How to export your CPD log
OpenBook tracks your clinical learning automatically as you search. This guide walks you through logging a CPD session, exporting your certificate, and what to tell your regulatory body when submitting.
CPD tracking requires a Pro or Clinic plan
CPD session logging and certificate export are available on Pro ($29/month) and Clinic plans. Free plan users can run searches but cannot log or export CPD records. See pricing →
Step 01
How the CPD timer works
The CPD timer starts automatically when you submit a clinical search and stops when you close or navigate away from the results page. It measures your active time spent engaging with the evidence — reading the summary, reviewing source articles, and formulating follow-up questions.
You will see a timer display in the results panel. Sessions shorter than 5 minutes are not recorded to avoid logging incidental or accidental searches. Sessions longer than 2 hours are capped at 2 hours to comply with AHPRA guidelines on self-directed CPD recording.
What counts as CPD time
AHPRA recognises self-directed learning — reading, literature review, and reflection on clinical evidence — as valid CPD. Your OpenBook session time qualifies as self-directed learning under the CPD standards of all AHPRA-registered professions that accept this CPD type. Check your specific professional board's CPD requirements to confirm the hours that apply to your registration.
Step 02
Logging a CPD session
At the end of a search session, a CPD prompt appears below the results. To log the session:
- 1Click "Log as CPD" in the prompt below your search results.
- 2Review the pre-filled details: clinical topic, evidence grade, session duration, and sources reviewed. These are filled automatically from your search.
- 3Add a brief reflection note (2–5 sentences). Describe what you learned and how it will influence your practice. This is required for AHPRA-compliant CPD records.
- 4Select the CPD category (Self-directed learning is pre-selected). If your professional board uses specific CPD activity types, choose the most appropriate one from the dropdown.
- 5Click "Save to CPD log". The session is added to your dashboard under Dashboard → CPD.
Reflection writing tip
A good CPD reflection answers three questions: What did I learn? How does it apply to my practice? What will I do differently? Even two sentences addressing these points is sufficient for AHPRA requirements. OpenBook provides a reflection prompt to guide you.
Step 03
Exporting your CPD certificate
When you are ready to submit your CPD log to your regulatory body, export it as a PDF certificate from your dashboard:
- 1Navigate to Dashboard → CPD in the sidebar.
- 2Review your logged sessions. You can edit reflection notes, adjust session duration, or delete entries before exporting.
- 3Set the date range for your export (e.g., the current registration year). Your professional board's CPD year may differ from the calendar year — check your renewal notice.
- 4Click "Export CPD certificate (PDF)". A formatted PDF is generated and downloaded to your device.
The exported certificate includes: your name and professional registration number (from your profile), each logged session with date, topic, duration, evidence grade reviewed, and your reflection note, plus a total CPD hours summary by activity type.
Step 04
What to tell your regulatory body
Each session logged in OpenBook qualifies as self-directed CPD under AHPRA's CPD framework. When submitting your CPD log to your professional board, use the following description for your OpenBook sessions:
Suggested CPD activity description
“Self-directed clinical learning: evidence-based literature review using OpenBook Clinical (clinical decision support platform). Activity involved formulating clinical questions, reviewing synthesised evidence from peer-reviewed databases (Cochrane, PubMed, NHMRC guidelines), appraising evidence quality against the NHMRC Hierarchy, and applying findings to clinical practice. Reflections documented in accompanying CPD log.”
AHPRA CPD requirements vary by profession and registration period. The above template has been used successfully by OpenBook clinicians across physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech pathology, and psychology. However, you should confirm your specific professional board's requirements with your board's CPD documentation before submitting.
Disclaimer
OpenBook Clinical is a decision-support and self-directed learning tool. We are not affiliated with AHPRA or any professional board. CPD compliance is your responsibility as a registered practitioner. Always verify that the activities you log meet your profession's current CPD requirements before submitting them for registration renewal.
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Need CPD tracking access?
CPD logging and certificate export are available on Pro and Clinic plans.
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