FAQ
What is CPD?
CPD stands for Continuing Professional Development. It is how professionals maintain and enhance their knowledge and skills. It refers to the process of tracking and documenting the skills, knowledge and experience gained both formally and informally during work activities, beyond any initial training. It is a record of personal experience, learning and application in professional fields of work.
The aim of the Continuous Professional Development system is to ensure that practicing professionals continue to improve and enhance their skills, whilst simultaneously keeping abreast of new technologies or methods proposed and implemented in their respective professions.
When will the system be implemented?
The CPD system officially launched on 1 April 2017 and runs in five year cycles.
Will everybody start at the same time?
Yes. Whilst a phased implementation was proposed during the initial planning phase, this was abandoned and hence the system’s implementation applies to all SACNASP members simultaneously, regardless of the date of original registration. New members applying for SACNASP membership will start their CPD cycle on the date of registration.
How many credits do I need?
You need 25 credits over a 5-year cycle. Mandatory credits must be earned in each of three categories. You will be required to accumulate a minimum of 3 credits in any one year.
What records do I need to keep?
Category 1 – Certificate of attendance from the training provider. Also make sure you sign the attendance register. Remember that you can only earn CPD points for courses validated by SACNASP. Attending courses validated by other organisations (e.g. ECSA) will not be considered towards your CPD points. It is YOUR responsibility to ensure that the course you attend is SACNASP validated.
Category 2 – Contract in place stipulating your hours of work or invoices should you work for yourself. Any form of formalised record confirming your working hours.
- If you mentor staff you should have some sort of record or minutes of meetings or training plans in place.
Category 3 – VA (SAIEG) membership number.
- You, or your company, should have some proof of other activities e.g. subscription to industry magazines or attendance records or confirmation of further studies etc.
Where do I submit my details/records?
You can submit your details at cpd.sacnasp.org.za. Click here to watch a video on how to login to your CPD Portfolio and and how add your activities to your portfolio of evidence.
What happens to my annual renewal until my first five year cycle is complete?
Until 2022 annual registration carries on as usual and does not need CPD points.
Can my company also submit training events for validation?
Yes companies can register and submit training events for CPD validation.
Is there a website where I can submit my events for validation?
Yes, go to www.sacnaspcpd.org and register your events there. If you are unsure, you can also consult SAIEG by sending an e-mail to cpd@saieg.co.za.
Do I have to keep a record of everything or will SAIEG assist in this matter?
Every member is responsible for keeping track of his own portfolio. Members must manage and update their own personal portfolios by logging on to the SACNASP CPD website at https://cpd.sacnasp.org.za/
The system default is to use your current membership number as user name and your identification number is used as your password.
How will I know when to renew my registration?
SACNASP will send you notifications on renewal dates and credits you need. Periodic reminders may also be sent to remind members to update their profiles.
Will I be audited?
Yes, that is a possibility! 10% of the members on SACNASP’s database will be audited.
Do I have to submit everything?
No, you only need to keep your portfolio of evidence up to date. You will only need to submit everything when you get audited.
If I don’t keep up to date, due to illness, will SACNASP cancel my registration?
No, SACNASP will assist you to meet the requirements within reason. You will need to present sufficient proof and motivation for such circumstances, though.
Will a course validated by organisation other than SACNASP be recognised for CPD points?
No. SACNASP does not recognise other (of the many) organisations that validate courses for CPD points. SACNASP only recognises courses relevant to scientists, i.e. courses validated by SACNASP or one of its VA’s.
However, you may submit an enquiry to SAIEG if you feel a particular course has merit and enough overlapping interest with our field of study to justify validation. If approved by the SAIEG Council, the course can then be reviewed and validated for CPD points, if the course content is deemed suitable.
Remember, SACNASP validated courses must have scientific significance and courses largely focussed on other professions (e.g. engineering) may not necessarily be supported for SACNASP members.
A list of validated courses is listed on SACNASP members’ personal profiles under the “Events” section. SAIEG will also periodically update a list on the SAIEG website of upcoming courses recommended for our members.
If you would like to present a course for CPD validation or if you have any questions or queries, please contact cpd@saieg.co.za.