Continuing Professional Development Program Guidelines Much of what is learned in obtaining a qualification in today s rapidly changing business environment can quickly become obsolete. Most would agree that this applies to risk management. In order to cope with the need for professionals to keep up to date, it has become common practice among institutes and educational associations to require their members to undertake continuing professional development (CPD). This usually takes the form of a prescribed minimum of educational or professional development activity, undertaken within a certain time frame. The Risk Management Institution of Australasia Limited (RMIA) currently has in place a voluntary CPD program at the member level and a mandatory CPD program for members holding the designation of Certified Practicing Risk Manager (CPRM). Because member needs are different, it will be the final responsibility of the individual to assess each activity and to judge whether, it fits within RMIA s CPD guidelines. The Continuing Professional Development (CPD) program is open to all financial Members of RMIA who wish to achieve recognition for the activities they have undertaken during the year to advance the knowledge and skills that contribute towards their continued professional standing in risk management. This includes members residing overseas. It should be noted, however, that overseas participants may need to obtain CPD risk management point ratings on some educational activities that are unique to their area and which fall outside the guidelines. This can be done by contacting RMIA to discuss and validate relevant details for recognition of the activity. CPD Program Guidelines 2014 Page 1
A random audit is undertaken of the schedule of activities submitted by applicants for CPD status, to ensure that standards are maintained. A Schedule of CPD Eligible Activities and the points awarded is attached for information. How to Join the Program Mandatory CPD Program Participation in the CPD program is a mandatory requirement for all members of RMIA who hold the Certified Practicing Risk Manager certification. Under Article 12.4 of the RMIA Constitution, members holding the CPRM designation must certify that they have enhanced their knowledge through structured professional development programs by completing at least 30 hours of CPD in the 12 months preceding their application for renewal of their annual CPRM license. Members holding the CPRM designation are automatically enrolled into the CPD program. Voluntary CPD Program Becoming a voluntary participant and recording your CPD on the Membership Register is very easy. All that has to be done is to log into your RMIA Membership file on-line - register and record those developmental activities which you undertake during the year and which comply with the Schedule of Eligible Activities. Be sure to keep records evidencing attendance at the various activities listed on your CPD Register. The minimum amount of CPD activity considered appropriate at member level will be 20 hours of structured professional development (20 CPD Points). CPD Program Guidelines 2014 Page 2
Requirements for CPD Compliance The Schedule of Eligible Activities shown in Table 1 provides an overview of the type of activities that members can use to accrue a minimum of 20 CPD Points for the voluntary program and 30 CPD Points for the CPRM mandatory program over a period of one calendar year. In all cases, the year will commence on the 1st August and conclude on the 31st July of the same year. CPD Points will not be cumulative. This means that if the full points for either the voluntary or mandatory program have not been gained between 1 August and 31 July of any one year, the points will lapse at 31 July. Should this occur, you should commence recording CPD recognised activities on a new Credit Register for the following year. Should a member comply with the voluntary program for one or more years and then, for whatever reason, not meet the requirements in the following year, the only consequence of that situation is that the annual CPD register will be incomplete for that year. Online CPD Registration will soon be available via RMIA s updated website. The updated functionality of www.rmia.org.au will enable you to log into your RMIA Membership file online - register and record those developmental activities which you undertake during the year and which comply with the Schedule of Eligible Activities. Refer to APPENDIX 1. Note: As an interim measure members can use the CPD Register shown in APPENDIX 2 ( also available in Word format) to manually record and register their Professional Development Activities annually via: Email: admin@rmia.org.au Fax: 02 9262 3311: Post: RMIA Corporate Office, Suite 4 Level 1, 56 Church Avenue, Mascot NSW 2020 Types of CPD Activity Recognised The following types of structured professional developmental activities are provided as a guide: 1.Seminars Seminars and Webinars recognised by RMIA Limited and overseas affiliated institutes are central to the program. The CPD Points allocation will vary with the length of the seminar. 2. Lunchtime, breakfast or evening meetings Lunchtime, breakfast or evening meetings at which a presentation is made on a topic of relevance to the member s current or future professional needs. CPD Program Guidelines 2014 Page 3
