'%20stroke-width='17'%20stroke-linecap='square'%20stroke-linejoin='miter'%20stroke-miterlimit='20'/%3e%3cpath%20d='M%20117,135%20L%20117,15%20L%20167,78%20L%20217,15%20L%20217,135'%20fill='none'%20stroke='url(%23mmGrad)'%20stroke-width='17'%20stroke-linecap='square'%20stroke-linejoin='miter'%20stroke-miterlimit='20'/%3e%3crect%20x='12'%20y='141'%20width='205'%20height='4'%20fill='url(%23barGrad)'/%3e%3c/svg%3e)
What CPD actually means
CPD stands for Continuous Professional Development. Under the FAIS Fit and Proper framework, every Key Individual and every Representative who renders advice or intermediary services for a Tier 1 product has to complete a minimum number of CPD hours each year. The point is to keep your technical knowledge and your regulatory knowledge current.
CPD is measured in hours, not vague points. One hour of approved learning equals one CPD hour. Activities have to be approved by a recognised Professional Body and they have to be relevant to the functions you actually perform in your role.
The CPD cycle runs annually from 1 June to 31 May. If you are appointed part way through a cycle, your required hours are reduced on a pro rata basis for that first year.
How many hours you need
Most Representatives appointed to advise on a single sub category have to complete a minimum of six hours of CPD per cycle. Representatives appointed for two sub categories typically need twelve hours, and those appointed for more than two need eighteen hours. Key Individuals follow the same scale, often with additional hours required.
Of those hours, a portion has to come from verifiable activities. This means structured learning where attendance and content can be evidenced, not just reading articles on your own. Your CPD plan should be built before the cycle starts, not scrambled together in May.
Your FSP's compliance officer is responsible for tracking your hours, but the personal record sits with you. Keep your certificates and attendance confirmations in one place.
Where you can earn CPD
Approved CPD has to be offered through a Professional Body recognised by the FSCA, such as the Insurance Institute of South Africa, the Financial Planning Institute, the Compliance Institute Southern Africa, the Institute of Bankers in South Africa and several others. Each Professional Body publishes its own calendar of approved events, courses and webinars.
Many Insurers and Brokers also run accredited in house training that counts towards CPD, as long as it is approved through a Professional Body. Online webinars from product providers, structured workshops and recognised short courses are all common sources.
A practical approach is to anchor your CPD plan around your Professional Body of choice, top it up with provider webinars during the year and keep a running record of certificates. It turns CPD from a last minute scramble into a steady, manageable rhythm.
Looking for your next senior move?
Talk to our team