The Institute is responsible for setting and regularly reviewing Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements for all members. Its recent CPD requirements review identified several areas relating to ethics, structured learning and technical subjects requiring further enhancements.
A quick refresher on the basics
Let’s start with a quick recap on CPD requirements. Under Statement 1.500 Continuing Professional Development in the Members’ Handbook, members are required to maintain and develop professional competence relevant to their role as a professional accountant. It’s all about keeping your professional skills and knowledge current and relevant. Here are the basics:
- 120 hours of CPD in a rolling three-year period, with 60 hours verifiable.
- 20 hours minimum each year.
- Track and measure your learning activities to make sure they fit the requirements.
- Keep proper records of all your CPD for each three-year period for at least five years and produce them when you are selected for an audit conducted by the Institute.
- A Responsible Persons (RP) of a registered Public Interest Entity (PIE) auditor is required to undertake at least five verifiable CPD hours* each year related to PIE engagement.
- Institute awarded Specialist Designation holders need to complete at least five verifiable CPD hours* each year in the subject of the Specialist Designation.
* As part of the total requirement for 60 verifiable hours in each rolling three-year period.
CPD is about keeping your edge in today’s fast-evolving business environment and should not be a box-ticking exercise.
The latest CPD updates
- Ethics takes centre stage
In light of the critical role of ethics in today’s dynamic business environment, it is essential that professional accountants maintain ethical competence and uphold professional integrity. To help reinforce that, all members now need to complete at least two verifiable hours each year on ethics-related CPD. Think of it as an annual refresher to help us stay aligned with the ethical standards that define our profession.
- Extra focus for PC holders and RPs
As gatekeepers of public trust, Practising Certificate (PC) holders and RPs of registered PIE auditors must uphold strong technical competence to navigate the increasingly complex business environment and meet the rising stakeholders’ expectations. Targeted CPD in accounting or auditing aspects is therefore essential to help them remain well-equipped to uphold audit quality and deliver high-quality professional services. If you’re a PC holder or an RP of a registered PIE auditor, there’s a new requirement: at least five verifiable hours every year on accounting or auditing-related CPD. The extra focus on these areas helps you stay on top of the professional standards and practices.
- More focus on structured learning
At least half of your 60 verifiable CPD hours (i.e. 30 hours) in each rolling three-year period should come from structured learning activities – such as webinars, workshops, e-learning or conferences. Structured learning provides clear learning objectives and defines learning syllabus. It also enhances accountability, effectiveness, and measurable progress in professional development.
- No more caps on non-verifiable activities
Here’s some flexibility you’ll appreciate: all caps on non-verifiable CPD activities are removed. That means you don’t have to worry about any limits to CPD hours claimed on activities like self-study, reading, or informal learning. At the same time, caps on certain verifiable activities were retained in order to keep your learning balanced and diverse.
All these updates still fit within the existing total requirement of 120 CPD hours and are on top of any specific CPD obligations for Specialist Designation holders and RPs of registered PIE auditors.
When does this all kick in?
- Ethics CPD for RPs and PC Holders: Effective 1 December 2025
- All other changes: Effective 1 December 2026
Why these changes matter
Simply put, CPD keeps us future-ready. The business and regulatory environment never stands still, and neither should we. These updates strengthen our commitment to professionalism and uphold public trust in the accountancy profession and Hong Kong’s reputation as a trusted international financial hub.
By investing in your CPD, you’re sharpening your skills and knowledge, expanding your perspective, and building confidence to navigate whatever challenges that come your way in the profession.
We hope this update helps you stay informed and inspired about your CPD journey. Keep an eye out for our upcoming courses and events, your next valuable learning opportunity could be just around the corner!
This article was contributed by the Institute’s Membership and Admission Department.
