient.
Members may choose to use a traditional physical file system, electronic resources or some combination in-between. Ultimately, it is entirely up to the individual member so long as their records are clear, up-to-date and complete.
APEGS has developed a number of useful tools for record keeping including the APEGS Annual Activity Tracker spreadsheet. Using these tools is optional, but members can find them on the APEGS website through the members menu under Continuing Professional Development.
These tools are great for members to get started on their CPD plan, and begin recording their activities and they can also be easily tailored to fit individual needs. For example, the APEGS Annual Activity Tracker spreadsheet is open for editing and ready to be customized by members.
CPD activity records should include: the activity date(s), an activity description or title, the activity provider or organizer, the applicable activity category and the number of credits earned.
CPD activity can also be verified through earned certificates, receipts and other formal documentation, so it is important to keep track of these documents as part of your record keeping process
Records must document each activity a member undertakes throughout the year. Additionally, members are required to maintain a complete record of their CPD activity for at least three years because the CPD program includes the ability to bank yearly credits and carry them forward to the following calendar year.
Keeping track of your annual CPD activities is quick and easy and it is of great benefit to the individual professional and the profession as a whole. The implementation of the new program is a learning process and APEGS welcomes members’ feedback. For more information visit the APEGS webpage.
Call for PD Speakers
Been to some really great professional development lately?
Attended an event with an inspiring keynote speaker?
Have something of your own to share that may interest others?APEGS is always on the lookout for great professional development sessions to offer members.
Email the Professional Development Committee at apegs@apegs.ca with the name of the speaker, the topic, and what made the session standout.APEGS may contact the speaker for professional development at our Spring PD Days, Fall PD Days, or Annual Meeting and Conference.
