CPD Guide
OMARA CPD requirements for registered migration agents (2026–27)
Last reviewed: July 2026 · Reflects the Migration Agents (CPD Activities, Approval of CPD Providers and CPD Provider Standards) Instrument 2026 (LIN 26/001), in force from 1 April 2026.
Every registered migration agent (RMA) must complete continuing professional development (CPD) to re-register each year. Here's exactly how much you need, what counts, the deadlines, and what changed on 1 April 2026 — in plain English.
The short answer
You need 10 CPD points in the 12 months before you submit your repeat-registration application. At least 5 of those must be Category A (interactive) activities, and you must include 1 point on ethics and 1 point on the Code of Conduct.
How many CPD points do you need?
Registered migration agents must complete 10 CPD points per registration period. Those points are earned by completing CPD activities run by OMARA-approved CPD providers — live sessions, workshops, and self-paced modules with assessment.
The 10 points are not a free-for-all. There is a minimum of 5 Category A points, plus two mandatory topic points (ethics and Code of Conduct). Here's how a typical 10-point year is structured:
| Requirement | Points |
|---|
| Minimum Category A (interactive) | 5 of 10 |
| Mandatory: ethical standards | 1 (Cat A or B) |
| Mandatory: Code of Conduct | 1 (Cat A or B) |
| Remaining points | Category A or B |
| Total | 10 |
Category A vs Category B CPD
CPD activities fall into two categories, and the split matters because at least half of your points must be Category A.
- Category A — interactive, structured learning. Live workshops, seminars and conferences that involve real-time discussion among participants or interactive participation tools. This is the harder category to fill, which is why agents often leave it too late.
- Category B — self-paced learning. Private study with assessment and similar activities you complete on your own.
Because you need a minimum of 5 Category A points, live sessions are usually the pinch point at renewal. Read the full Category A vs Category B breakdown →
Mandatory ethics & Code of Conduct points
From 1 April 2026 the CPD Instrument requires two mandatory topic points every registration period:
- 1 point from an activity covering ethical standards for registered migration agents;
- 1 point from an activity covering the Code of Conduct.
These 2 mandatory points can be drawn from either Category A or Category B activities — but they must be covered specifically. A new optional activity on the protection of workplace rights is also available.
When your CPD must be completed
Your CPD activities must be completed in the 12 months immediately before you submit your repeat-registration application to the OMARA. Leaving Category A to the last few weeks is risky — live sessions run to a schedule and can fill up, so plan the interactive points early.
Online learning & private study rules
- Online cap: from 1 April 2026 an activity is worth a maximum of 6 points in any continuous 24-hour period where it is undertaken through online learning (reduced from the previous 10). You can't cram all 10 points into a single online sitting.
- Private study: a private-study (Category B) activity with assessment must be completed within 12 months of the date you enrol.
What changed on 1 April 2026 (LIN 26/001)
The Migration Agents (CPD Activities, Approval of CPD Providers and CPD Provider Standards) Instrument 2026 (LIN 26/001) reset the CPD framework. The headline changes:
- Mandatory ethics (1 point) and Code of Conduct (1 point) activities;
- Online activities capped at 6 points per 24 hours (down from 10);
- Private study must be completed within 12 months of enrolment;
- A tightened definition of an 'interactive' workshop (real-time discussion and/or interactive participation tools);
- An optional activity on the protection of workplace rights.
Transitional rule: if you apply for repeat registration between 1 April 2026 and 31 March 2027, activities you commenced or completed on or before 30 June 2026 are assessed under the old rules. See the full 2026 changes & transition guide →
Newly registered agents
Agents in their first registration year generally follow a different pathway (the Practice Ready Programme) rather than the standard 10-point CPD requirement. If you're newly registered, confirm your specific obligations with the OMARA before enrolling in CPD activities.
Get your CPD done with Widen CPD
We're an OMARA-approved CPD provider. Earn your points on your schedule — live Category A sessions and self-paced modules, including the mandatory ethics and Code of Conduct topics.
Get a CPD Points Pass →
Browse CPD modules & sessions
Frequently asked questions
- How many CPD points do registered migration agents need?
- 10 CPD points in the 12 months before you submit a repeat-registration application, with at least 5 from Category A (interactive) activities.
- What is the difference between Category A and Category B CPD?
- Category A is interactive, structured learning (live workshops, seminars, conferences). Category B is self-paced learning such as private study with assessment. At least 5 of your 10 points must be Category A.
- What are the mandatory CPD activities?
- From 1 April 2026 you must complete at least 1 point on ethical standards and 1 point on the Code of Conduct. These can be Category A or B.
- When do I need to complete my CPD?
- In the 12 months immediately before you submit your repeat-registration application to the OMARA.
- Can I do all my CPD online?
- An online activity is worth a maximum of 6 points per continuous 24-hour period, and at least 5 points must be Category A (interactive) — so you can't complete everything in one online sitting.
- What happens if I don't complete my CPD?
- CPD is a condition of repeat registration. Without the required points you cannot re-register as a migration agent.
Keep reading
This guide is general information for registered migration agents, not legal advice, and CPD requirements can change. Always confirm your current obligations with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA) at
mara.gov.au before you re-register. Widen CPD is an OMARA-approved CPD provider.