Level 3 CPD activities represent the highest tier in the HPCNA’s hierarchy of learning, offering structured professional development with measurable outcomes. Each successful Level 3 activity earns you a substantial 30 CEUs. Let’s explore these valuable professional development opportunities.
What Makes Level 3 Activities Special?
Level 3 activities are formal, structured learning programs that:
- Are planned and offered by accredited training institutions
- Are evaluated by the HPCNA CPD Committee
- Have clearly measurable outcomes
- Provide comprehensive professional development
Four Types of Level 3 Activities
1. Postgraduate Qualifications
What qualifies: Degrees and diplomas recognized as additional qualifications by your Council
CEU allocation:
- 30 CEUs per year of study (not exceeding normal duration)
- Additional 30 CEUs upon successful completion
- Must submit academic progress reports to claim CEUs
Example: If you’re pursuing a 2-year Master’s degree, you can earn 30 CEUs after year one, another 30 CEUs after year two, and an additional 30 CEUs upon graduation (90 CEUs total).
2. Specialized Short Courses
Requirements:
- Minimum of 25 hours of instruction
- Must include clinical hands-on training component
- Must include formal assessment of outcomes
Example: A five-day intensive course on advanced wound care techniques with practical sessions and final assessment.
3. Learning Portfolios
A learning portfolio documents your professional growth through reflective practice. It includes:
- Identification of individual learning needs with supporting rationale
- A learning plan with specific objectives
- Structured reflection on learning activities and application in practice
- Documentation of significant events showing how new learning was applied
- Self-appraisal and future learning plans
Submission process: Submit your portfolio to the CPD Committee Chairperson for evaluation and CEU accreditation.
4. Practice Audits
A practice audit involves systematically reviewing aspects of patient care against explicit criteria. The process includes:
- Selecting a relevant topic that will improve patient care
- Designing the audit with appropriate external criteria
- Collecting and analyzing practice data
- Implementing interventions to address any gaps
- Re-assessing to evaluate improvements
Evaluation: Submit your completed audit to the HPCNA CPD Committee or have it assessed by peers with documentation submitted to HPCNA.
Strategic Considerations
- Level 3 activities require significant commitment but offer maximum CEU value
- A single well-executed Level 3 activity meets your entire annual CEU requirement
- These activities provide deeper learning and more meaningful professional development
- Consider incorporating one Level 3 activity into your two-year CPD cycle
By engaging in Level 3 activities, you’re not just meeting CPD requirements—you’re making a substantial investment in your professional growth and ultimately improving patient care.
This blog is based on the Health Professions Councils of Namibia CPD Directives (Revised 2023).