Active learning is organized, often following a formal curriculum or program. It has clear goals, a defined path, and specific outcomes. 

Classroom Training/Workshops 

• Example: A series of formal classroom-based training sessions where participants learn a specific skill (e.g., project management, customer service, or coding). 

• Structure: Instructor-led, with a set syllabus, clear learning objectives, and a fixed timetable. 

Online Courses (with Defined Curriculum) 

• Example: A certified online course, such as an MBA program or an industry-specific certification like ITIL (IT service management).

• Structure: Modules or lessons with predefined assessments, quizzes, and timelines for completion. 

Online Courses (with a real-time presenter but with no assessments)

• Example: An online course of one hour or more, such as ones provided to members by OACETT where experts provide training on a specific subject.

• Structure: Training sessions with interaction throughout the course include polls, breakout groups, coursework, and question-and-answer sessions.

Workplace Training Programs

• Example: Onboarding or mandatory compliance training (e.g., health and safety training, ethics, or data protection). 

• Structure: Training sessions with objectives, guidelines, resources, and assessment methods. 

Lectures and Seminars

• Example: A scheduled lecture or seminar series on a topic (e.g., a professional conference with speakers presenting on specific topics in the field of Engineering Technology). 

• Structure: Pre-arranged topics and schedules with clear objectives and outcomes. 

Mentorship Programs

• Example: A structured mentorship where the mentor and mentee follow a defined program with specific milestones. 

• Structure: Meetings scheduled with a clear agenda, set goals, and timelines. 

Examinations/Certifications

• Example: An exam-based program where participants learn the material and then demonstrate their knowledge through formal assessments. 

• Structure: Learning is aligned with the preparation for the exam, often accompanied by study materials, sample questions, and deadlines. 

Additional Learning Examples

Design a Discipline-related Technical Course
Create/design/teach/present instructional content related to a member's expertise, including volunteer to teach a course/webinar by delivering lessons, in person or online, to convey discipline-specific knowledge and skills without compensation.

Health and Safety Course
Technical health and safety courses offering accreditation in areas like risk management, ergonomic specialty, or electrical safety.

Management or Leadership Training
Structured programs that develop essential skills and knowledge for effective leadership and management with assessments to ensure understanding of subject matter.

Seminars and Conferences 
In-person events or professional events focused on interaction and shared interests for discussion and learning, often as an audience member or attendee. 

Presentations
Create or present content for professional knowledge sharing, with peer evaluation and participant feedback as supporting evidence.

Professional Courses
Professional courses must be from recognized educational institutions (colleges and universities), have clear learning outcomes, a defined syllabus, an assessment to test competency and formal documentation of completion (date, individual’s name, course title, description, institution).

Teach a Technical Course
Volunteer to teach a course/webinar by delivering lessons, in person or online, to convey discipline-specific knowledge and skills without compensation. Paid teaching roles for regular employment do not qualify.

Technical Training
Technical training (in-person or online) includes hands-on work, assessments, and may lead to licensing or micro-credentials.

Passive learning is informal, self-directed, and can happen organically without a defined pathway. It encourages exploration, creativity, and independent learning.  

Note: Passive learning items are eligible for up to 15 hours of CPD recognition. Reading or listening to articles from magazines, journals, technical papers/books, and listening to podcasts or online courses is capped at 10 hours per 3-year cycle. Podcasts must be at least 20 minutes per topic. 

On-the-Job Learning 

• Example: A person learning new tasks by working on real projects, troubleshooting problems, or gaining experience through day-to-day job activities. 

• Structure: Learning happens naturally through experience and problem-solving in the workplace without formal guidance. 

Watching Pre-Recorded Webinars or Lectures 

• Example: A recorded webinar explaining the importance of emotional intelligence in leadership. 

• Structure: There’s no set course or framework, and the learner chooses their own pace and path. 

Reading Articles or Research Papers 

• Example: Reading a journal article on how artificial intelligence is transforming the finance sector. 

• Structure: There’s no set course or framework, and the learner chooses their own pace and path. 

Listening to Podcasts or Audiobooks 

• Example: Listening to a podcast episode on sustainable business practices or listening to an audiobook on time management skills. 

• Structure: There’s no set course or framework, and the learner chooses their own pace and path. 

Watching Instructional Videos 

• Example: Watching a video on using new project management software or how to conduct a successful performance review. 

• Structure: There’s no set course or framework, and the learner chooses their own pace and path. 

Reading Case Studies 

• Example: Reading a case study on how a company successfully navigated a digital transformation and the lessons learned. 

• Structure: There’s no set course or framework, and the learner chooses their own pace and path. 

Additional Learning Examples
 
Indigenous and DEI Awareness Courses
Indigenous Awareness Courses educate about Indigenous history, culture and issues, promotion respect and understanding. DEI Awareness Courses focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion, addressing bias and fostering equitable, inclusive environments.

New Product Learning
Enhance professional skills by attending training sessions, workshops, or presentations on the latest products and technologies and their practical applications.

Reading/Podcasts/Online Learning Platforms 
Reading or listening to articles from magazines, journals, or online platforms, technical papers/books, and listening to podcasts or online courses is capped at 10 hours per 3-year cycle. Podcasts must be at least 20 minutes per topic. 

