Continuing professional education (CPD) keeps you current with industry trends and helps you excel in your current role. It also offers the opportunity to make connections, which can lead to new and exciting ideas and employment opportunities. CPD is also critical to your career, as it maintains your edge in the employment market and demonstrates to your employers, clients and colleagues that you are passionate about your professional growth.

When selecting your learning, consider what you are passionate about, what new skills could enhance your current role and which future skills could propel your career in exciting new directions.

Here are six things to focus on when selecting and completing your CPD hours.

1. Seize the opportunity to upskill in essential trending topics

AI technologies are increasingly taking centre stage. Coupled with pressures such as slowing growth, geopolitical instability and possible recession, AI can help you understand data, opportunities and risks, as well as improve your accuracy and efficiency.

Sustainability knowledge is also highly sought after, as regulatory requirements change and emphasis on environmental responsibility grows.

Regardless of which sector you work in, upskilling in these two critical areas is vital for both the organisation you work in and for your career.

2. Ensure you have completed your mandatory ethics training

Ongoing ethics training is crucial to maintaining the integrity of the profession and preserving public trust. Understanding your ethical responsibilities can help you navigate complex situations with confidence.

Six hours of ethics training per triennium is a mandatory CPD obligation for CA ANZ members and essential for maintaining professional standards. Ethics learning is available in flexible, on-demand formats, including micro courses.

3. Conferences

Conferences are an opportunity to network, immerse yourself in a specific area of interest, sharpen your technical and professional skills, and stay abreast of the latest industry changes and trends.

4. Online and on-the-job learning

There are many flexible, self-paced, online CPD options available, which allow members to fit learning into their busy schedules. Consider micro courses, available in inspiring and trending areas such as AI, sustainability and leadership, which can be completed in one to seven hours.

You can also undertake up to 50% of your verifiable CPD hours in the form of on-the-job training, which recognises that a significant amount of professional development happens in your role. Please ensure this is accurately authorised and documented.

5. CA ANZ certificates

A recognised credential, a CA ANZ certificate is a longer program of flexible, interactive learning. It’s designed to help develop your practical skills and foster a deep understanding of a topic in the context of finance and the accounting profession.

One example that could help you position yourself to lead in new tech adoption is the certificate in AI fluency.

6. Non-verifiable CPD hours

Members can add to their non-verifiable CPD through professional reading, mentoring, teaching or presenting. The CA Library has a vast collection of complimentary, technical and soft-skill resources to help you meet your non-verifiable CPD requirements.

Reading Acuity magazine in print or online can also count towards your non-verifiable CPD. Simply record the time spent on reading, listening to podcasts or engaging in general learning.

These activities do not require formal proof and contribute up to 30 CPD hours over each triennium.

What are your fellow CAs studying?

Here are five of the most popular, flexible courses on rapidly evolving topics to make sure you stay ahead.

1. Certificate in AI fluency: harness the potential of generative AI (genAI) with confidence and responsibility. Learn how to use genAI tools effectively, develop strategic plans for AI implementation and design governance frameworks that support ethical and responsible use. Upon completion, you’ll earn a CA ANZ digital badge to showcase your AI capabilities and leadership in digital transformation.

2. Introduction to generative AI in finance micro course: gain insights into AI’s transformative capabilities, explore ethical and risk considerations, and equip yourself with the skills to strategically implement AI-driven initiatives within your organisation.

3. Sustainability essentials micro course: aimed at financial professionals with limited experience in sustainability principles and concepts, this micro course focuses on understanding sustainability and how sustainability principles can be applied in a work practice.

4. Monthly tax update series 2025–26: stay up to date with this ongoing tax webinar series, with legislative updates and regulatory developments, ensuring you provide the best advice to your clients.

5. Ethics: Conflicts of interest micro course: gain practical tools and frameworks to further develop your ethical judgement, enhance public trust and ensure compliance with the latest code of ethics updates.