FAQs: Professional development (PD) and APA conferences

Once you have logged into the website, select 'Dashboard' from the dropdown menu then select 'Professional Development' from the menu. Click ’Completed PD events’ and a list of PD courses will appear with an attached PDF to download.

Once you have logged into the website, select 'Purchases' from the dropdown menu. Select the order ID number based on purchase date (this will drop down the title of the event you purchased). An attached PDF will be available to download.

Please allow 3 working days for your CPD hours to be shown in your diary.

Yes, you can. Transfer and refund options are available. Find out more in our full T&Cs.

Exemptions can be granted based on experience and Continuous practice area experience. Email our team at exemption@australian.physio to apply.

Please be mindful that it’s disruptive to the presenter and/or other course participants if people leave the course early. We recommend waiting until the course is run on a date where you can stay for the whole course. Participants are required to attend the course in its entirety to qualify for a certificate of course completion and be allocated CPD points.

No, payment plans can only be arranged for a single event.

For events (all professional development activities) where the registration fee is greater than AUD$2,000, a payment plan can be adopted as follows:

• 50% deposit to secure booking
• 25% not less than two months prior to the event commencement
• final 25% is required not less than one month prior to the event commencement.

Yes, if there’s a future course advertised that you wish to be placed on the waitlist for, contact us with your request and include the course name, dates and location. Should a place become available for the course that you’re on the waitlist for, the course coordinator will be in touch to let you know.

It’s up to the presenter’s discretion which course or lecture materials are made available for attendees. The APA will provide any materials that are made available by presenters for attendees.

Please reach out to the Professional Development Coordinator of the course who can pass on a message to a presenter or tutor. It is up to the presenter or tutors’ discretion if their contact details can be provided.

Please submit any feedback you might have on a past APA course or event you have attended, or on a future scheduled course or event, to the APA’s professional development team.

Alternatively, go to ‘I've got an idea for a future course or lecture’ if you’ve got an idea for a future course or feel the APA should extend their offering to help you advance your skills in a particular area.

Got a specific professional development need that we are not catering for? 
We always endeavour to offer the specific professional development you require to progress your career. At times, we might not have a professional development activity that suits your exact needs. If this is the case, please email us to let us know the particular area or topic you require further knowledge or upskilling in.

Have an existing course or online module? 
If you have an existing developed course that you believe should be included in the APA professional development schedule, or an online course that should be included in our online learning offering, please email the education team to obtain an application form.

Once we receive your application, our education team will review the content to determine the suitability as an APA PD offering.

Lectures 
If you are a new lecture convenor and are seeking information about lectures and your role as a convenor, please contact your local state branch.

Courses 
Courses are scheduled via the PD scheduling process and placed online by the APA event delivery team.

The majority of the coordination of the logistical delivery of APA courses is the responsibility of the APA event delivery team.

If you’ve been assigned as a course convenor, you will be contacted by an APA event delivery staff member who will liaise with you regarding all logistical elements for your course.

Important information for APA course convenors:

Presenters
The APA event delivery team member will liaise directly with the presenters of the course. They will also put you in contact with the course presenter prior to delivery.

Catering
Catering will be organised by the APA event delivery team member looking after your course.

Two-week registration close
Upon the close of registrations for your course, you will be contacted by the APA event delivery team member looking after your course to confirm that it is proceeding. You will then be sent a convenor pack containing all the required information and materials needed for the course delivery, including course manuals if they aren’t already being sent directly to the venue.

Minimum registration numbers
Courses have minimum numbers based on the course budget to ensure that running the course is feasible. Each course is assessed differently on a case-by-case basis.

Course cancellations
There are a number of different factors that could lead to a course being cancelled, one of which is a low number of registrations. You will be contacted as soon as the professional development team has made the decision to cancel the course with reasoning.

Equipment
You may be asked whether you have some of the required course equipment that you can bring to the course if the allocated venue, presenter or APA isn’t able to provide it.

Tutors
The APA event delivery team member assigned to the course will source tutors with input from the convenor or presenter.

If you have been engaged by the APA as a presenter, you will be contacted by the APA event delivery staff member managing your event who will explain all the required elements of your engagement.

