Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Policy. Terms and Conditions. CPD Terms and Conditions (21/12/10)

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1 Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Policy Terms and Conditions CPD Terms and Conditions (21/12/10)

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. CPD PROGRAM OVERVIEW AIMS OF THE CPD PROGRAM OTHER DEFINITIONS COMMENCEMENT OF TWO-YEAR CPD MAINTENANCE PERIOD CPD ELIGIBILITY MAINTAINING AND RECOGNISING YOUR STATUS NON-COMPLIANCE DURING THE TWO-YEAR MAINTENANCE PERIOD CPD POINTS GBCA COURSES, EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES CPD POINTS NON- GBCA COURSES, EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES CPD BIENNIAL FEE CPD AUDITS GSAP LISTING ON THE GBCA WEBSITE GSAP STATUS PRIOR TO THE CPD PROGRAM SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES CPD REVIEW... 8 APPENDIX - A... 9 APPENDIX - B CPD Terms and Conditions (21/12/10) 1

3 1. CPD PROGRAM OVERVIEW The Green Building Council of Australia s (GBCA) Continuing Professional Development (CPD) program is designed to expand the knowledge of those working with and delivering Green Star projects. The program was developed with the assistance of GBCA members and GBCA Faculty, approved by the GBCA Board in November 2009 and commenced officially on 1 July The information in this guide represents current policies and procedures for the GBCA s CPD program. Information in this guide supersedes information contained in any previous published information about the CPD program and the GBCA reserves the right to make changes to this policy at any time. In registering and applying for GBCA CPD status, you agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of the program. 2. AIMS OF THE CPD PROGRAM To ensure that Green Star Accredited Professionals (GSAPs) maintain up-to-date knowledge of the Green Star environmental rating system and sustainable building principles; To increase the depth and breadth of knowledge of the Green Star environmental rating system; To provide GSAPs with a clear pathway for engaging in on-going education with the GBCA; and To create two new categories - the Green Star Associate and the GSAP Fellow (see section 5). 3. OTHER DEFINITIONS CPD points refers to points awarded to GBCA and non-gbca courses, events and activities deemed to be relevant sustainability training by the GBCA. CPD website refers to the electronic location on the GBCA website ( where information and downloadable files are kept for the CPD program. CPD learning portal is an online repository where information pertaining to CPD participants is kept. This is accessible by individual password and contains information about an individual s CPD point allocation and information provided by that individual. People assisting GSAPs and Green Star Associates (e.g. PAs or EAs) can be nominated on an individual s My Profile to assist with program management. Maintenance period refers to a participant s two-year period in the CPD program; from their commencement date to their expiration or renewal date. GBCA member refers to organisations which are members of the GBCA. GBCA membership is for 12 months (based on financial year) and only GBCA members are eligible to receive membership rates. Non-members are still eligible to join the GBCA CPD program, but are subject to non-member rates. 4. COMMENCEMENT OF TWO-YEAR CPD MAINTENANCE PERIOD The two-year CPD maintenance period commences from the date the GBCA activates an individual s CPD learning portal. Before doing this, the GBCA must receive: An individual online CPD registration (registrations must be made by the individual even if part of a corporate CPD registration); Proof of eligibility for Green Star Associate or GSAP registration (refer to Section 5 of this policy for eligibility requirements); and Payment of the two-year registration fee. Applicants will then be notified by that their CPD learning portal has been activated. The CPD learning portal will display the date of an individual s CPD commencement and expiry date. CPD Terms and Conditions (21/12/10) 2

4 5. CPD ELIGIBILITY The CPD program has two active levels and one level under development. Green Star Associate; GSAP; and GSAP Fellow (criteria to be released in 2012). Green Star Associate The Green Star Associate level acknowledges a basic understanding of Green Star and a commitment to developing green building knowledge. It may be appropriate for people in design, trades, manufacturing, finance, sales, communication, HR and administration, etc. who work with elements of Green Star or green buildings (such as specialist reports), but are not responsible for delivering Green Star projects. Applicants must have completed the Green Star Foundation course (formerly the GSAP course) within the two year period immediately preceding the date of application for Green Star Associate status. This is the only eligibility requirement. Green Star Associates are not required to undertake the GSAP exam or provide an eligibility letter. Once the eligibility criteria has been met, the CPD biennial registration fee is payable before activation can occur. GSAP The GSAP level acknowledges an advanced depth of knowledge and experience in delivering Green Star or green building projects. For former GSAPs who have let their qualification lapse (i.e. who have not registered for CPD prior to 30 September 2010) or for people who want to become GSAPs after 1 July 2010, the following eligibility requirements must have been met within the two year period immediately preceding the date of application for GSAP status: Completed the Green Star Foundation course (formerly the GSAP course). Passed the GSAP exam. Submitted documented evidence of having been involved in the delivery of a green building or a project registered for Green Star Certification (or certification under a comparable rating scheme such as LEED or BREEAM). A letter from an employer, client, or project manager detailing the role played in the delivery of a project will be accepted as evidence of meeting this eligibility requirement. Details of the project and identity of a project contact should be produced. GBCA will also check its project database for people involved in projects. Further information may be requested by the GBCA to satisfy this requirement. GSAP Fellow The GSAP Fellow level will acknowledge long term experience and advanced depth of knowledge in delivering Green Star projects. The eligibility requirements for this level will be released in MAINTAINING AND RECOGNISING YOUR STATUS Green Star Associate During each two-year CPD maintenance period, a Green Star Associate must do the following in order to be considered for renewal: Complete the free online Green Star Refresher course; and CPD Terms and Conditions (21/12/10) 3

