About CPD
Continuing Professional Development
The Continuing Professional Development (CPD) program is designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of installers and designers in the solar industry.It offers technical and soft-skill learning through workshops, seminars and online courses, helping you keep pace with new standards, technologies and best practice year-round.
Essential learning modules are mandatory for every accreditee. They cover critical regulatory changes and common compliance issues flagged by inspections. Completing CPD regularly ensures you stay compliant and competitive.
CPD Requirements for Installers and Designers
- Earn 100 CPD points between each year of your accreditation.
- Log at least 30 points in Category 1 (Compliance).
- The remaining points can come from Categories 2 & 3, but together they’re capped at 70 — with a 20-point cap on self-directed learning
- Finish any SAA-mandated modules by the stated due date (these count toward your 100 points)
- Upload evidence in My SAA minimum 7 days before the hard deadline. The more time the better to allow for time to review.
- Need more time? Request an extension (max 3 months, fees apply) before the deadline.
Becoming accredited mid-year? Check the pro-rata table below for your reduced target.
CPD Hub
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is essential to maintaining accreditation and support the integrity of the renewable energy industry. It helps to stay up to date with current standards, regulations, and best practices. Compliance is a key part of our CPD program, helping to maintain high levels of quality and safety across the sector.
3 CPD Learning Categories
To support well-rounded professional growth, SAA has separated CPD into three categories. This structure encourages accredited installers and designers to stay sharp on compliance, build practical skills through structured training, and continue learning through self-directed activities.
Cat 1 - Compliance Training
Critical information needed to ensure your work is up to current standards and best practices.
May include:
- AS/NZS standard changes
- DNSP connection-rule updates
- Safety bulletins
- Installation requirements
- Firmware or fault-risk advisories
Cat 2 - Structured Learning
Learning pathways to improve skillsets across business, service, marketing, product & more.
Upskill in areas including:
- Business Sustainability
- Customer Service and Communication
- Project Management
- Health, Safety and Risk Management
- Sales and Marketing
Cat 3 - Self Directed Learning
Interest-based industry networking and training opportunities for your professional development.
Examples include:
- SAA update emails and newsletters
- Industry networking events
- Trade shows, expos and conferences
- Product demos or technical briefings
- Reading technical papers and recording reflections.
How John Reached 100 CPD Points
To maintain his GCBS accreditation, John completed 100 CPD points between 1 Oct – 30 Sep:
Received 20 CPD points for completing the Essential Learning Module (mandatory training) in the CPD Hub
With his GCBS accreditation, John also completed Parallel Earth & Neutral Connections (10 CPD points) and Fire Barrier Requirements & Habitable Rooms (10 CPD points) in CPD Hub (mandatory training). In under an hour, he earned another 20 CPD points
Through CPD Hub; John completed a battery course (20 CPD points), and two technical courses—Working Safely at Heights and EV Charging—worth 10 CPD points each
Throughout the year, he read 10 technical articles in the SAA Newsletters (1 CPD point per article)
He earned his final 10 CPD points by attending two solar industry conferences
By logging each activity as he went, John hit his 100 CPD points well before the September deadline – and was notified that his accreditation had auto-renewed.
Impact of CPD on Industry
Raising Industry Standards
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) drives consistent improvement across the renewable energy industry by keeping professionals aligned with the latest standards, technologies, and best practices. For businesses and their customers, this leads to better results, safer systems, and higher returns on investment.
CPD helps strengthen the industry through:
- Improved installation quality and system performance, reducing faults and callbacks
- Higher customer satisfaction through better-designed systems and clearer communication
- Greater ROI for customers by ensuring systems are efficient, compliant, and long-lasting
- Safer, more consistent work practices across projects and teams
- More resilient and sustainable businesses equipped to grow with the sector
- A stronger reputation for the industry through visibly skilled, up-to-date professionals
Ready for SAA Accreditation?
Apply below to start your journey.
Looking to have your training course accredited for CPD?
View more info for training organisations on CPD and course approval at the link below.
FAQs
Why am I receiving emails about the Essential Learning Module?
If you are receiving these emails, it is because you have not completed the Essential Learning Module (ELM). SAA is providing one final extension until 30 September 2025 to complete the Essential Learning Module.
SAA is sending these reminders to help you avoid the issuance of demerit points or suspension of your accreditation due to non-completion of the module. Please take urgent action to complete the module and ensure compliance.