In the meantime, below is some information that will assist you in your preparation.

Presentation deadlines
The APA’s professional development officer requires at least two weeks to arrange course manuals to ensure they are compiled, checked, sent to the printer and couriered to the venue prior to the course start date.

Presentation format
Please submit your presentation as PowerPoint slides. This allows us to format the manual using the best layout.

Bringing your own computer
You may bring your own computer; however, we recommend you use the presentation laptop in our Branches as they have the correct compatibility with our sound system. If you bring your own Mac laptop, you’ll need to bring your own adaptor.

If you have embedded video files in your presentation, please let us know and bring a separate copy with you that’s not embedded. This just gives you a back-up in case the codices aren’t on the computer.

Equipment
Basic equipment in every Branch includes:

• presentation laptop
• data projector
• plinths.

For extra AV equipment please contact the professional development officer looking after your event.

If you need additional or specific equipment to run the course, the APA will make every attempt to arrange it or engage the help of the convenor, tutors and on occasion, presenters and participants depending on what is required.

Course manuals
The APA will arrange printing of course manuals for every event.

Course convenors
The National Group committee sources the convenors. When and if required, the professional development officer can assist.

Our courses and modules run on desktop computers, laptops, tablets and most smartphones. If you are using a smartphone, you will need to use landscape mode in order to log in to cpd4physios. For some courses, the navigation ‘back’ and ‘next’ buttons may disappear when using a smartphone. You can swipe sideways to navigate through the course content.

The following table shows what browsers and operating systems are supported when using cpd4physios:

If you experience any issues navigating the cpd4physios website or accessing your courses, please check that you are using the most up to date versions of your browser and operating system.

Otherwise, that’s unusual. Please contact our Member Support Team at info@australian.physio and we will look after you during eastern-Australian business hours.

You can use the email address you used to sign up to the site.

cpd4physios is linked to your APA membership online account. For password changes, click 'Login' on the top navigation bar of the APA website and use the ‘Forgot username/password’ link.

If you are not a member of the APA, you will need to use the ‘Forgotten your username or password’ link on the cpd4physios sign-in screen. An email will be sent to the email address you used to sign up to this site with instructions on how to regain access.

Try your usual ones, which may be your personal, work or university address.

Try resetting your password. To do this:

• if you are an APA member, use the ‘Forgot username/password’ link on the log in box of the APA website
• if you are not a member of the APA, you will need to use the ‘Forgotten your username or password’ link on the cpd4physios sign-in screen.

If none of these work, contact our Member Support Team at info@australian.physio and we will look after you during eastern-Australian business hours.

When this error occurs, it’s usually because you need to sync your APA log in with the cpd4physio website. Please contact us for more information on how to resolve this issue.

If you are using a smartphone and are unable to find the sign-in button, you will need to use landscape mode in order to log in to cpd4physios.

Yes, you can. Browse the catalogue and once you’ve made your selection, just click the ‘Add to cart’ button and you’ll be taken through the registration and secure payment process. When you’re ready to get started, go to 'My Learning Dashboard' (you may need to log in to cpd4physios using your email and password) and click on the course name to open the course. Then click on each of the learning activities, videos, etc. to progress!

Browse the catalogue and once you’ve made your selection, just click the ‘Add to cart’ button and you’ll be taken through the registration and secure payment process.

This sometimes occurs when you change your email address and it hasn’t synced across to cpd4physios yet. Contact our Member Support Team at info@australian.physio and we will look after you during eastern-Australian business hours.

That’s unusual. Please contact our Member Support Team at info@australian.physio and we will look after you during eastern-Australian business hours. We will ask you the full course name, if you've received an invoice and the credit card you used for the payment. We will also ask you more information about the device and browser you're using.

If you purchased a course more than 12 months ago, it might be that your enrolment in the course has expired. Once your enrolment in a course expires, it will no longer display on your My Learning Dashboard.

There are two ways:

1. The system emails your tax invoice – you can simply print the email. If the email hasn’t arrived – check your Junk email folder.
2. Sign in to cpd4physios, click on ‘Catalogue’ from your My Learning Dashboard, then go to the top right and click on ‘My account’. Go to the ‘Purchase History’ tab and it will display the list of invoices. Click the invoice you wish to download and you can choose to save it to your files or print it.