5 Complete 15 CPD points of education or activities (with a minimum of five CPD points from GBCA courses or events See Appendix A). Note: Courses, events and activities attended prior to the current two year CPD maintenance period are not eligible for CPD points. Additionally, excess points from any two year CPD maintenance period cannot be carried over into the next two year CPD maintenance period. Provided these requirements are met, an offer of renewal will be issued at the end of the two year CPD maintenance period. Green Star Associates may use the title Green Star Associate and the two-year CPD period on their business card, signature or written documents. No logo will be provided for this level. For example: Bill Smith GBCA Green Star Associate - September September A Green Star Associate certificate will be available to download from the CPD learning portal by doing the following: Log into the GBCA website ( Click on CPD link at the top right of the page Select the CPD Learning Portal tab Note: A Green Star Associate may change their status to the GSAP level at any time during a two year CPD maintenance period by completing the GSAP eligibility criteria (except they don t have to repeat the Green Star Foundation course - See section 5) and meeting the GSAP maintenance requirements (see below) within the two year CPD maintenance period in which they seek to change their status. GSAP During each two-year CPD maintenance period, a GSAP must do the following in order to be considered for renewal. Complete the free online Green Star Refresher course; and Complete 30 CPD points worth of education or activities (with a minimum of 10 CPD points being from GBCA courses or events See Appendix A). Note: Courses, events and activities attended prior to the current two year CPD maintenance period are not eligible for CPD points. Additionally, excess points from any two year CPD maintenance period cannot be carried over into the next two year CPD maintenance period. Provided these requirements are met, an offer of renewal will be issued at the end of the two year CPD maintenance period. A GSAP logo will be available for use by the GSAP only (this is not a company award and cannot be attributed to the company). This logo will include an expiry and renewal date. For example: Bill Smith GBCA Green Star Accredited Professional CPD Terms and Conditions (21/12/10) 4

6 A GSAP logo and certificate will be available to download from the CPD learning portal by doing the following: Login into the GBCA website ( Click on CPD link at the top right of the page Select the CPD Learning Portal tab. 7. NON-COMPLIANCE DURING THE TWO-YEAR MAINTENANCE PERIOD If a Green Star Associate or GSAP does not undertake the required activities outlined in section 6, they will be deemed to be non-compliant and they will not be automatically offered a renewal at the end of the two-year maintenance period. Their Green Star qualification will be suspended and will only be reinstated upon meeting the balance of required CPD points for that two year maintenance period within a time limit specified by the GBCA. The time limit specified will be calculated as a ratio of the balance of CPD points not achieved against the total two-year maintenance period. For example, if a GSAP only achieves 6 CPD points in their two-year CPD maintenance period, they will be suspended and have a maximum of 19 months to complete the balance of 24 CPD points. Note: The CPD points balance could be completed in less time. If the balance of CPD points required is not completed within the suspension period, the qualification will be cancelled. If the individual wishes to be re-instated they will be required to meet the eligibility criteria (see section 5) and reapply to the CPD program. Note: A GSAP completing 15 CPD points or more, but less than 30 CPD points, within the two-year CPD maintenance period, will receive an invitation to renew at the Green Star Associate level. 8. CPD POINTS GBCA COURSES, EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES The GBCA runs a number of courses, events and activities for which CPD points are available. These can be found at Appendix A. The applicable CPD points for GBCA courses, events and activities will be advertised at the time of promotion, registration and booking. CPD points will be allocated to an individual s profile on the CPD learning portal after attendance at the relevant GBCA course, event or activity. CPD points may also be earned by Green Star Associates and GSAPs working on registered Green Star projects in the following manner: Direct Involvement. From one to five GSAPs can earn a total of 10 CPD points for each registered Green Star project they are engaged to work on as GSAPs, depending upon their comparative level of involvement (e.g. one GSAP could be awarded 10 points, or one GSAP could be awarded four points while three others could be awarded two points each, etc.). Or, Indirect Involvement. From one to five Green Star Associates or GSAPs can earn up to a maximum of two points each for other project involvement on registered Green Star projects which is separate from being the designated project GSAP, depending upon their comparative level of involvement (e.g. an architect working on design aspects of the project could be awarded two points while four others could be awarded one point each, etc.). An individual can only earn either direct involvement or indirect involvement points, not both. No half CPD points will be awarded. A maximum of seven points can be achieved by Green Star Associates for project involvement on registered Green Star projects within a two-year maintenance period. CPD Terms and Conditions (21/12/10) 5

