How do I complete my CPD?

The RACS CPD Program is supported by a refreshed 'CPD dashboard'.

Features include:

• Navigate between the previous, current, and the next CPD period
• View your overall progress in terms of percentage and days left
• Define and manage your CPD Plan based on your Area of Practice
• Complete and manage Audit, Education, and Performance Review related activities
• Access help and knowledge articles
• Manage your profile
• Complete and view your progress on Education related activities
• Submit Exemption Requests
• Manage Areas of Practice
• Access to CPD certificates and transcripts

An example of the CPD dashboard is displayed below. 

With the CPD mobile app, you can manage your CPD from the palm of your hand by completing CPD activities as per your individual Learning Plan. 

To download the app, please follow the instructions below.

Step 1: Download the App
Scan the QR code or click the link below as per your mobile phone operating system and download the app for free!

Step 2: Activate your CPD profile
Sign in using your CPD Online portal credentials to access your profile.
Remember to use your RACS Username, i.e., the one ending in @my.surgeons.org 
If you’ve not yet activated your RACS Username, please refer to the user guide for detailed steps on how to set up your account. 

Step 3: Start creating CPD activities
Start creating activities, accessing your learning plan, and tracking the progress on various competencies with the tap of a finger.

Note: Please allow some time for the initial first-time sync of your profile details and CPD related data and settings. Once done, you can begin entering activities and managing your CPD journey from within the palm of your hand.

The RACS Program is an annual program implemented across a calendar year (1 January - 31 December). Participants are expected to have their CPD submitted by no later than 28 February.

The CPD Program requires participants to self-report their activity. Once a participant has logged sufficient activity against each category, the online platform will automatically recognise their compliance with the requirements. Participants can finalise their CPD for that year and access a CPD certificate.

For those participants who are selected to verify their participation – 5% per annum – they must first provide evidence of participation in the activities logged, sufficient to meet the minimum requirement for each category.

Please click here to access example profiles and how they would complete their CPD.

Each year 5% of RACS participants are selected to verify their CPD activity. The verification process requires participants to submit supporting documentation for their activities to a level sufficient to meet the minimum requirements in each category. Participants will also need to demonstrate that the activities are relevant to their self-defined Areas of Practice.

Please see information on acceptable documents for verification (PDF 167.89KB).

Participants selected for verification will be notified at least 6 weeks before the end of the CPD period.

You can make an application for an exemption through your CPD dashboard. All applications are and assessed confidentially by the Professional Standards Manager and/or CPD Lead.  Where further information or assessment is required, the Professional Standards Manager or CPD Lead will contact the participant to confirm their consent to escalate the matter to the Executive Director for Surgical Affairs (Australia), Surgical Advisor (Aotearoa New Zealand) or the Professional Standards Chair.

Requests for exemptions can be for the full requirement or a partial exemption from one or more category.

Fellows of RACS in orthopaedics can elect to participate in the AOA or NZOA CPD Programs, which are recognised by RACS as comparable. Fellows choosing this option can notify the College either online or via email of their participation in an alternative program.

As part of RACS’ commitment to continuous improvement, a new three-step system to facilitate the reassessment of RACS decisions has been introduced.

This process is available to any person, organization, or body corporate directly affected by an adverse decision made in relation to the training and education functions of the College.

Where applicable, and after meeting the requirements set out in the Reconsideration, Review, and Appeals Policy (RRA Policy), applicants can have an adverse decision reassessed as per the three steps outlined below.

For further information, please refer to RRA on the RACS website.

In addition to guides, professional development and standards, RACS offers support to participants to complete their CPD via:

• Executive Director for Surgical Affairs (EDSA) in Australia and Surgical Advisors in Aotearoa New Zealand - available for advice and support on request
• Clinical Director (SIMG) - available to support SIMG’s on a pathway to FRACS
• Audit Assistance;

- Peer review of audit

- Peer review of medico legal reports via the RACS medico legal section

- Peer review of locum logbooks facilitate via the EDSA

- Advice on ANZASM participation via the Clinical Director, Research and Audit

• Access to support for re-entry and re-skilling program
• RACS Fellows and SIMGs can access the RACS Support Program