When you’re ready to get started, go to 'My Learning Dashboard' (you may need to log in using your email and password). The first time - click on ‘View Course’ under the course name to open the course. Then click on each of the learning activities, videos, etc. to progress. To resume a course you’ve already started, click on the image or course name to open it. To go back into a course you’ve completed, click on the image or course name to open it.

Is there a pre-requisite course that must be completed first? This information will be in the course listing or description.

Is there a pre-requisite course that must be completed first? This information will be in the course listing or description.

If you have applied for an exemption for the pre-requisite course and received confirmation that your exemption has been granted, please contact our Member Support Team at info@australian.physio and we will look after you during eastern-Australian business hours.

If you have completed other courses or believe you are able to demonstrate that you have equivalent competence, knowledge, skills and/or experience (or higher), you may apply for an exemption for a particular course. Exemption applications must be completed and submitted using the standard template. Request a copy of the exemption application form by emailing exemption@australian.physio.

Just move the slider at the bottom of the screen to resume from where you were up to.

Check that you are using the most up to date versions of Java, your browser and your operating system.

Check if the countdown timer at the bottom of the screen has elapsed. Once the countdown timer has elapsed to 00:00, the ‘Finish’ button will become available. Click on the ‘Finish’ button to complete the video or activity.

Otherwise, that’s unusual. Please contact our Member Support Team at info@australian.physio and we will look after you during eastern-Australian business hours. We will ask you for the course name and the video or activity name. We will also ask about the device and browser you're using.

Check that you are using the most up to date versions of Java, your browser and operating system. Otherwise, that’s unusual. Please contact our Member Support Team at info@australian.physio and we will look after you during eastern-Australian business hours. We will ask you the full course name as well as the name of the last video or activity that you completed and that you're having issues with. We will also ask you further information regarding your device, browser and operating system.

When opening the certificate using an Apple operating system, all supported browsers will open the certificate in the same browser window, so you will need to print or save the certificate to one of your folders before hitting the ‘Back’ button on the browser to navigate back to cpd4physios.

For some courses, the navigation ‘back’ and ‘next’ buttons may disappear when using a smartphone. You can swipe sideways to navigate through the course content.

If you experience any other issues navigating the cpd4physios website or accessing your courses, please check that your operating system and browser are up to date.

The following table shows what browsers and operating systems are supported when using cpd4physios:

Otherwise, that’s unusual. Please contact our Member Support Team at info@australian.physio and we will look after you during eastern-Australian business hours.

Have you completed all the required videos, activities or quizzes? If you have completed everything, please contact our Member Support Team at info@australian.physio and we will look after you during eastern-Australian business hours. We will ask you the full name of the course as well as further information about the device, browser and operating system you're using.

Once you’ve completed all the mandatory course activities, the certificate will be available as a PDF. It’s usually one of the last items or activities on the list. You can print this or save it to one of your folders.

Please note that when using an Apple operating system, all supported browsers will open the certificate in the same browser window, so you will need to print or save the certificate to one of your folders before hitting the ‘Back’ button on the browser to navigate back to cpd4physios.

To ensure our members receive up-to-date content and to protect the intellectual property of our course authors, enrolment access is limited to 12 months in accordance with our Terms and Conditions. Very occasionally there may be exceptions where it is less than 12 months, and we’ll let you know in the course information in these cases. An example is cybersecurity which is a fast-changing area.

Once your enrolment in a course expires, it will no longer display on your 'My Learning Dashboard'.

We recognise that there are times when additional access may be helpful, and we are happy to accommodate extension requests where the course has not undergone significant updates or is not scheduled for decommissioning.

Extension requests go through an approval process and may take several days to process - we ask you to provide a reason for the extension.

If you would like to request an extension, please contact our Member Support Team at info@australian.physio and we will look after you during eastern-Australian business hours. We will ask you the full name of the course, the reason for the extension and how long you would like the extension for.

