ESSA CPD COURSES

Check out our range of ESSA CPD approved courses!

ESSA CPD Guidelines

ESSA’s annual accreditation cycle runs from 1 January to 31 December.

In each annual accreditation cycle, an ESSA accredited professional must accrue a minimum of 20 CPD points each year.

A minimum of 15 CPD points must be gained from activities within the FURTHER EDUCATION category.

The remaining points can come from either the FURTHER EDUCATION or SELF-EDUCATION/PROFESSIONAL CONTRIBUTIONS category.

A maximum of 5 points is allowed from self-education/professional contributions activities.

For more information - visit the ESSA website directly - www.essa.org.au

Frequently Asked Questions: ESSA CPD

1. What is ESSA CPD?

ESSA CPD stands for Continuing Professional Development required by Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA) to ensure exercise science professionals maintain currency, competence and best practice in their field throughout their career. CPD activities can include accredited courses, workshops, webinars and other learning experiences that meet ESSA standards.

2. How many ESSA CPD points do I need each year?

ESSA accredited professionals must accrue a minimum of 20 CPD points each calendar year (January–December). Of these, at least 15 points must come from Further Education category activities.

3. What counts as a Further Education CPD activity?

Further Education CPD activities are structured learning experiences such as accredited courses, seminars, workshops, or online training that develop your professional knowledge and skills. Self-directed learning or professional contribution activities may count toward the remaining points but have limits.

4. Can I use self-education or professional contributions for ESSA CPD?

Answer: Yes — activities such as self-directed study or professional contributions (e.g., presenting or publishing) can count toward your CPD points; however, a maximum of 5 points from self-education/professional contributions can be claimed per cycle.

5. How do I claim my ESSA CPD points?

After completing an approved CPD activity like a course from this page, you will receive documentation (e.g., certificate of completion). Log in to your ESSA online profile and submit this evidence and any required self-assessment to upload your CPD points to your logbook. (Often CPD points appear within 30 days of completion for ESSA PD activities.)

6. Do ESSA CPD points expire?

ESSA CPD points are logged and count toward the calendar year in which the activity was completed (1 January – 31 December). You must meet the yearly requirements within that cycle — unclaimed points do not carry over to the next year.

7. What types of ESSA CPD activities are accepted?

Accepted activities include ESSA-accredited online courses, workshops, webinars with assessment, industry conferences, formal training modules, and other learning opportunities that align with ESSA standards. Each activity must meet ESSA’s CPD requirements to be claimable.

8. What happens if I don’t meet my ESSA CPD requirements?

If you fail to accrue the minimum required CPD points by the end of the calendar year, you risk non-compliance with ESSA accreditation standards, which may affect your standing as an accredited professional.

9. How long does it take to complete ESSA CPD courses?

Time varies by course. Many online CPD courses are self-paced, while others may take several hours based on content and assessments. Always check the course details for estimated completion time.

Frequently Asked Questions: CPD Course

What is a CPD course?

A CPD (Continuing Professional Development) course is a structured learning activity that helps professionals maintain and improve their knowledge, skills and competency after qualification. CPD courses can be completed online or in person and are commonly required to maintain professional accreditation.

Who needs to complete CPD courses?

CPD courses are required by many professional bodies, including ESSA, for accredited exercise physiologists and exercise scientists. CPD ensures professionals stay current with best practice, research and industry standards.

Are CPD courses mandatory?

Yes, for most accredited health and fitness professionals, CPD is mandatory to maintain registration or accreditation. The exact CPD requirements depend on your governing body.

What types of CPD courses are available?

CPD courses can include online courses, webinars, workshops, conferences, seminars and formal training programs. Online CPD courses are popular because they are flexible and can be completed at your own pace.

Can CPD courses be completed online?

Yes. Many CPD courses are delivered 100% online, allowing you to complete them anytime and anywhere. Online CPD courses typically include learning modules and assessments to demonstrate understanding.

How long does a CPD course take?

This depends on the course. Some CPD courses can be completed in a few hours, while others may take several weeks. Most online CPD courses are self-paced.

ESSA-Specific CPD FAQs (Mid-funnel SEO)

Are these CPD courses suitable for ESSA professionals?

Yes. These courses are designed for exercise professionals and align with ESSA CPD requirements, making them suitable for ESSA-accredited members seeking CPD points.

How many CPD points can I earn from one course?

CPD points vary by course and are based on learning hours and assessment requirements. Each course clearly states how many ESSA CPD points it provides.

Do ESSA CPD points need to be completed every year?

Yes. ESSA professionals must meet CPD requirements within each calendar year to remain compliant with accreditation standards.

Do CPD points carry over to the next year?

No. ESSA CPD points must be completed and logged in the year they are earned and do not roll over into future years.

Your Brand / Conversion-Focused FAQs (Bottom-funnel)

Do I receive a certificate after completing a CPD course?

Yes. Upon successful completion, you’ll receive a certificate of completion which can be used as evidence when logging your CPD points.

Can I complete multiple CPD courses in one year?

Yes. You can complete as many CPD courses as you like, provided they meet ESSA CPD requirements.

Are these CPD courses self-paced?

Yes. All online CPD courses are self-paced, allowing you to complete them around work and personal commitments.

How soon can I start a CPD course?

You get immediate access after enrolment, so you can start straight away.

Who are these CPD courses best suited for?

These CPD courses are ideal for exercise physiologists, exercise scientists and allied health professionals looking to meet ESSA CPD requirements while expanding practical, real-world skills.