FAQ

Questions, answered.

Everything you need to know about Ponder and CPD for psychologists in Australia. Can't find what you're looking for? Get in touch.

About Ponder

The platform

Who is Ponder for?

Ponder is designed specifically for registered psychologists in Australia. It is built around the CPD framework set by the Psychology Board of Australia for general registration. Anyone is welcome to use it, but it may not meet all current requirements for provisionally registered or endorsed psychologists — so if that's you, we'd encourage you to use your own discretion. A version tailored to provisional and endorsed registration pathways is in the pipeline. Watch this space.

Does Ponder work on my phone?

Yes. Ponder is a web app, which means it works on any device with a browser — phone, tablet, or desktop. No download required. Log something from your phone after a session and pick it up on your laptop later. Everything stays in sync automatically.

How is Ponder different from just using a spreadsheet?

Spreadsheets require you to build and maintain your own structure, manually calculate hours, and remember to keep them updated. Ponder does all of that automatically — with a live compliance dashboard, guided reflection prompts, goal tracking, peer consultation logging, and a centralised events hub. It's not just a place to store information. It's a tool that actively helps you stay on track throughout the year.

How is Ponder different from other CPD platforms?

Most CPD tools are built for nurses or other health professions and adapted for psychologists — or built specifically for provisionally registered psychologists. Ponder is built from scratch for registered psychologists in Australia, by registered psychologists, around the exact structure of the Psychology Board's CPD requirements. Every feature has been shaped by real psychologists across clinical, organisational, forensic, and other practice areas.

What if I work across multiple areas of practice?

Ponder works across all areas of psychological practice — clinical, organisational, forensic, health, educational, sport, and more. Your CPD logging structure in Ponder accommodates any type of activity or peer consultation regardless of your practice area.

Is Ponder endorsed by AHPRA or the Psychology Board of Australia?

No. Ponder is not affiliated with or endorsed by AHPRA or the Psychology Board of Australia. It is designed by registered psychologists to align with the Psychology Board's CPD record-keeping expectations. Psychologists remain responsible for ensuring their own compliance with registration requirements. For the most up-to-date requirements, always refer to the Psychology Board of Australia's website directly.

CPD requirements

Understanding your obligations

What are the CPD requirements for registered psychologists in Australia?

Registered psychologists are required to complete CPD each registration year, which runs from 1 December to 30 November. Requirements are set by the Psychology Board of Australia and include a minimum number of hours across different activity types, including peer consultation. Requirements may differ depending on your registration type and whether you hold an area of practice endorsement.

For current, accurate CPD requirements always refer to the Psychology Board of Australia directly. Requirements can change and Ponder is not a source of regulatory advice.

What counts as peer consultation for psychologists?

Peer consultation generally involves planned, documented discussion with a registered psychologist colleague about professional practice matters — including case discussions, group supervision, and clinical consultation. It is typically distinguishable from social interaction or personal therapy. Ponder's peer consultation section helps you capture the key details of each session in a structured, consistent format.

For specific guidance on what counts as peer consultation, refer to the Psychology Board of Australia's CPD guidelines.

What should a CPD logbook include?

A CPD logbook typically needs to capture details of each activity — including its title, date, duration, type, provider, and a reflection on what you learned and how it applies to your practice. Ponder structures every entry around these elements so your logbook is always complete. For specific requirements refer to the Psychology Board's guidelines and the CPD registration standard.

What are the new psychology competencies and how does Ponder support them?

The Psychology Board of Australia released updated professional competencies for psychologists, which came into effect on 1 December 2025. These updated competencies place greater emphasis on cultural safety, reflexive practice, working with diverse groups, self-care, and digital health practice. Ponder's learning goal framework is designed to help you align your CPD activities with your professional development priorities — including these updated competencies. You can find the full competency framework on the Psychology Board of Australia's website.

What happens if I'm audited by AHPRA?

If selected for a CPD audit, you'll be asked to provide your CPD portfolio — including your learning plan, activity log, evidence, peer consultation records, and reflections — within a specified timeframe. Ponder keeps all of this in one place and generates a formatted, exportable logbook so you're ready if you're ever selected. Ponder is not affiliated with or endorsed by AHPRA, and this is not legal or regulatory advice. For full audit guidance refer to AHPRA's website.

Do CPD activities need to be formally accredited?

The Psychology Board of Australia recognises a broad range of learning activities for CPD purposes, not just formally accredited programs. We recommend referring to the Psychology Board's CPD guidelines for specific guidance on what activities are recognised and how they should be documented.

Logging and features

Using Ponder

What types of CPD activities can I log?

You can log any activity that contributes to your CPD — workshops, webinars, conferences, online courses, reading, peer consultation, and more. Ponder's activity types are structured around the Psychology Board's CPD framework so every common entry type is accounted for.

Can I attach certificates and receipts?

Yes. You can upload certificates, receipts, or any supporting documentation directly to each activity entry — so your evidence is stored alongside your log in one place, ready if you're ever audited.

What does the Excel export include?

Your exported logbook is a fully formatted, editable Excel file that includes all your logged CPD activities, peer consultations, learning goals, and reflections. It also features a built-in compliance tracker so you can see exactly where you stand — ready to present if you're ever audited.

Can I import my existing CPD records into Ponder?

Ponder doesn't currently support direct import of existing records. Most users find it easiest to start fresh from their current CPD year, though you can manually add past activities if you'd like to consolidate your history in one place.

How does the CPD events hub work?

The events hub aggregates upcoming CPD events from APS, AAPi, and other providers into a single feed, automatically filtered for your state. You can search and filter by topic, format, and date. When you find something relevant, Ponder takes you directly to the provider's registration page. We don't host events ourselves — we just make them easier to find.

Pricing and account

Plans and billing

How much does Ponder cost?

Ponder costs $4.99 per month or $49.00 per year AUD. All users start with a 30-day free trial. A credit card is required to get started, but you won't be charged until your trial ends and you choose to continue. No lock-in contract — cancel any time.

What happens to my data if I cancel my account?

If you decide to cancel, Ponder will send you multiple reminders to export your data before your account deactivates. Your full CPD logbook — including all activities, peer consultations, reflections, and learning goals — can be downloaded as a formatted Excel file at any time. Your data is permanently deleted from our systems 30 days after account closure.

How long is my data stored?

Your data is stored securely for as long as your account is active. If you close your account, you'll receive reminders to export before deactivation. We recommend keeping your own copy of your CPD records — the Psychology Board of Australia requires psychologists to retain CPD records for a minimum of five years.

Security and privacy

Your data, protected

Is Ponder secure?

Yes. Ponder is hosted in Australia on Microsoft Azure servers, encrypted in transit using TLS 1.2 and at rest using AES-256 encryption. Access to user data is restricted to authorised personnel under confidentiality agreements, and all administrative accounts are protected by multi-factor authentication. We comply with the Australian Privacy Act 1988 and the Australian Privacy Principles.

Is my data stored in Australia?

Yes. All Ponder data is stored on Microsoft Azure servers located in Australia. Your data is never transferred overseas except where required for essential service provision, and in those cases we take reasonable steps to ensure compliance with the Australian Privacy Principles.

Will Ponder sell my data?

No. We will never sell, rent, or share your personal information with third parties for marketing purposes. Your data is yours. We may share limited information with service providers who help us operate the platform — such as hosting, analytics, and payment processing — but only to the extent necessary to deliver the service. Full details are in our Privacy Policy.

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