Midwifery CPD Requirements in Australia (AHPRA Guide 2026)

Midwives in Australia must complete Continuing Professional Development (CPD) each year to maintain registration with AHPRA.

Understanding how many hours are required, what counts as CPD, and how to keep proper records can be challenging — especially for busy clinicians balancing shift work and professional responsibilities.

This guide explains the CPD requirements for midwives in Australia and how to stay compliant without last-minute stress.

Subscribe now to stay ahead of your CPD requirements

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What Is CPD for Midwives?

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) refers to learning activities that help midwives maintain and improve their knowledge, skills and professional practice.

CPD supports:

• Safe and evidence-based maternity care
• Professional growth and confidence
• Improved outcomes for mothers and babies
• Ongoing AHPRA registration

CPD is an annual requirement for maintaining registration as a midwife in Australia.

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How Many CPD Hours Do Midwives Need?

Most midwives must complete a minimum of 20 hours of CPD each year.

This requirement applies to:

• Registered midwives
• Nurses with dual registration (nurse and midwife)

CPD is linked to the annual AHPRA registration renewal cycle.

Even midwives working part-time or casually are generally required to complete CPD.

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What Activities Count as CPD?

Many learning activities can count towards CPD if they are relevant to your professional practice.

Examples include:

• Online CPD courses
• Workshops and seminars
• Conferences and professional events
• Reading research and clinical guidelines
• Workplace education sessions
• eLearning modules

The key requirement is that the activity must contribute to your professional development as a midwife.

Subscribe now to explore our comprehensive CPD course library

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What Evidence Do Midwives Need to Keep?

Midwives must maintain a record of CPD activities.

Your CPD record should include:

• Dates of learning activities
• Number of hours completed
• Learning outcomes
• Evidence such as certificates or notes
• A pre learning plan
• A post learning reflection exercise

Keeping organised records helps ensure you are prepared for registration renewal and possible audits.

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How to Track Midwifery CPD

Tracking CPD throughout the year helps avoid last-minute stress.

A structured tracker can help you:

• Monitor completed hours
• Record evidence
• Plan future learning
• Stay organised before renewal
• Complete a pre learning plan
• Complete a post learning reflection exercise

Click to Access our free CPD tracker

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What Happens If CPD Requirements Aren’t Met?

When renewing registration, midwives must declare they have met CPD requirements.

If CPD requirements are not met, AHPRA may:

• Request additional evidence
• Apply conditions to registration
• Require further education

Completing CPD regularly helps avoid these risks.

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Flexible Online CPD for Busy Midwives

Online CPD has become a popular option for midwives due to its flexibility.

Benefits include:

• Self-paced learning
• Access anytime and anywhere
• Wide range of clinical topics
• Easy access to certificates

Online learning fits well around rotating shifts and busy schedules.

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Free access: Midwifery CPD Tracker

A CPD tracker can help midwives stay organised throughout the year.

Access our  Free Midwifery CPD Tracker:

• Record CPD activities
• Monitor completed hours
• Keep evidence in one place
• Prepare for registration renewal
  

Access our free CPD tracker here.