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| Contents of FAQs |
- General questions
- Transition issues
- Activity questions
- Record keeping
- Old system questions
- New system questions
- Samples of points collection and application to renewal of licence
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General questions
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Do I have to accumulate Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points?
If you hold a building or swimming pool builder licence or certificate as an individual you are required to gain CPD points and to record a minimum of 12 points each year.
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I hold a restricted Builders Ticket; do I have to do CPD?
NO, only full Builder licence holders.
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What if I only work part-time?
If you want to keep your licence or certificate you are required to do CPD.
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Page 4 of the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) booklet states - “CPD activities” earn you either 1 or 2 points per hour or up to 4 points per year.
Does this mean they are capped? By this I mean are you only able to do so many of one activity?
There is no capping in the new system.
Points per hour for CPD are based on the following:
1 point per hour - Must be interactive and have an identifiable learning outcome relating to 1 of the 8 topics listed above.
2 point per hour - Assessed learning delivered from a training package.
4 points per year - Relates to employing apprentices or trainees and/or if your partner/associate/wife undertakes CPD activities on behalf of the business.
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What are the exceptions?
In extenuating circumstances, the Commissioner may exempt a licensee or certificate holder from completing part or all of the requirements for CPD. Circumstances are limited and may relate to serious illness or misadventure.
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The CPD system only refers to Swimming Pool Builders and Builders at the moment.
Correct, the current system only requires Builders and Swimming Pool Builders to maintain CPD points.
Whilst CITAB does encourage the participation in ongoing professional development, at present only builders and swimming pool builders are required to document and report CPD points to maintain licences.
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My husband and I have a PTY LTD building firm. Both the Company and my husband, nominated supervisor, hold a builder licence. Does the company as well as the nominated supervior, under the new laws have to accumulate CDP points?
Yes, under the new system the individual licence holder needs to earn 12 points per year. However, a company is not required to earn points.
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Does a provider have to be registered with CITAB on the CPD system in order to offer points?
No, the provider can still offer CPD points even if they are not registered on the CPD website, but we encourage the providers to register.
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If someone has done an activity by a provider who’s not on the CITAB website, can they still claim points?
Yes, you can still recieve CPD points if the provider is not registered on the CPD website, but we encourage providers to register as this will provide wider access to the information and awareness for contractors.
You can contact CITAB for verification of the activity as meeting on of the eight (8) topics.
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What are the eight (8) topics specified in the 12 point system?
The eight (8) topics specified are as follows:
- Technical Building issues
- Sustainability
- Compliance
- Communication
- Dispute resolution
- Contracts
- Safety
- Business Management
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Am I right that the new system comes into action on the Licence holder’s renewal date?
Yes.
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My renewal date is in May, I am under the old 25 point system. Do I still have to get my 25 points by May?
Yes.
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I am still under the old 25 point system and have 19 spare points. Can I carry them over to the new 12 point system.
Yes, you can carry these points over till your renewal date and then you have to change to the new system. When you change over to the new system any left over points from the old system are lost.
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Did I hear that if someone doesn’t have a computer or is not computer literate, they can go to a local RTO or TAFE and they can ask for assistance in looking up the information?
Yes, this is true. They can either go to an RTO, a Council library or a TAFE.
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How many points must I earn each year?
For the new system, you need to hold a minimum of 12 points per year. It is a good idea to plan ahead so that the points are achievable.
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What if I’m retired?
So long as you want to keep your licence or certificate, you must gain CPD points.
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How do I know if a training provider is legitimate?
You can search the CITAB website or call us on 02 9987 4027.
Also you can access the National Training Information Service (NTIS) a database on vocational education and training in Australia. Details can be found at NTIS.
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I work for a large organisation that provides regular training programs. Can this training count towards my individual licence?
Yes, this training can be included in your CPD, as long as it falls within the eight (8) topic areas. It will usually earn 1 point per hour. If the training is delivered by a Registered Training Organisation and forms part of a qualification from a National Training Package, and includes assessment, it will earn 2 CPD points per hour.
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Will my licence be renewed even if I haven’t earned all my points?
