About the CPD Program
The Continuing Professional Development (CPD) program is designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of installers and designers in the solar industry.
The program offers a range of technical and soft skills learning opportunities delivered through workshops, seminars and online courses, tailored to meet the needs of solar professionals.
Mandatory modules are a requirement of the CPD program for all accreditees. The modules contain important standards and regulatory changes that affect the industry and cover common compliance issues that are identified through the compliance inspection program.
It is important that all accreditation holders complete CPD courses regularly to stay on top of industry trends, regulations and best practice.
CPD Requirements for Accreditation holders
- Complete 100 CPD points every 12 months and
- Complete any required mandatory modules by the required date
Where approved courses are completed through a third-party provider, you need to submit certificates of completion in the SAA Portal to receive CPD points.
Mandatory Modules
Points for mandatory modules count towards your annual CPD total.
Current mandatory courses include:
COM001: Parallel Earth & Neutral Connections (all GCBS or SPS accreditation holders to complete by 30 June 2026)
This training focuses on ensuring electrical safety and compliance when working with parallel earth-neutral connections in battery systems that provide an alternative or backup supply. This training helps reduce electrical risks and ensures compliance with Australian standards in hybrid power systems.
It is due for completion by 30 June 2026 for anyone holding grid-connected battery system or standalone power system accreditations.
Failure to complete any required mandatory training by the course due date may result in the accreditation holder being issued a show cause notice and their accreditation being suspended.
How to complete the course: Log into CPD Hub and search ‘COM001’ in ‘My Learning’ or the ‘Catalogue’. If you’re not already enrolled, you can enrol in the course and complete it online.
COM002: Fire Barrier Requirements & Habitable Rooms (all GCBS or SPS accreditation holders to complete by 30 June 2026)
This training provides guidance on the safe installation of battery energy storage systems (BESS) to prevent fire hazards, particularly in or near habitable areas.
It is due for completion by 30 June 2026 for anyone holding grid-connected battery system or standalone power system accreditations.
Failure to complete any required mandatory training by the course due date may result in the accreditation holder being issued a show cause notice and their accreditation being suspended.
How to complete the course: Log into CPD Hub and search COM002 in ’My Learning’ or the ‘Catalogue’. If you’re not already enrolled, you can enrol in the course and complete it online.
Essential Learning Module 4777.1:2024 (if accredited before 30 Sept 2025)
The Essential Learning Module 4777.1:2024 provides a practical overview of the updated AS/NZS 4777.1:2024 standard. The revised standard makes it easier for installers and designers to follow correct procedures by reducing complexity and supporting new technologies in inverter energy systems.
Completion of this course was required by 30 September 2025 for anyone holding SAA accreditation at that date. Individuals who were suspended for failing to complete the course are required to complete the course, and meet all other eligibility requirements, to be eligible to renew their accreditation.
Individuals accredited after 30 September 2025 are not required to complete the course.
How to complete the course:
There are three options to meet this training requirement. Information about the options is available on the Essential Learning Module web page of the SAA website.
Earn CPD points
Accreditation holders earn the required CPD points by:
- Completing mandatory training or other courses in the CPD Hub
- Completing training from the CPD approved courses and submitting certificates in the SAA Portal
Upload Certificates of Completion to receive CPD points
When training is completed through third-party providers, certificates of completion need to be submitted in the SAA Portal to receive CPD points towards SAA accreditation. The process below outlines the steps:
- Log in to the SAA Portal
- Select the relevant training course from the drop-down list.
- Enter the course completion date. (Please ensure the selected course and completion date match the uploaded certificate.)
- If uploading a certificate for the Essential Learning Module, please note:
- If completed through SAA, points will be added automatically, you do not need to submit them in the Portal.
- If completed through a third-party provider, you must upload the certificate manually by following the steps above.
- If uploading a certificate for the Essential Learning Module, please note:
- Upload the CPD certificate and click Submit.
For more detailed instructions, please refer to the Step-by-Step Guide below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are mandatory modules?
Mandatory modules are a requirement of SAA Accreditation Scheme. Mandatory training is designed to ensure that all accreditees know about the common compliance issues that are identified through the compliance inspection programs. This type of training is an essential part of maintaining a safe, skilled, and compliant industry.
Current mandatory courses include:
- Program Parallel Earth & Neutral Connections and Fire Barrier Requirements & Habitable Rooms – ALL GCBS and SPS accreditation holders must complete by 30 June 2026
- Essential Training on AS/NZS 4777.1:2024 – Required for all accreditation holders who were participating in the accreditation scheme on or before 30 September 2025.
What do the mandatory Battery Modules cover?
The modules have been developed to address key compliance risks identified through state and territory inspection programs. They focus on issues that rank among the top 10 most common non-compliances in battery storage installations and present significant safety risks. They help ensure installations meet national standards and support the Cheaper Home Batteries Program.
- Program Parallel Earth & Neutral Connections – covers how to identify potential parallel earth and neutral faults, understand the safety implications.
- Fire Barrier Requirements & Habitable Rooms – learn when fire barriers are required, the relevant standards applicable.
Where do I find mandatory modules?
Existing GCBS and SPS accreditation holders – would’ve received an email from the CPD Hub with a link to access the courses. The modules can also be accessed by login into CPD Hub directly.
- The courses will appear in their dashboard “Learning not started” press View all if you can’t see the courses straight away
Existing GCPV accreditation holders need to login to CPD Hub and Go to Store and press Add to add them to their profile to begin. The courses are FREE and will not need payment.
How often do I need to complete 100 CPD points?
Accreditees are required to complete 100 CPD points every 12 months as part of their accreditation. You can view your CPD points total and due date in the SAA Portal.
I completed 100 CPD points already, will these mandatory modules be counted towards my next CPD year?
If you already completed 100 CPD points in your CPD year, the points from these modules will be credited toward the next CPD year.
Find a CPD course
The CPD courses page features a wide range of courses from third-party training providers to help stay current with the latest technologies, industry trends, and regulations. There’s something available for all levels of experience.
Training Providers and Manufacturers
Training providers need to ensure their programs are up-to-date and submit renewals or new accreditation applications to providercourseapprovals@saaustralia.com.au.