3 Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
Members of SACIA who have been awarded a professional designation are required to comply with the requirements for continuing professional development (CPD) set out in this section of the Handbook.
Everyone is required to submit a declaration of the undertaking to participate in CPD annually. However, SACIA only requires the submission of a CPD record card once every 3 years. This is part of the re-certification process and failure to submit the CPD record card could result in the revoking of your status as certified member.
3.1 CPD requirements
Each designee is required to acquire a total of 45 points in the three-year period, starting at the date of award of the professional designation.
CPD points are awarded based on relevant content bearing activity in which the candidate has participated. Usually 1 CPD point is awarded for every hour of activity. Where this is not so, a note has been added to the description of activities.
SACIA will recognise a range of training activities, including participation in academic and vocational programmes; professional development courses; coaching and mentorship programmes; learning activity in workshops, conferences and seminars; experiential learning and on-the-job training; and self-study initiatives. We also award CPD points for volunteer activity on a Board, Council or task group.
It is important to note that CPD points can only be awarded to activities completed within the CPD period. For instance, a designee who needs to report on CPD activities during the period 1 March 2022 – 28 Feb 2025, cannot claim points for workshops attended before 1 March 2022.
3.2 Types of CPD activities
A variety of activities make up the CPD programme and include:
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Employment
(Maximum 21 points)
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SACIA recognise that learning takes place at many different levels, including experiential learning that takes place in the workplace. We therefor award CPD points for continued employment. We recognise that many professionals work on a freelance basis and award 7 CPD points per year of relevant (full-time) employment within the industry. Freelance contractors will earn 1 CPD credit for every 15 days work completed, up to a maximum of 7 CPD points in any given year. Employment that is not relevant to the designation will not be considered part of the CPD programme.
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Accelerated experiential learning
(Maximum 12 points)
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We recognise that experiential learning is accelerated when individuals are working on projects that stretch production and/or creative boundaries. Individuals working on such projects can claim an additional 3 CPD points per project when they are able to demonstrate their participation. Documentation supporting their claim should be included within a portfolio of evidence.
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Mentoring and coaching
(Maximum 15 points)
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We recognise that on-the-job training through mentorship and coaching is key to knowledge transfer in the communications industry. Certified industry professionals sharing their knowledge with a protégé can claim 1 CPD credit for every hour of relevant engagement.
In addition, proteges participating in mentorship programmes can earn 1 CPD credit for every hour of engagement. Evidence of mentorship activity needs to be logged and included within the portfolio of evidence.
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Training attended or presented
(Maximum 33 points)
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A designee is awarded CPD points based on relevant training attended, or training offered in their capacity as facilitator or trainer. This includes training offered through registered academic or vocational training providers, as well as professional development training validated by a SAQA-recognised professional body. It also includes conferences, seminars and workshops relevant to the industry.
1 CPD point is allocated for every hour of training completed. CPD points are awarded for all relevant training attended but 50% of the CPD points claimed for training need to be gained through participation in training programmes validated by a recognised Quality Council or Professional Body. For more information on Quality Councils or Professional Bodies please visit www.saqa.org.za
Trainers or facilitators delivering a SACIA validated CPD course will earn 2 CPD credits per course hour delivered. Trainers can only claim one delivery per course within a six-month period.
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Self-study
Max: 5 CPD points
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We recognise that many individuals will engage in self-study programmes – reading industry-related material or viewing online video content. ½ CPD point is allocated per 2 hours of reading/ viewing time.
In addition, 1 CPD point is awarded for relevant articles published in industry related publications (both print and online)
CPD points can also be awarded for books written. Special application needs to be made for CPD points in this instance.
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Exhibitions and other events
Max: 12 CPD points
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2 CPD points are allocated per participation in relevant industry exhibitions and events that do not include a training component. However, SACIA may award specific CPD points for specific events.
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Volunteer activities
Max: 21 points
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Volunteers serving on a Council, Task Group or Board will earn 1 CPD credit for every hour of voluntary service
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3.3 Recording of CPD activities
Individuals are responsible for tracking their own CPD activities and are encouraged to keep documentation that may include:
- confirmation of participation in events – such as certificates of attendance or emails confirming attendance
- confirmation of presentations – such as emails from the organizers thanking the presenter
- letter of employment or letter from employer confirming employment status
- copies of articles published
- letter from mentor or protege confirming mentoring relationship
Download CPD Tracking Form
