AUSTRALIAN CPD & CPE REQUIREMENTS

Manual therapy CPD and CPE requirements across Australia.

A practical guide to continuing professional development and continuing professional education requirements for massage and remedial therapists, physiotherapists and chiropractors across Australia.

UNDERSTAND THE SYSTEM

One country. Two different regulatory pathways.

01

Nationally registered professions

Physiotherapists and chiropractors are registered through Ahpra and their National Boards. Their core CPD standards apply nationally rather than changing from state to state.

02

Massage and remedial therapy

Massage therapy is not an Ahpra-registered profession. CPD expectations commonly arise through association membership, private-health-fund recognition, insurance and professional practice obligations.

03

State and territory obligations

Local conduct codes, complaints arrangements, infection-control rules and other laws may still apply. Practitioners must check the rules relevant to where and how they practise.

INTERACTIVE CPD FINDER

Choose your profession and location.

Select a profession, then choose a state or territory. The result explains the national CPD position and directs you to the relevant local framework.

CURRENT NATIONAL SUMMARY

Requirements by profession.

Massage & remedial therapy

Association dependent

There is no single Ahpra CPD or CPE registration standard for massage therapists. Requirements depend on the association and professional arrangements under which the therapist practises.

  • AMT: practitioner members must complete at least 20 hours of CPD each year.
  • Massage & Myotherapy Australia: published requirements distinguish membership level, including current points and annual-hour expectations.
  • Private-health-fund recognition, insurer conditions and local conduct rules may add obligations.
Check AMT requirements Check Massage & Myotherapy Australia Explore massage courses

Physiotherapy / physical therapy

20 hours each year

The Physiotherapy Board of Australia requires registered physiotherapists to complete a minimum of 20 hours of CPD each year. The requirement applies nationally.

  • CPD should be relevant to the practitioner’s scope and learning needs.
  • A personal portfolio should record activities, reflection and supporting evidence.
  • Practitioners must declare compliance when renewing registration and may be audited.
Physiotherapy Board standards Explore physiotherapy courses

Chiropractic

20 hours each year

The Chiropractic Board of Australia requires registered chiropractors to complete at least 20 hours of CPD each year. The standard is national.

  • Learning should support patient outcomes, safety and evidence-informed practice.
  • Practitioners should plan their CPD and reflect on its effect on practice.
  • Records and supporting evidence should be retained for audit.
Chiropractic Board standards Explore courses by profession

REGIONAL DIRECTORY

State and territory guidance.

The national CPD totals for physiotherapists and chiropractors remain the same. These links help massage and other non-registered practitioners locate the relevant local conduct or complaints information.

New South WalesCode of Conduct for non-registered health practitioners VictoriaGeneral health service providers’ Code of Conduct QueenslandNational Code of Conduct for Health Care Workers Western AustraliaCode of Conduct FAQs and resources South AustraliaResources for non-registered health care workers TasmaniaHealth Complaints Commissioner Australian Capital TerritoryACT Human Rights Commission — health services Northern TerritoryCodes of conduct and current implementation information

BEFORE YOU ENROL

Confirm that the learning fits your requirement.

  1. 01
    Check the current rule

    Use the relevant National Board or association source. Requirements, categories and eligible activities may change.

  2. 02
    Confirm course relevance

    Make sure the subject is relevant to your scope of practice, learning plan and professional responsibilities.

  3. 03
    Keep your evidence

    Retain the certificate, course duration, learning objectives and any reflection or portfolio record your regulator or association requires.

RESEARCH & REVIEW

Built from current published guidance.

Research and page preparation by Niel Asher Education. Information reviewed 21 August 2026 using published National Board, Ahpra, professional-association and state or territory sources.

Professional requirements can change. Confirm the current rule and the eligibility of a particular course directly with the relevant regulator, association, insurer or provider arrangement.

CONTINUE LEARNING

Find accredited learning for your practice.

Review course-specific continuing-education information before enrolling, or use the CE Finder when you need help identifying the relevant recognition.

Important information

This guide is general educational information, not legal or regulatory advice. Requirements can change and individual circumstances differ. Always confirm current obligations and course eligibility directly with your National Board, professional association, insurer, health-fund/provider arrangement or relevant state or territory authority before relying on a course for CPD or CPE.