We've listed some of the top FAQs for the CPD year-end. If you don't find what you're looking for, you'll find other questions and answers grouped under the General FAQs.

What do I do if I have only been practising for part of the CPD year (1 April – 31 March)?

Pursuant to Schedule 1 of the Lawyers and Conveyancers Act (Lawyers: Ongoing Legal Education – Continuing Professional Development) Rules 2013, a lawyer who has provided regulated services for nine months or less is entitled to a pro rata reduction in the minimum number of CPD hours they are required to complete. Please note that periods are rounded up or down to the nearest full month.

You are still required to have a CPDPR and to file a declaration of compliance online despite any pro-rata reduction in your requirements. Your CPDPR should state that no activities or related records and documentation are required for that time when no regulated services were provided.

If you received your practicing certificate and/or began providing regulated services between 16 and 31 March 2023, you will be required to complete a CPD declaration and hold a CPDPR, but your CPD requirement for the 2022/23 CPD year will be nil.

I hold a practising certificate but do not provide regulated services, what do I need to do?

You will need to record in a document (your CPDPR) that you are not providing regulated services and that no activities are therefore required. You will also need to file a declaration of compliance at the end of each CPD year stating that you have complied with the CPD requirements.

I have received a reminder about making my declaration of compliance with the CPD rules. I am retiring / ceasing practise at the end of the current practising year. Do I need to complete a declaration?

You need to make a declaration of compliance for every CPD year/part CPD year you are in practice.  If you have completed your CPD requirements for the current CPD year, you should make your declaration.

If you have any outstanding CPD requirements when you cease practising, they will still be there if/when you return to practice.

If you advise the Law Society Registry team that you are ceasing practice, you will no longer receive CPD reminders.

What happens if I do not complete the CPDPR or the required hours?

If you don’t complete your CPD requirements, you can’t make your CPD declaration.

There are no exemptions from CPD, but in exceptional circumstances you may apply to the Law Society for a deferment of your CPD requirements.

While rule 7 allows for you to make a late declaration, if you have not completed your CPD requirements and your CPD declaration remains incomplete when the annual practising certificate renewals process begins, you will receive an email notifying you that you will need to complete a non-compliant fit and proper declaration.

What happens if I do not complete the declaration?

If you do not complete your CPD declaration within five-working days of 31 March, the Law Society will send you a final reminder.

If your CPD declaration remains incomplete once the annual practising certificate renewals process is underway, you will receive an email notifying you that you will need to complete a non-compliant fit and proper declaration.

In some circumstances you may need to apply to the Law Society for a deferment of your CPD requirements.

What activites can I count towards my CPD requirements?

Because the CPD scheme is learner centred, the Law Society doesn’t accredit or recommend particular activities or providers. So long as an activity aligns with your learning needs and fits the definition of activities in the Rules, meaning it’s structured with identifiable aims and outcomes relevant to your identified learning needs, provides an opportunity for interaction and feedback, is verifiable by documentation, and is not part of your usual day-to-day work, you should be able to count the activity towards your CPD requirements.

The Guidelines to the Rules (under ‘Activities’) provide guidance about how to count activities such as webinars, seminars and courses, as well as writing, mentoring, coaching, presenting, teaching, and study groups.

Exceptional circumstances have impacted my ability to complete my requirements, how do I apply for a deferment?

You will need to apply for a deferment using the application form found here, and support this with evidence of the exceptional circumstances that mean you have been unable to meet your CPD requirements. Deferments are granted for exceptional circumstances and on a case-by-case basis.

Do I need to send my CPDPR to the Law Society to confirm I have completed my CPD?

No. You are not required to send your CPDPR to the Law Society unless you are asked to do so as part of an audit.

I'm having trouble making my declaration in Registry, what should I do?

We have noticed that some web browsers are having difficulty with displaying our Registry site. We recommend using Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox. If you’re using one of these browsers and the website is still showing incorrectly, please contact us so we can help.

I’m in an area that’s been badly affected by Cyclone Gabrielle and I’m concerned that I may be unable make my CPD declaration on time

We understand that practitioners in some areas are working hard to cope with the impact of Cyclone Gabrielle. If you’re in an area that has been badly affected or the effects of the cyclone will impact your ability to complete your CPD requirements and/or CPD declaration on time, please contact us. In exceptional circumstances, you may apply for a deferment of any outstanding hours into the next CPD year.