Is the essential Learning Module compulsory?
Yes, the Essential Learning Module (ELM) is mandatory for maintaining your accreditation. Failure to provide evidence of completion by 30 September 2025 may result in the issuance of demerit points or suspension of your accreditation.
The Essential Learning Module focuses on the AS/NZS 4777.1:2024 standard ensuring that installers remain up to date with critical industry knowledge and best practices. Sometimes, SAA mandates certain training when there are changes to standards that apply across the installer network. This will not happen every year, but when a module is deemed essential, installers should ensure that they complete it within the required timeframe to maintain compliance.
What urgent action do I need to take?
Following the steps below BEFORE THE 30 SEPTEMBER 2025, will help you meet all of your requirements of your accreditation:
Step 1: Choose how you will complete the ELM
You have three ways to complete the Essential Learning Module (ELM):
1. SAA – Essential Learning Module on AS/NZS 4777.1:2024 – check your emails for a CPD Hub link from Solar Accreditation Australia – CPD Hub sent on 30 June. Once you set up your login, you can access the ELM
If you complete the module via SAA, your points will be automatically assigned, and no further action is required.
2. GSES – AS/NZS 4777.1:2024 Updates – 20 CPD points towards your annual total. This course will take you approximately 3 hours. You must upload proof of completion to your SAA portal by 30 September 2025.
3. SEC – AS/NZS 4777.1 Module Part 1 to Part 6 – 6 courses at 15 CPD points per course. You must complete all six courses to meet the requirement – this will take you approximately 6 hours. You must upload proof of completion to your SAA portal by 30 September 2025.
How do I upload CPD points from the ELM?
If you choose GSES or SEC, make sure to obtain evidence of completion and upload it before the 30 September deadline.
Upload proof of completion :
1. Click here and log in to your SAA Portal.
2. Select the relevant training course from the drop-down list.
3. Enter the course completion date (the course selected and the completion date need to match the CPD certificate uploaded).
4. Upload the CPD certificate and click submit.
You can use the Step–by–Step Guide to help you.
If you complete the module via SAA, your points will be automatically assigned, and no further action is required.
What if I recently completed the ELM, but my training provider hasn’t issued my certificate yet?
If you have recently completed the Essential Learning Module (ELM) but your training provider has not yet issued your certificate or other proof of completion, you will still need to submit evidence of completion by 30 September 2025 to avoid further action.
To resolve this issue:
1. Contact your training provider immediately and request the certificate or any official documentation confirming your completion.
2. Ensure you upload the evidence to your SAA portal as soon as you receive it.
Will points from ELM count towards my CPD requirement?
You will receive 20 CPD points credited towards your annual requirement once you have completed the Essential Learning Module (ELM) and uploaded your evidence.
If you complete the course through the SAA CPD Hub, you will not need to upload evidence; the points will automatically be attributed to your accreditation number.
What happens if I don’t complete the ELM by 30 September?
Failure to complete the Essential Learning Module (ELM) by 30 September 2025 will result in the following :
- 5 demerit points being issued for non-compliance with the accreditation scheme requirements, and
- You will receive a show cause notice, giving you 28 days to explain why SAA should not suspend your accreditation.
If you receive a show cause notice, you have the following options:
1. You can choose to complete ELM within the 28-day response period. This will mean:
- Your accreditation will not be suspended, but the 5 demerit points will remain on your record for two years. You MUST submit your evidence before the 28-day period concludes.
2. You can respond to the notice with valid reasons for your non-compliance. If you choose to respond:
- SAA will only consider valid reasons for non-compliance, and not all reasons will be accepted.
- High work demands will not be considered valid, as installers have had 8 months to complete the module and received multiple reminders.
Valid reasons include:
- Prior illness or injury that began before the due date, preventing you from working in the industry.
- You must be willing and able to provide a medical certificate confirming the illness or injury and specifying the dates during which you were unable to comply.
If your reasons are considered valid, SAA will work with you on a revised timeline to complete the module.
3. If you choose not to respond:
- Your accreditation will be suspended on the 30th day following the issuance of the show cause notice.
- Relevant regulators will be notified of your suspension, and you may not be able to participate in incentive schemes offered by the Commonwealth or state governments.
- Your accreditation will remain in a suspended state until you complete the ELM requirements. If your accreditation remains in a suspended state for 12 months, your accreditation will be cancelled.