The Home Building Act states that CPD must be completed before an application for renewal or restoration of a licence or certificate can be accepted. If you do not comply with the CPD requirements OFT may reject your application until you have completed the points. You need to provide Fair Trading with reasons setting out why you have not met the CPD requirements. If there are special circumstances you should apply for an exemption.
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What if I don’t work in the industry but still want to keep my licence?
Yes, If you want to keep your licence or certificate you are required to do CPD.
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Where do I get further advice?
All licensing and CPD enquiries should be referred to the Fair Trading information Centre on 13 32 20 or to any Fair Trading Centre or by email through the Fair Trading website www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au.
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When does the new system start?
For you, it is as from your next licence renewal after the 1st January 2008. You will need to report 25 points for your current renewal and then 12 points per year after that.
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Are any of the categories compulsory for getting points?
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Is it compulsory to do at least one item from each category?
No, what you choose to do is up to you.
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How will the OFT know if I’m earning my points?
When you declare the number of points on your renewal form, the declaration must be true. It is an offence under the Crimes Act to make a false or misleading statement. The checking occurs when OFT audits these claims by the following methods:
- Requesting that you supply your supporting documents, receipts, academic transcripts etc.
- Cross checking this information with training providers
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Where does the authority come from to require me to do CPD?
The authority comes from the Home Building Act 1989 Section 40 (2D) and (2E). These sections give the Commissioner authority to require people in the residential building industry to undertake further education and training.
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A licence is up for renewal in April and the licence holder has no points yet. The licence is currently under the old system and you have to get 25 points.
Do I have to stick to the old system till then or can I start with the new system?
You must stick with the old system unitl your April renewal.
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What is the process to move from the old system of 100 points per 3 years to the new 12 points per annum?
From 1st January 2008, builders and swimming pool builders progressively will switch to the new 12-point CPD system on the anniversary date that the licence was renewed. Those with a 3-year licence will switch to the new system on the first anniversary of the date the 3-year licence commenced.
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What do I do with extra points from the old system?
You will start to accumulate new points only. The old system was based on different criteria and you cannot bring any old points into the new system.
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I did a first aid course a couple of years ago and my renewal is in February. Can I count this for my renewal and get the same points for it as in the old system?
Yes, but after your renewal in February, you cannot carry any extra points from the old system into the new system.
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A builder has extra points from the old system.
Can he carry them into the new system and if so how many?
No, He cannot carry any points into the new system. The two systems are totally separate.
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Does my company still need to collect CPD points for the company license?
No, Companies are no longer required to collect points, however the individual who holds a licence for the business must.
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How do I find out if the diploma or degree I am studying is recognised as a relevant course?
As a general rule, any tertiary studies relevant to your business will be recognised. Simply seek advice from the Registered Training Organisation offering the course.
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What do you know about these free seminars offered by OFT?
You can find out more about these free seminars by logging onto the OFT website and looking up free seminars for licensees. There are a number of locations around the State where these will be held. The website will ask you to apply by email to an email address at the OFT. The web address for this information on locations is https://events.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/clientview/production/.
Anyone interested in attending a seminar should contact their local OFT representative.
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Record keeping
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How do I Keep track of my points?
By recording your CPD activities in a CPD Diary. Download a copy of the CPD Diary from the OFT site.
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How do I prove that I’ve earned my points?
Important. Do not send anything into the OFT until you are asked.
As part of the CPD process you will be keeping an up-to-date diary of what CPD events you attend or things that you do to earn points. You will be given a receipt or certificate of attendance at each CPD event you attend – you will need to keep these. If the OFT audits your points, they will write to you and ask for your documents.
Remember that it is YOUR responsibility to maintain records.
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What happens if I attend a course or event and don’t receive evidence that I attended?
You should ask the training provider or organiser to provide this information. If they are unwilling or unable to provide sufficient evidence and the activity was promoted as a CPD activity, contact CITAB on 02 9987 4027 and we will follow it up for you.
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How do I prove I have attended a training session or CPD activity?
The training provider or organiser should provide a standard record of attendance document. You should also keep a note of the details of the session in your CPD Diary.
In addition, documents such as a Statement of Attainment or Certificate issued by a registered training organisation are also relevant. You should also keep documents used to register for activities, advertising materials, receipts for payments or course notes, all of which can assist as forms of evidence when you are audited.
