Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is unfortunately not just a buzzword anymore, it is now being phased in as a professional requirement for nurses and midwives. The purpose of CPD is to ensure that healthcare professionals remain competent, ethical, and up to date with the latest developments in clinical practice and healthcare delivery. The regulatory framework for CPD in South Africa has been established by the South African Nursing Council (SANC) to protect public safety and elevate standards across the profession. Adjusting to these new regulations can be overwhelming and confusing, but it does not have to be. We at eCPD® Healthcare would love to be your one stop spot for everything CPD related. Let us assist you with, not only earning your CPD points, but with any related queries you might have.

What is CPD according to the SANC and where do you earn it?

The SANC defines CPD as a “purposeful statutory process” in which practitioners engage in ongoing learning activities, both formal and informal, to maintain and enhance their:

• Knowledge
• Skills
• Professional attitudes
• Competence
• Ethical practice

This process ensures that nurses and midwives practice safely, legally, and in line with current scientific and healthcare developments.

At eCPD® Healthcare we offer a wide variety of courses covering all aspects of Nursing, so you are guaranteed to find something that fits your needs and interests.

The CPD cycle and required points

Under the SANC CPD Framework, nursing practitioners must acquire a minimum of 15 CPD points per annum.

• CPD Year for the SANC: runs from 1 July to 30 June of the following year.
• Minimum Points: 15 per cycle.
• Declaration: Points are logged using the SANC’s standard declaration of compliance form (Form 7) downloadable from the SANC website.
• No Banking: CPD points earned cannot be carried over into the next cycle.

The courses we offer at eCPD® Healthcare are accredited by the HPCSA and are recognised by the SANC, so you can be comforted knowing any points you acquire on our platform will be accepted. With our annual nursing membership, you can complete as many clinical and ethics points as you want. Visit eCPD® Healthcare: Membership Pricing for more information on our pricing and what our nursing membership offer.

How to stay compliant

To remain compliant with the SANC regulations, you must:

• Document all learning activities – dates, hours, platforms, methods and outcomes. To be documented in the SANCs standard Log sheet (Form 6).
• Maintain a Portfolio of Evidence (PoE) for at least three years after submission of the Declaration of Compliance (Form 7), which includes certificates, attendance records, reflective notes, and other supporting documents (Form 5).
• Be prepared for a random audit – the SANC can request your CPD evidence at any point and you’ll typically have 21 days to comply. If your documentation supports your declaration, you’ll be deemed compliant. The PoE and Log sheet must be submitted upon auditing.

Non-compliance can have professional consequences, including warnings or difficulty renewing your Annual Practicing Certificate (APC). With eCPD® and our CPD manager that is connected to your profile, you can keep track of all your completed activities and certificates all in one place. Helping you stay compliant all the more easily.

Who needs to do CPD?

Every nurse, midwife, or related practitioner registered with the SANC must meet CPD requirements. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Professional Nurses
• Midwives
• General Nurses
• Enrolled Nurses
• Auxiliary Nurses

Even newly registered practitioners can begin earning CPD points from the month of registration. Certain exemptions may apply, for example, practitioners who are studying full-time, on extended sick leave, or working less than five months within the cycle may qualify for special considerations. Exemptions are not automatic and are decided by the SANC on an individual basis. Please complete and submit the Exemption Form (Form 4).

The future of CPD for the SANC members

The SANC continues to phase in the CPD system across public and private health sectors, refining how providers are recognised and how learning activities are evaluated. As the system evolves, more online and blended learning options are becoming accepted, broadening access for busy professionals. With eCPD® Healthcare already being recognised by the SANC as a CPD provider and having access to all our courses from anywhere by just going online, it just makes sense to choose us as your one stop place for all things CPD.

Final thoughts

Understanding and complying with the SANC’s CPD rules is vital for every nursing professional in South Africa. It ensures not only regulatory compliance but also a commitment to excellence in patient care and professional development.

If you’re looking for trusted, SANC-aligned CPD resources, visit eCPD® Healthcare to explore our accredited courses and learn how we can help you acquire your annual points efficiently and timely.

Need help? Our support team is here for you.

About eCPD® Healthcare

eCPD® has been offering online accredited CPD courses to Healthcare Professionals since 1999.

We aim to offer cost-effective, high quality accredited CPD activities to enable you to obtain your CPD points from the comfort of your own home via online learning.

Our eCPD® courses are compiled by specialists in their respective fields, and an editorial board is responsible for maintaining the high quality of our course offerings.

On successful completion of an assessment, a CPD certificate is available immediately for download from the CPD Manager, and a full report is available.