Practitioners are reminded that the current CPD year ends on 31 March 2026. It is a statutory condition to comply with the requirements of the Legal Profession Uniform Continuing Professional Development (Solicitors) Rules 2015 (CPD Rules) (see s 52 of the Legal Profession Uniform Law (NSW)).
Practitioners are reminded that they are required to declare their compliance with their CPD obligations pursuant to CPD Rule 13 when they apply to renew their practising certificate.
How do I comply?
The CPD Rules require practitioners to complete 10 CPD units with at least 1 CPD unit in each of the 4 compulsory fields (CPD rule 6) by 31 March 2026.
CPD obligations are based on self-assessment. Practitioners should take into consideration, amongst other things, CPD Rules 7 and 8 regarding the content and format those activities take in their self-assessment of CPD activities. Practitioners should be mindful of the caps that are placed on certain CPD activities (CPD rule 9)
Exemptions
Practitioners who are eligible for an exemption from their CPD requirements pursuant to CPD Rule 16 should ensure that they submit an online application no later than 1 March 2026. Applications received after 1 March 2026 may not be assessed prior to the end of the CPD year.
Practitioners who were issued with a practising certificate part way through the CPD year must complete CPD on a pro rata basis during the balance of the CPD year (CPD Rule 10) and are not required to make a separate application for an exemption in accordance with CPD Rule 16.
Further guidance
Please refer to our dedicated CPD page for more information regarding your CPD requirements. Any CPD questions can be emailed to: cpdcomliance@lawsociety.com.au
