Revision of CPD Category 3B (Self-Study)

Monday, 20 July 2026 | announcements

Practice Notice

Revision of CPD Category 3B (Self-Study)

1. SACAP received a request to review Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Category 3B (Self-Study) following concerns regarding its appropriate application and the potential for misuse.

2. The CPD Committee considered the request and resolved that Category 3B (Self-Study) will remain unchanged.

3. This is primarily because Category 3B is not a compulsory CPD category. Registered professionals may, however, claim CPD points for eligible self‑study activities. Self‑study remains a vital component of continuing professional development, as it enables professionals to remain current with evolving regulations, industry standards, new materials, sustainability practices, zoning and planning requirements, technological advancements, and other developments relevant to the architectural profession.

4. SACAP encourages registered architectural professionals to engage in self‑study on an ongoing basis and to claim the applicable CPD points under Category 3B through their CPD profile each year.

5. The CPD framework is designed to provide flexibility in meeting overall requirements. Within each five‑year CPD cycle, registered professionals are required to obtain a minimum of 25 CPD points, comprising activities across the recognised categories below

a) 5 compulsory CPD points in Category 1; and

b)  20 additional CPD points, which may be accumulated across Category 2A, Category 2B, Category 3A, and Category 3B, according to the professional's learning needs and preferences.