Explainer · New Zealand · sources checked 05 Oct 2026
CPD accreditation in New Zealand: what responsible authorities require, and a free checkable alternative
New Zealand has no single CPD accreditation. Each responsible authority sets its own rules, and most do not approve individual commercial courses. Overseas bodies sell membership to New Zealand providers. CPD Council offers verification against a public standard, free during its founding period, with the reviewer named on a public record and the provider's NZBN shown.
Photo: UnsplashWhat responsible authorities require
Nursing Council of New Zealand
At least 60 hours of professional development across the previous three years, alongside minimum practice hours. No approval of individual courses. Detail.
New Zealand Law Society
At least 10 hours each CPD year ending 31 March, with a written CPD plan and record that includes reflection. Detail.
Sources: Nursing Council, continuing competence; NZLS, CPD requirements. Checked 05 October 2026. More professions are added as we check each authority's page.
Options for a New Zealand provider
| Route | What it involves | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Authority approval | Only where an authority runs an approval scheme for its profession | Set by the authority |
| Overseas membership body | For example the UK CPD Standards Office, which states it has providers in Australia and New Zealand and asks for a minimum two-year commitment (site) | Membership, multi-year |
| CPD Council verification | Independent named reviewer, public record, NZBN shown, mark that links to the record, 24-month validity | NZ$0 now; A$1,000 + GST equivalent published before any fee |
How a New Zealand provider is verified
- ApplyFive items by email: procedure, people, three samples with review records, a certificate, activity list. NZBN in place of ABN.
- ReviewerQualified in New Zealand practice for your profession, with no interest in your business. Named on your record.
- CheckProcess read against the eight standards; three samples traced through them.
- RecordPublished with New Zealand as the country, your results per standard, and the date it runs out.
Founding places are the same for New Zealand providers. The first New Zealand entries take low register numbers. New Zealand page.
Questions
Is there a CPD accreditation body in New Zealand?
No single one. Each responsible authority sets its own CPD rules. The Nursing Council asks for 60 hours across three years and the New Zealand Law Society for 10 hours a year with a written plan and record, and neither approves individual commercial courses. Overseas bodies such as the UK CPD Standards Office sell membership to New Zealand providers.
Can New Zealand CPD providers be verified by CPD Council?
Yes, from launch. The CPD Council Standard applies unchanged in New Zealand. Providers supply their NZBN in place of an ABN, are reviewed by a reviewer qualified in New Zealand practice, and are listed on the same public register with New Zealand shown as the country. Verification is free during the founding period.
Does CPD Council verification count towards my practising certificate?
That is for the responsible authority to decide. CPD Council is not a regulator. It verifies how CPD is made: who wrote it, who reviewed it, how hours were set, how understanding was checked and when it expires. Professionals should keep records as their authority requires and confirm what it accepts.
The free route
One Standard, both sides of the Tasman. Free during founding.