3. Meetings of discussion groups Meetings of discussion groups (including on-line discussion groups) recognised by the RMIA which provide a forum for exchange of technical information which contributes to a member s current or future professional needs. 4. Conferences Attendance at conferences organised by RMIA Limited, overseas institutes and other associations delivering programs with a risk management focus. 5. Tertiary Courses Presented by Educational Institutions Formal employment related courses conducted by Universities and VET Providers which lead to a degree, graduate certificate or diploma, master s degree or doctorate. Included under this category are non-award or extra mural short courses and residential schools run by Universities, provided that the content of such courses is relevant to the Member s professional circumstances. 6. Articles Published in Technical Journals Learned articles submitted to and published in an RMIA Limited journal and other technical journals associated with risk management. The CPD Points that may be claimed under the CPD program for participation in each of the activities is set out in the Schedule of Eligible Activities. Frequently Asked Questions What is continuing professional development? The objective of CPD is to ensure that accredited professionals maintain the currency of their skills and knowledge. This is particularly important in an environment of rapidly evolving markets, changing laws and regulations. It is the obligation of the accredited professional to ensure that they continually improve their ability to do their job, and to expand their technical and professional skills through education. CPD encourages continuous learning throughout a professional career What is required to maintain your RMIA accreditation? In addition to maintaining your membership with RMIA, accredited members must also meet their CPD requirements by: Maintaining knowledge and skills that are appropriate for their activities and responsibilities, and are consistent with the training standards; Updating their knowledge and skills, especially in areas where there is continual change (e.g. legislation, regulatory policies and standards, and new market practices); and Developing new knowledge and skills to assist with their current role or roles contemplated in the future. What constitutes a membership year? The membership year runs from August 1 to July 31 each year. CPD Program Guidelines 2014 Page 4
This year I have accumulated 25 CPD points. Can I carry over the excess 5 points to next year? No. CPD points must be accumulated within the current year. Will I have to accrue CPD points whilst I am on maternity or sick leave? No. It is not a requirement to undertake CPD during maternity or extended sick leave until such time as you return to work. CPD is pro-rated from the time of your return to the end of the membership year. APPENDIX 1 Schedule of Eligible Activities The following table provides a guide to a range of professional development activities and the recommended point allocation for each activity. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITY GUIDE Section A 1. 2. RMIA events and programs for example - breakfast, lunchtime or evening meetings and forums, discussion groups, seminars, webinars, conferences, conventions or training courses. Attendance at breakfast, lunchtime or evening meetings, discussion groups, seminars, conferences, conventions or training courses run by professional institutes, tertiary institutions and their overseas equivalents, educational bodies or industry associations at which a presentation is made on a topic which is relevant to one s occupation. NOTE: If the activity is a full day session with a formal assessment and certification, successful participants will be able to claim the maximum event points for the activity. 3. Successful completion of a unit in an award course run by a university, college or recognised educational institute in Australia, or recognised by Australian Universities, relating to one s occupation. 4. Submitting and having an article relating to the management of risk publicised in a recognised journal. 5. Making a formal presentation relating to the management of risk of at least 45 minutes duration to a conference, seminar, workshop, lecture, tutorial or similar event. CPD Points Breakfast, lunchtime or evening Sessions.2 Other sessions (per half day).6 Full day session 12 Maximum (per event)...15 Breakfast, lunchtime or evening Sessions..1 Half day sessions..3 Full day session.6 Maximum (per event).9 Per unit...20 Per article... 20 Per presentation...10 CPD Program Guidelines 2014 Page 5
6. Membership of a technical committee, working group or sub committee relating to the development of risk management Standards and related publications. 7. Membership of professional or technical committee or sub committee relating to professional development in risk management. 8. Enquiries relating to CPD credit for activities not covered above can be submitted to the RMIA Board for review. Section B Specific Events Per meeting of more than 6 hours... 5 Maximum... 20 Per committee... 5 Maximum... 10 Updates on specific events falling outside the above criteria and their corresponding CPD Points will be sent out to members from time to time. APPENDIX 2 Continued Professional Development Register Name: Date of Activity Description of Activity; the duration, organiser & where held Member Number: e Section Number CPD points registered (If you need more rows, please insert them) Declaration of Compliance I,.. of. CPD Program Guidelines 2014 Page 6
Hereby certify that I have accumulated not less than 20 Risk Management points (or 30 points for CPRM designation) based on Eligible Activities which are recorded in my CPD Register for the period 1 st August to 31 st July. I shall retain my Credit Register and supporting documentation for 12 months to enable examination by RMIA, if required. Signed: Dated: Note: This declaration must be submitted to the RMIA by 31 st October for the period following the year cycle to which it relates. Please return this signed form to the RMIA Corporate Office via: Email: admin@rmia.org.au Fax: 02 9262 3311: RMIA Corporate Office, Suite 4 Level 1, 56 Church Avenue, Mascot NSW 2020 CPD Program Guidelines 2014 Page 7