CPD record audit checklist
Australian lawyers must complete 10 CPD units per year across four compulsory fields under the Legal Profession Uniform Continuing Professional Development Rules 2015. This checklist is for practice managers auditing CPD records.
This is a 12-step CPD record audit checklist for Australian lawyers. It covers compulsory fields, 10 unit requirement, evidence, and retention.
The checklist
Obtain the CPD register
Obtain the lawyer's CPD register for the current year.
Check total units
Check at least 10 CPD units have been completed.
Check ethics and responsibility
Check at least 1 unit of ethics and professional responsibility.
Check practice management
Check at least 1 unit of practice management and business skills.
Check professional skills
Check at least 1 unit of professional skills.
Check substantive law
Check at least 1 unit of substantive law.
Verify activity types
Verify activities fall within prescribed types — seminars, private study, writing, teaching.
Confirm evidence
Confirm attendance records, certificates, or publication evidence is on file.
Check private study cap
Check private study does not exceed the 5 unit cap.
Check special conditions
Check any conditions on the practising certificate requiring additional CPD.
Record shortfall plan
If shortfall exists, record the remediation plan before 31 March.
Retain records
Retain CPD records for at least 3 years after the end of the CPD year.
When this checklist applies
Use annually before the CPD year ends (31 March) and for random internal audits.
Common pitfalls
- Missing one of the four compulsory fields
- Private study exceeding the 5 unit cap
- Evidence not retained
- Conditioned PC additional requirements missed
- Shortfall not addressed before 31 March
Run this checklist on a real matter
Quillio can audit CPD records, classify units by field, and flag shortfalls. See /practice-areas/firm-management or start a free trial.
General guidance for CPD audits. Apply jurisdiction-specific CPD rules and conditions.
Use this checklist on your matter.
Quillio can run this checklist on a specific NSW conveyancing matter — confirm each item, calculate adjustments, and generate the supporting documents. The free trial requires no credit card.
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