Professional life doesn’t always follow a straight path. The HPCNA CPD system accommodates various special circumstances that may affect your ability to meet standard CPD requirements. Here’s what you need to know:
Deferment of CPD Requirements
You may apply for deferment if you are:
- Outside Namibia for 12+ months and not practicing your profession
- Practicing in a country with no access to CPD activities
- Registered for an additional qualification that will take more than two years to complete
Important details:
- Deferment may be granted for up to three years maximum
- It won’t be granted for periods less than 12 months
- Applications must be strongly motivated with supporting evidence
- Submit applications to the HPCNA CPD Committee for review
Re-entry After Deferment
Requirements depend on how long you were deferred:
| DEFERMENT PERIOD | RE-ENTRY REQUIREMENTS |
|---|---|
| 12-24 months | Submit proof of full employment in the profession during that time |
| 2-3 years | Submit employment proof and complete a period of supervised practice as determined by your Council |
| Any period (if not practicing) | Complete a period of supervised practice as determined by your Council |
| During formal education | Submit proof of additional qualification(s) obtained |
Health Professionals Practicing Abroad
If practicing in a country with a CPD system:
- Comply with that country’s requirements
- Keep documentary proof of attendance at CPD activities
- For re-registration in Namibia, submit proof of compliance (e.g., letter from the accrediting authority)
Other Special Circumstances
Retirement and Non-Clinical Practice:
- Deferment is not granted to retired professionals or those not practicing due to ill health if they remain on the register
- Applications for returning to clinical registers must be submitted to the relevant Council
Community Service and Internship:
- Not required to comply with CPD during these periods
- Encouraged to attend activities and accumulate CEUs (valid for 2 years)
Voluntary Removal from Register:
- Apply in writing before the last day of March
- For reinstatement:
- After 1-3 years: Complete supervised practice or examination
- After 3+ years: Complete written and clinical examination
Restoration After Removal:
- For removal of 1-2 years with CPD attendance: Submit proof of CEUs collected during this period (need at least 67% of required CEUs)
- For removal of 1-2 years without CPD: Application goes to CPD Committee, which may require examination, supervised practice, and/or collecting one year’s CEUs
- For removal of 3+ years: Application goes to CPD Committee for recommendation to your Council
Understanding these provisions ensures you can navigate professional transitions while maintaining your registration status appropriately.
This blog is based on the Health Professions Councils of Namibia CPD Directives (Revised 2023).