7 A maximum of 15 points can be achieved by GSAPs engaged to work as either project GSAPs or for other project involvement on registered Green Star projects (or any combination of the two) within a two-year maintenance period. It is the responsibility of the GBCA project contact to nominate the CPD point distribution, outlining the people involved, their role in the delivery of the project and the number of points allocated to each person. The project contact is able to claim for CPD points after the project has received its certification. Applicable CPD points will then be allocated to an individual s profile on the CPD learning portal. If you are a member of the GBCA Faculty, a GBCA Assessor or a member of a GBCA technical working group or GBCA committee; refer to the Education team for the appropriate point allocation. 9. CPD POINTS NON- GBCA COURSES, EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES The GBCA recognises that non-gbca courses, events and activities may be suitable for CPD points. To be suitable, these need to relate to green building sustainability principles and/or Green Star. A CPD participant or training provider wishing to have their courses, events and activities recognised for CPD points will need to apply to GBCA for approval and determination of point allocation. The course, event and activity will then be added to the CPD database (with CPD point allocation) and preapproved for future application. Non-GBCA courses, events and activities are classified as follows: Education that is developed without formal structure and not relating to specific sustainable training packages, but has sustainable building content. This would typically include: Conferences Talks Site Tours Seminars Presentations Internally developed courses by organisations Authorship articles printed in industry publications that have been peer reviewed Education that is developed with formal structure relating to specific sustainable training packages. This would typically include: On-line courses Non- VET courses delivered by RTOs or industry bodies Nationally Accredited Training Courses University courses Education not recognised by the CPD Program Reading articles in industry publications and journals Attending road shows, exhibitions and sales presentations Research activities or involvement in course development Approval of non-gbca Courses, Events and Activities for Training Providers The GBCA identifies a variety of organisations (such as the AIA, the AIRAH and the PCA) which provide sustainability training. The GBCA will determine the relevance of the training and the number of points applicable. CPD Terms and Conditions (21/12/10) 6

8 The GBCA will maintain a complete list of affiliated associations and relevant external courses recognised under the CPD program on the CPD learning portal. If there is a course or organisation not on this list, the learning provider can submit details of their course for the GBCA to review to CPD@gbca.org.au. The GBCA will determine whether it is appropriate for CPD point recognition. To have an organisation s course considered, the training provider must provide the following: course title; provider; date of course; and learning outcomes and/or curriculum. Approval of non- GBCA Courses, Events and Activities for an Individual CPD points will be allocated by the GBCA to the participant s profile on the learning portal. CPD participants will need to upload the following to their profile on the CPD Portal: course title; provider; date of course; course description and outline; and a copy of the certificate of attendance or a letter from the training organisation (or employer). An outline of CPD point allocation for non-gbca courses, events and activities can be found in Appendix B. The GBCA will advise whether points will be allocated and if so, the number of points. 10. CPD BIENNIAL FEE Individual CPD CPD participants are responsible for their individual CPD fee on a biennial basis (every two years). Refer to the GBCA website for the current fee. Corporate CPD GBCA member organisations can apply for a biennial corporate CPD registration. Refer to the GBCA website for current fees. Note: A CPD Corporate fee is different from and separate to GBCA Membership fee. At the time of registration, a corporate CPD contact is nominated and is able to view all individuals who enrol under the corporate CPD rate in their My Profile section of the GBCA website. The advantages of corporate CPD registration include: Any mix of Green Star Associates and GSAPs Green Star Associates and GSAPs from the parent company and their subsidiary companies Companies can apply for CPD points for internally developed and delivered relevant sustainability training via the GBCA CPD website. This process is the same for accrediting affiliated association or organisation courses. Note: The maintenance period for employees of a corporate registration commences at the date of activation of each individual s profile on the CPD learning portal following completion of eligibility requirements. The individual CPD registration remains with the individual for the two-year CPD CPD Terms and Conditions (21/12/10) 7