APASC (Australian Physiotherapy Association Scientific Conference) takes place on odd-numbered years (e.g. 2025, 2027). It runs on a three-day schedule plus one workshop day pre-conference. This conference has representation from 17 of our National Groups, including Acupuncture and Dry Needling, Advanced Practice, Aquatic, Cancer, Palliative Care and Lymphoedema, Cardiorespiratory, Disability, Gerontology, Mental Health, Musculoskeletal, Neurology, Occupational Health, Orthopaedic, Paediatric, Pain, Sports and Exercise, and Women’s, Men’s and Pelvic Health.

The FOCUS conference takes place on even-numbered years (e.g. 2024, 2026). It runs on a two-and-a-half-day schedule including a workshop on the morning of the first day. It has representation from the Leadership and Management, Education and Business National Groups, as well as a general stream dedicated to physiotherapy practice.

The scientific conference focuses primarily on the clinical aspects of physiotherapy, including the latest research and advancements in the profession. By comparison, FOCUS is centred on the delivery of physiotherapy, with insights into the day-to-day running of a practice, business considerations, education and training, and leadership and management within the profession.

Absolutely, we offer member and non-member pricing in various registration categories, including standard, student, postgraduate or new graduate, and retired physiotherapists.

Our conferences change location every year and are held in capital cities and larger regional hubs across Australia.

No, we offer both one or two-day passes for all conferences. Half-day passes are not available.

No, conference sessions are not recorded. Sessions are delivered live and in person at the event.

Dietary requirements are captured at the time of registration, and we will do our best to accommodate all requests. If we are unable to meet a particular requirement, we will let you know as soon as possible. You will never go hungry at an APA conference.

The conference programs generally feature a diverse range of presenters, including leading physiotherapists, inspirational keynote speakers, and international experts from around the world. In addition to invited speakers, much of the program is shaped through the conference abstract submission process, with presentations selected from submissions received in the lead-up to each conference.

In most cases, keynote and concurrent sessions include a Q&A opportunity. Questions may be moderated to support discussion and session flow. Additional interactive features, such as polling and surveys, may also be available where appropriate.

Not only are our conferences great fun, they are also informative, inspirational and educational. You can expect a high-quality program featuring evidence-informed presentations, practical sessions, workshops and keynote speakers, along with opportunities to explore the latest products and services in the exhibition.

There are also plenty of opportunities to network, catch up with interstate colleagues and peers, meet international physiotherapists and broaden your professional network.

APA members receive discounted registration rates, and attendance contributes to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements (excluding social functions).

Delegates can claim one hour of CPD for each hour of conference attendance, in line with Physiotherapy Board of Australia requirements. Social functions are not included.

Generally, yes. However, we recommend seeking independent financial advice to confirm whether your conference attendance is tax deductible based on your individual circumstances.

Yes, the APA works with accommodation providers to secure discounted rates for conference delegates. Available accommodation options and booking details can be found on the conference website.

APA members have several opportunities to contribute to and be involved in the conference:

Committee
Members can express their interest in being part of the Conference Advisory Committee (CAC), Scientific Program Committee (SPC) or National Group Subcommittee when expressions of interest open on the conference website. Applicants must be financial members of the APA, and financial members of their respective national groups for the SPC.

Abstracts
Members can submit abstracts for consideration in the conference program and, if successful, present their work at the event. Check the conference website for details about abstract submission timelines and requirements. By submitting an abstract, you agree to purchase a registration to attend and present at the conference.

Students
Student members living in the host city can volunteer at the APA’s Scientific Conference (APASC), held biennially. Expressions of interest are advertised on the conference website and through APA student communications in the host city for each event.

Yes. The APA has a range of Sponsorship and Exhibition opportunities available at our conferences. Expressions of interest are advertised on the conference website, or enquiries can be sent directly to partners@australian.physio. When available, a prospectus will be emailed to you.

While we recommend registering online in advance to secure the best available rate, onsite registrations may be available where venue capacity allows. Please visit the registration desk and speak with an APA team member for assistance.

Registration cancellations and refund eligibility are outlined in the conference Terms and Conditions. Please visit the conference website to review the full cancellation policy and details on how to submit a request.

If your question has not been addressed in our FAQs, please contact events@australian.physio and our team will be happy to assist.