February 2008
Continuing Professional Development
Membership and CPD
Changes were introduced in 2006 that require members to maintain their own programs of CPD. These programs are to result in the attainment of at least 30 points of CPD.
The online documents should be used as a guide for members to identify how to calculate CPD points.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is presently a requirement for all AILA Registered Landscape Architects.
2007 - 2008 Membership Changes
From mid 2007, the term used to describe a fully recognised AILA landscape architect (Associate) was changed to be: Registered Landscape Architect.
>> more on the membership changes
>> CPD guides
The new requirements for all AILA Registered Landscape Architects will be introduced whereby all registered members will be required to report on their CPD as part of their annual renewals. This means the report should be completed along with (or before) the annual renewals due mid 2008.
Identifying your CPD
As you would be aware, the breadth of practice within Landscape Architecture is very diverse with individuals having professional practice across a wide range of interests and disciplines. Because of this diversity, members are advised to seek relevant continuing professional development through a range of providers and via a range of means.
While a limited amount of CPD is provided through AILA talks series and seminar programs, members need to plan to access a variety of sources for their CPD opportunities. This includes other industry and professional associations, online training (both formal and informal) as well as research and keeping up to date through a range of reading matter, books, journals and online e-magazines.
Members in more regional areas are advised to seek out relevant CPD opportunities that may be presented through partner and allied organisations and professional bodies. The AILA is examining ways of linking into a range of online CPD. However, even if some was provided, individuals would still need to seek out their own particular professional development as it would be difficult for the AILA to be provider for the extensive range of disciplines within the profession of landscape architecture.
The emphasis must be on relevance to your practice and to access a range of opportunities provided by a range of providers. In this way, those living away from the metropolitan centres need not be disadvantaged. Opportunities for CPD need to sought through local agencies and associations with connections and relevance to your own professional practice requirements.
The Requirements
Annual reporting of a
CPD Program (30 points annually) is now an on-going requirement for Registered
Landscape Architects and is part of their annual renewal process (commencing 2008).
Graduate and Student
members are also encouraged to participate in CPD as part of their professional careers.
Your
CPD Program should be seen as a continuing education process that promotes
personal development of professional knowledge and skills.
The CPD report must be submitted before the payment of annual fees. Any fees received before the report will held over (pending receipt of the CPD report) but not recorded as being paid.
>> CPD Documents
2008 and beyond - The CPD Reporting Process
The process for reporting on the CPD will be announced later in 2007. This process will be flexible to allow for members to report on their own programs of relevant CPD.
...........................
Registered members will be encouraged to use an online process to renew their membership, complete CPD requirements and pay annual fees in mid 2008.
That is, there will be requirement for all registered members to annually supply basic details on their professional development.
This process is to be accessible and not onerous – as Council recognises that members already undertake a broad range of professional development and the system should be a tool to provide recognition for the members’ on-going commitment to their own professional practice.
It is planned therefore to have an online system that not only records CPD but also encourages all landscape architects to seek new opportunities for CPD and to consider CPD as life-long.
The other factor to be recognised is that many professionals are mentors to others and/or continue to have life-long mentor relationships with their colleagues.