Importance of CPD: 2023 Deadline Is Fast Approaching

Each year, registered pharmacists are required to submit at least six (6) Continuing Professional Development (CPD) entries by 31 December. Pharmacists are encouraged to record their CPD activities in areas including but not limited to lessons and skills learnt while practising, and any knowledge retained from journal articles, seminars, workshops and/or training courses.

As we approach the close of the year 2023, registered pharmacists are encouraged to take heed of the fast-approaching deadline. Registered and practising pharmacists are required to submit a minimum of six (6) CPD entries annually, in line with the Regulations relating to Continuing Professional Development (“CPD Regulations”).

According to the CPD Regulations, the deadline is extended by 31 days into the following year, however, pharmacists are encouraged to submit their CPD entries throughout the year to avoid submitting rushed entries. In the event that a practising pharmacist misses the submission deadline, that pharmacist will be designated non-compliant and non-practising.

Completing the Annual Declaration

The annual declaration must be done each year by 1 February. This declaration designates yourself as a practising or non-practising pharmacist. Should a pharmacist fail to provide an annual declaration by the deadline, the pharmacist will be auto-designated by Council depending on the previous year’s designation and/or CPD compliance status.

Ways to Submit Your CPD Entries

Council offers two ways to submit CPD entries: a four-step cycle beginning with reflection followed by planning, implementation, and evaluation, or a two-step cycle including only implementation and evaluation. Pharmacists are encouraged to submit at least one CPD entry bi-monthly to avoid rushed submissions towards year-end. Manual submissions are not acceptable under any circumstances.

Guides for CPD Success

The Office of the Registrar has made a multiplicity of resources available for pharmacists, including the CPD Guidance Document and how-to articles and videos via the SAPC CPD Blog, as well as the official SAPC YouTube Channel with tutorials and recordings of previous CPD Masterclass sessions.