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Does the CPD provider give me any record of attendance?
If you took part in any face-to-face CPD activity the person or organisation providing the learning must provide a Record of Attendance containing:
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Your name, contact details and OFT licence or certificate number
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Title of the course/event/activity/training and the CPD topic area covered
- Course code (if any)
- Date, time and place of the course/event/activity/training
- Duration of the course/event/activity/training
- Type of assessment (if applicable)
- Name of the trainer and organisation
- CPD points earned.
If you went to formal learning for 2 points per hour, you will need to be given a Qualification, Certificate, or Statement of Attainment/Achievement/Attendance specifying what has been assessed.
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How long must I keep my CPD records?
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My Association can keep my points record, is this OK?
You can go to an Association for this service, however the obligation to keep and report the points remains your personal obligation.
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What if i'm still confused or have problems?
You can contact the Fair Trading information Centre on 13 32 20 or to any Fair Trading Centre or by email through the Fair Trading website www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au.
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Under the new system do I still get points for being a member of an Association?
No, the new system does not give these points nor for self study or purchases of codes.
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What do I do with extra points from the old system?
You will start to accumulate new points only. The old system was based on different criteria and you cannot bring any old points into the new system. The new system is simpler and easier to get points so you will not be disadvantaged.
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What are points for an ‘associate or partner’?
These points recognise the assistance of a spouse or business partner who supports the licence holder's business.
Please note there is a maximum of four (4) points per year that can be claimed where the associate and/or partner undertake the training for the benefit of the licence holder.
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If I attend an Industry conference, can I get points for attending?
It will depend on the content of the activity. You will see that the CPD activity must be interactive and with an educational outcome. Simple attendance will not automatically give points.
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If I have earned 30 points in one year, does that mean I don’t have to do CPD in year two?
No, where you have earned 30 points at the end of the first year, you will still need to earn another 1 point in year two, as you can carry only a maximum of 11 points forward for any year.
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Can I earn points if I employ a registered apprentice?
Yes, you can earn 1 point for a registered apprentice, cadet or trainee that you employ, up to a maximum claim of 4 points per annum.
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Samples of points collection and application to renewal of license
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Renewal examples for 3 year licence.
Trevor has a current 3 year licence.
How does he transfer over to the new system?
Trevor’s renewal
Trevor currently holds a 3 year licence which was renewed on the 12 March 2007. Trevor will switch over to the new 12 point CPD system on 12 March 2008.
In the 12 month period between March 2007 and March 2008, Trevor needs to comply with the old system and earn 25 points from CPD.
Commencing from the first year anniversary date, 12 March 2008, Trevor switches to the new 12 point CPD system and needs to comply with its requirements to renew in 2010.
The OFT will remind Trevor about this by letter in March 2008 (the first anniversary).
By the time of his 3 year renewal on 12 March 2010, Trevor will need to have earned a total of 49 CPD points in order to renew - 25 for year 1 under the old system, 12 points for each of years 2 and 3 under the new system.
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Renewal examples for 1 year licence.
Percival has a one year licence and wants to know how the new rules affect him?
Percival’s renewal.
As a pool builder, Percival with a 1 year licence will switch to the new 12 point CPD system on the date the licence is renewed.
He last renewed on 30th December 2007 and will have to gain 25 points this year and will move onto the new system as from 30th December 2008. From then on Percival will need to get 12 points per annum.
Sharon’s renewal
Sharon’s renewal date is 25 June 2008. She currently has 15 CPD points under the old system. She needs to earn another 10 points to renew in 2008. Once she renews in June, Sharon switches to the 12 point CPD system and needs to comply with its requirements to renew in 2009.
Keith’s renewal
Keith also has a 1 year licence, and his renewal date is 22 August 2008. He currently has zero CPD points so he needs to undertake CPD activities under the old system to the value of 25 points in order to renew. Once he renews in August, Keith switches to the 12 point CPD system and needs to comply with its requirements to renew in 2009.
Ahmed’s renewal
Ahmed currently has 42 points under the old system and has a license due for renewal on 24th October 2008. At renewal time Ahmed will use 25 points to renew his current license but will not be able to roll over the excess 17 points into the new system. From the next renewal date, he will need to gain 12 new system points in order to renew in 2009.
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