Research
A systematic investigation to discover new industry information, establish facts, or develop theories related to the industry, with a summary submitted for peer review to validate CPD hours.

Self-taught/Self-managed Learning
Self-study learning allows members to choose when and where to take the course. Members have the flexibility to start and stop the learning process according to their needs.

Technical Paper Authorship
Technical papers are detailed documents that present original or expanded research, methodologies, and results in a specific field and undergo peer review before publication.

Technical Training (without an assessment)
These activities may or may not follow a prescribed syllabus or measurable learning outcomes. They do not include assessments to test an individual’s competency or retention. Participation credit is provided regardless of active involvement or assignment completion, and a formal record of completion may not be issued.

Volunteering
Volunteering in the industry means offering time and services freely, enhancing job performance by building skills, confidence, communication, teamwork, and awareness of social issues through hands-on experience.

The CPD program places members into a three-year cycle, which always begins on January 1st and ends on December 31st three years later. This means you have three years to complete the required activities to maintain your certification. CPD audits are conducted annually for the previous three-year cycle on a random selection of members. To check the dates of your CPD cycle, simply log in to the OACETT portal, and click on the CPD menu option at the top of the page. There you will find a table identifying your active CPD cycle.

Please note: To maintain your certification, you must complete at least 30 hours of CPD by engaging in a combination of Active and Passive learning activities over your three-year cycle. You can fulfill this requirement with 15-30 hours of Active learning activities and up to 15 hours of Passive learning activities. You may complete any combination of Active and Passive learning, keeping in mind that you can not exceed a total of 15 hours of Passive learning in a 3-year period.

• Annual CPD Audits: CPD Audits are conducted each year for the previous three-year cycle of a random selection of certified members, and associate members who have not certified within their certification timelines.
• Check CPD Cycle Dates: Log into the portal and click on CPD in the main menu. Ensure you have all your CPD records, including supporting documentation for each submitted activity. To stay audit-ready, it's a good practice to submit your CPD in the portal as soon as it is completed.
• Audit Notification: If selected for audit, you will receive a notification by mail indicating the date to provide all CPD activities to OACETT; your portal will indicate "Selected for Audit."
• Review Process: The Office of the Registrar reviews your CPD within 60 days from the due date of submission and will email you advising CPD compliance or further steps to complete to reach compliance. 
• Compliance Responsibility: During the audit, OACETT staff will assist you with any questions about the CPD program, how to submit CPD, or what activities count as satisfactory CPD. Email cpdaudit@oacett.org. As this is a mandatory requirement our goal is to help you in every way we can to achieve compliance, and to avoid the risk of losing your membership and certification.

When submitting a CPD activity to the portal, supporting documents must be provided. Some examples of supporting documents include:

• A certificate of attendance from the presenter, school, or educational distributor
• A transcript including the achieved grade
• A signed letter from a workplace supervisor
• A written summary of learning and a copy of the presentation

Is there a minimum length of time for CPD eligible activities?
Yes, activities must be a minimum of one hour.

What activities are not eligible for CPD?

• WHMIS, First Aid, CPR, AODA,
• Refresher or basic IT courses (MS Word, Outlook, Excel, Powerpoint)
• Activities repeated within the same CPD cycle, unrelated to your job or fall outside the 3-year cycle
• Courses that are partially complete
• Paid teaching in a college, university or institution

What if my CPD spreads over two cycles?
The end date of the activity determines the cycle it belongs to.

Can I carry over excess CPD hours to the next cycle?
No, you may not carry over excess CPD hours.

What if I do not meet the CPD requirements?
CPD is mandatory to maintain your membership or certification, with the risk of losing it if not completed.

Can activity hours be counted cumulatively?
Yes, passive activity hours can be combined to meet the 1-hour minimum, with each activity being at least 1 hour.

Can studying for an exam count towards CPD?
A maximum of five hours of studying for an exam can be claimed. This will be recognized as passive learning.

Is CPD required if I retire during my 3-year cycle?
Unless you are audited before you retire, CPD is not required to maintain Retired membership.

Can I be audited for CPD compliance? What's the audit process?
Yes, if you are a Certified (including Life or Fellow) or an Associate member outside of the 3 or 6-year certification timeline.

OACETT's CPD Program Changes: Have Your Say Webinar 

Please click HERE to view the webinar.

OACETT's CPD Program Changes: Have Your Say Webinar Q&A

Please click HERE to view the Q&A document.

1. Log into the OACETT portal

• Go to the www.oacett.org
• Click on the Login button at the top of the page to access the OACETT member portal
• Click on the CPD heading in your portal account

2. Add a CPD activity

• Select the CPD cycle you are logging and then the “add CPD activity” button
• Enter details of the CPD activity (title, start/end date, provider, category, hours, description) and click Save

3. Upload supporting documents

• Upload supporting documents (certificate of attendance, transcript, pamphlet, study notes, signed letters, written summary of learning, copy of presentation, etc.)
• Click Upload document, name the document, add the file and submit

See the video below for more information on tracking and uploading your CPD in the portal.