9 maintenance period, even if the employee ceases employment or moves to another company. It is the responsibility of the individual to keep their contact details up to date on the CPD learning portal. 11. CPD AUDITS The CPD system has been developed to automatically audit 100% of the CPD registrations. All documentation uploaded is audited prior to approval or rejection by the GBCA. If the GBCA requires any further documentation to be uploaded and this is not completed within the two-year CPD maintenance period, the system will automatically register that CPD participant as being non-compliant (see Section 7). It is the responsibility of the CPD participant to manage their CPD point allocation compliance and maintenance period. 12. GSAP LISTING ON THE GBCA WEBSITE All GSAPs will have their name and organisation listed on the GBCA website. GSAPs will have 30 days from the issue of a renewal notice to pay their CPD fee to remain on the register. The GBCA does not sell the GSAP listing, but the GBCA is unable to control people contacting GSAPs directly via the information available on the website. If you do NOT want your name and company shown on the website, please contact the GBCA on cpd@gbca.org.au. 13. GSAP STATUS PRIOR TO THE CPD PROGRAM The CPD learning portal will only maintain records of compliance from 1 July The maintenance of records on GSAP status held prior to his date is the responsibility of the participant. 14. SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES The two year period to complete CPD points may be extended due to reasons of serious illness, parental leave and long service leave. The length of time granted will be based on the maximum leave time granted for these reasons according to legislation at that time. CPD participants applying for an extension must provide a letter from their employer (or by statutory declaration if self employed) and supporting documentation (such as a doctor s certificate) explaining their special circumstances and their reasons for applying for a suspension period. 15. CPD REVIEW A formal review of the CPD program will be undertaken biennially by the GBCA Board Education committee. The committee is comprised of GBCA Board members, GBCA Faculty and industry members. A call for comment on the program will be advertised in the GBCA newsletter one month prior to the review. CPD Terms and Conditions (21/12/10) 8

10 APPENDIX - A GBCA COURSES, EVENTS and ACTIVITES CPD POINTS ALLOCATION The table below shows indicative CPD point allocation and should be used as a guide only. Check the CPD section of the GBCA website for the current CPD point allocation listing. Green Star Courses Green Star Refresher course Green Star Project Certification workshop Green Star Office Interiors course Green Star Specialist courses (elearning) 2 CPD points for every 1 hour of training 2 CPD points 6 CPD points 8 CPD points 6 CPD points per course Other GBCA Courses/Events Master Classes Meet the Stars Leading Green Thinkers Site tours Green Cities conference Participation in registered Green Star Projects Presenting/Facilitating 1 CPD point for every 1 hour of training 1 CPD point per event 1 CPD point per event 1 CPD point per site tour 4 CPD points per day (8 CPD points in total) Up to 10 points available per Green Star registered project for distribution to up to five GSAPs engaged as project GSAP(s). Up to 2 points each available for distribution to up to five GSAPs and/or Green Star Associates having other project involvement separate to being the engaged project GSAP. Any combination of the above, capped at 15 total points for GSAPs and 7 total points for Green Star Associates within a two year maintenance period. Refer to Section 8 for details 2 CPD points for each course or event, capped at 10 points per two year CPD maintenance period. Notes: Half points will be rounded up to the nearest whole point. If two activities happen simultaneously (e.g. presenting at and attending the same conference), points cannot be claimed for both activities. In this case, points will be awarded to the higher point yielding activity. CPD Terms and Conditions (21/12/10) 9

11 Activity Conferences Talks/Seminars/Site Tours/Presentations General Courses Internally developed Short Courses On-line courses Non-VET Courses RTO delivered Nationally Accredited Training Courses University Courses APPENDIX - B NON-GBCA COURSES, EVENTS and ACTIVITES CPD POINTS ALLOCATION CPD points 2 CPD points per day, capped at 6 CPD points per conference 1 CPD point 1 CPD point for each 2 hours of course time These courses are capped at 15 points for GSAPs and 10 points for Green Star Associates per two year maintenance period. 5 CPD points per subject which relate to sustainable education A total of 15 CPD points for GSAPs and 10 CPD points for Green Star Associates per two year maintenance period can be claimed. Subject enrolment documents must be provided as evidence. Authorship of articles 2 CPD points Authorship recognised in an industry publication and peer reviewed. The published article must be provided as evidence. Presenting/Facilitating 1 CPD point for each course or event, capped at 5 points per two year CPD maintenance period. Notes: Half points will be rounded up to the nearest whole point. For GSAPs, any combination of the above are capped at 20 points. For Associates, any combination of the above are capped at 10 points. If two activities happen simultaneously (e.g. presenting at and attending the same conference), points cannot be claimed for both activities. In this case, points will be awarded to the higher point yielding activity. CPD Terms and Conditions (21/12/10) 10