AUSTRALIA'S LEGAL CPD REQUIREMENTS BY STATE
LEGAL CPD IN AUSTRALIA
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is a core requirement for Australian lawyers, supporting ongoing competence, ethical practice and professional standards across the profession. While CPD is a compliance obligation, it also plays an important role in maintaining practical skills and professional judgement throughout a legal career.
How lawyers approach CPD can differ. Some plan learning activities across the CPD year, while others focus on meeting requirements closer to reporting deadlines. Understanding how you manage CPD can help you plan more effectively.
CPD is most effective when it is planned, relevant to current practice, and aligned with professional responsibilities. A structured approach to CPD can help lawyers strengthen professional judgement and reduce risk, while meeting regulatory requirements.
At-a-glance: Australia’s Legal CPD Requirements by State
This page covers:
- Key differences in CPD requirements by state and territory
- National CPD requirements and how they apply across the profession
- How lawyers can plan their CPD year more effectively
- Who is responsible for CPD compliance and record-keeping
- Useful links and regulator contacts for CPD information
HOW DO CPD REQUIREMENTS DIFFER BY STATE AND TERRITORY?
Each state and territory sets its own CPD requirements, including the CPD year, total CPD units required, mandatory categories and any carry-over rules. The table below provides a general summary only and should be read alongside guidance issued by the relevant regulator.
Summary only. Always confirm with your regulator.
| State / Territory | Total CPD units | Mandatory categories | Carry-over | Additional Requirements & Regulator |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New South Wales (NSW) 1 April – 31 March |
10 | Ethics; Practice management; Professional skills; Substantive law | Up to 3 units (Jan–Mar) | Additional requirements apply to accredited specialists. Regulator: Law Society of NSW |
| Victoria (VIC) 1 April – 31 March |
10 | Ethics; Practice management; Professional skills; Substantive law | Up to 3 units (Jan–Mar) | Self-assessment framework. No cap on interactive study. Regulator: Law Institute of Victoria |
| Queensland (QLD) 1 April – 31 March |
10 | Ethics; Practice management; Professional skills; Substantive law | Yes | Points accrued over the 10 between Jan and March can be carried. Regulator: Queensland Law Society |
| Western Australia (WA) 1 April – 31 March |
10 | Ethics; Practice management; Professional skills; Substantive law | Up to 3 units (Jan–Mar) | Additional obligations may apply to some practitioners. No cap on interactive study. Regulator: Legal Practice Board of Western Australia |
| South Australia (SA) 1 April – 31 March |
10 | Ethics; Practice management; Professional skills; Substantive law; Bullying, discrimination and Harassment | Yes - check the regulator rules | Multimedia/recorded programs capped at 5 units per year. Regulator: Law Society of South Australia |
| Tasmania (TAS) 1 May – 30 April |
10 | Ethics; Practice management; Professional skills; Substantive law; Equality and Wellbeing | Yes - check the regulator rules | Different CPD year to most jurisdictions. Multimedia capped at 5 points per year. Regulator: Law Society of Tasmania |
| Australian Capital Territory (ACT) 1 April – 31 March |
10 | Ethics; Practice management; Professional skills; Substantive law | No | No cap on interactive study. Educational audio/video accepted. Regulator: Law Society of the ACT |
| Northern Territory (NT) 1 April – 31 March |
10 | Ethics; Practice management; Professional skills; Substantive law | Up to 3 units (Jan–Mar) | No cap on interactive study. 5 point cap on non-interactive on-demand content. Regulator: Law Society Northern Territory |
HOW LEGAL CPD WORKS ACROSS AUSTRALIA
CPD frameworks are set and administered by state and territory regulators. While the detail varies, most jurisdictions share common features:
- a minimum number of CPD units per CPD year
- mandatory CPD categories
- record-keeping and audit requirements
CPD in Australia operates on a self-assessment model. Lawyers are responsible for evaluating and documenting their own learning activities to ensure compliance with the CPD requirements set by the regulator in the state or territory in which they practise.
When selecting legal CPD courses, it is also important to consider accreditation, format and relevance to practice. Our article, Choosing on-demand CPD courses, outlines factors lawyers commonly consider when making these decisions.
BECAUSE REQUIREMENTS VARY, MANY LAWYERS USE A MIX OF CPD FORMATS TO MEET THEIR OBLIGATIONS
Learn smarter, not harder: why CPD bundles are a lawyer’s best friend explains how structured options can help cover mandatory areas efficiently. Whether a particular activity satisfies CPD requirements remains a matter for each lawyer to assess.
HOW SHOULD LAWYERS PLAN THEIR CPD YEAR?
Leaving CPD until the final months of the CPD year limits choice and increases pressure. Lawyers who plan early tend to cover mandatory areas more effectively and avoid last-minute compliance issues. New year, new opportunities to get your CPD sorted outlines why early planning makes CPD easier to manage.
A practical approach is to:
- identify mandatory CPD categories at the start of the CPD year
- spread CPD activities across the year
- track CPD points for lawyers as activities are completed
For firms and in-house teams, CPD challenges are often about coordination rather than motivation. CPD without the chaos: smarter training, stronger teams and Stop the scramble: here’s a simpler CPD solution for your organisation both explore how structured planning reduces disruption and compliance risk.
WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR LAW CPD COMPLIANCE AND RECORD-KEEPING?
Lawyers are responsible for evaluating and documenting their own learning activities to ensure compliance with CPD requirements. This includes:
- retaining evidence of CPD completion
- categorising CPD correctly
- being able to demonstrate relevance if audited
Accurate record-keeping supports compliance and reduces risk.
USEFUL LINKS AND REGULATOR CONTACTS
CPD requirements are set and administered by state and territory regulators. Lawyers are responsible for referring to the relevant authority to confirm how CPD obligations apply to their practising certificate.
- Law Society of New South Wales
- Law Institute of Victoria
- Queensland Law Society
- Law Society of Western Australia
- Law Society of South Australia
- Law Society of Tasmania
- Law Society of the ACT
- Law Society Northern Territory
Last updated January 2026
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Most Australian lawyers must complete 10 CPD units per CPD year. Requirements are set by state and territory regulators and apply to practising certificate holders. Some lawyers, such as accredited specialists, may have additional obligations.
CPD must cover the following mandatory categories:
- Ethics and professional responsibility
- Practice management and business skills
- Professional skills
- Substantive law
Each regulator sets minimum expectations across these areas.
Yes, but limits apply in most jurisdictions.
Non-interactive CPD, such as recorded webinars or video-based learning, is commonly capped at 5 CPD units per CPD year. Lawyers should check their regulator’s rules and keep evidence of completion.
Some jurisdictions allow limited carry-over of CPD points, usually when points are completed late in the CPD year. Rules vary by state and territory, and carry-over points cannot be double-counted. Always confirm with your regulator.
