APC Continuing Professional Development 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does the 'Plan' stage of the CPD cycle involve?
- Selecting activities to address identified learning needs (Correct answer)
- Reflecting on outcomes after completing an activity
- Documenting the time spent on each activity
- Submitting CPD records to the Pharmacy Board
Correct answer: Selecting activities to address identified learning needs
The Plan stage involves selecting appropriate CPD activities to address the learning needs identified in the 'Reflect' stage.
Question 2: A pharmacist attends a peer discussion group where practice cases are reviewed. This activity BEST represents which CPD level?
- Level 1 – Reviewing
- Level 2 – Reflecting (Correct answer)
- Level 3 – Learning
- Level 4 – Evaluating
Correct answer: Level 2 – Reflecting
Peer discussion involving reflection on practice cases aligns with Level 2 – Reflecting in the CPD framework.
Question 3: Which of the following is NOT an acceptable source of CPD evidence for Australian pharmacists?
- Certificate of completion from an accredited provider
- Personal journal entries reflecting on practice changes
- A colleague's verbal confirmation of attendance (Correct answer)
- Notes from a peer discussion group
Correct answer: A colleague's verbal confirmation of attendance
Verbal confirmation from a colleague does not constitute verifiable CPD evidence; documented records are required.
Question 4: The APC's accreditation of CPD providers ensures that:
- All CPD activities are free of charge to pharmacists
- CPD programs meet defined quality and educational standards (Correct answer)
- Pharmacists are automatically enrolled in mandatory programs
- All providers operate nationally without state variation
Correct answer: CPD programs meet defined quality and educational standards
APC accreditation means CPD providers have met defined quality standards for educational content and delivery.
Question 5: A pharmacist fails to meet CPD requirements during a registration year. What is the MOST likely consequence?
- Automatic cancellation of registration
- A financial penalty of $5,000
- Conditions placed on or suspension of registration (Correct answer)
- Mandatory referral to the PSA for remediation
Correct answer: Conditions placed on or suspension of registration
Failure to meet CPD requirements may result in the Pharmacy Board placing conditions on or suspending a pharmacist's registration.
Question 6: Which statement BEST describes the purpose of a CPD learning plan?
- To provide a legal contract between the pharmacist and the Pharmacy Board
- To guide structured professional development aligned with practice needs (Correct answer)
- To replace the requirement for formal CPD documentation
- To restrict pharmacists to only accredited CPD activities
Correct answer: To guide structured professional development aligned with practice needs
A CPD learning plan is a personal tool to guide structured, needs-based professional development.
Question 7: Under CPD requirements, which of the following scenarios demonstrates 'evaluating' outcomes effectively?
- A pharmacist reads a new clinical guideline
- A pharmacist attends a seminar and receives a certificate
- A pharmacist measures changes in patient counselling after training (Correct answer)
- A pharmacist lists CPD hours completed for the year
Correct answer: A pharmacist measures changes in patient counselling after training
Evaluating involves measuring whether the CPD activity led to tangible improvements in practice or patient outcomes.
APC Continuing Professional Development 3
What does the 'Plan' stage of the CPD cycle involve?