2026-27 member renewals FAQs

These are the most common situations we’ve heard from members since sharing our renewal update. Additional questions are answered in the below FAQ.

The information below is a general guide based on common member scenarios. It may not reflect your individual circumstances. If you’re unsure what applies to you, please contact us for advice specific to your membership.

I’m going on parental leave. What should I do?

If you’re taking parental leave, there are a few options depending on your situation.

You may be eligible for:

Parental leave benefit (PLB) – up to 12 months complimentary membership
CPD extension – an extra 12 months to meet CPD requirements.

From June 2026, PLB eligibility requirement reduced to 1 year of continuous paid membership (previously 3). Student membership is not included.

What should I think about before I renew?

If you’ll be away from practice, consider:

Certification requirements
Recency of Practice (RoP)
CPD requirements

From June 2026, RoP is:

150 hours in the last 12 months, or
450 hours over 3 years

How and when do I claim these options?

You’ll select parental leave options in the renewal form when it open in June. It can’t be applied before then.

What are my main options?

Option A: Keep membership active

You may claim the Parental Leave Benefit for the upcoming year
You may then be eligible for a CPD extension in the 2026-2027 renewal
Your CPSP status remains active
CPD and RoP requirements still apply

Option B: Move to Non-Practising membership

Suitable if you’re not working for a period
Pauses practising-related requirements
You’ll need to contact SPA to request this change

What’s important to know?

PLB and CPD extensions run on different timelines
They can’t be claimed in consecutive years
Planning across membership years helps avoid issues when returning to practice

I used to pay quarterly or via bank account. What changes for me?

A: Payment options are changing from this renewal

What are my options now?

At renewal, you can:

Pay in full, or
Pay monthly via credit or debit card

What’s changing?

Quarterly instalments are no longer available
Bank account payments are no longer available
All members will receive an annual invoice at renewal

When do I choose my payment method?

You’ll choose your option when you complete the renewal form.

Payment arrangements don’t carry over between years.

You’ll select your preference each time you renew.

I only need certification, not full membership

Option 1: Certified Practising Membership

Includes:

Certification (CPSP)
Member services and support
Access to resources and advisors
Discounted professional development
Voting rights

Option 2: Non-Member CPSP

$608 (inc. GST)
Covers certification only
Allows use of the CPSP title and access to provider numbers (e.g. Medicare)

What don’t I get as a Non-Member CPSP?

You won’t have access to:

Member benefits and services
Advocacy and representation
Discounted PD
Professional resources and guidance
Voting rights

How do I switch to Non-Member CPSP?

You’ll need to submit a request via Contact Us, and the team will process it for you. We’re working to have this be an option in the renewal form but encourage you to reach out to SPA to discuss your circumstances in the interim.

Still not sure what applies to you?

These scenarios are a guide only and don’t cover every situation.

If you’re unsure, get in touch and we can talk through what’s right for you.

FAQs

Why are membership fees changing?

We understand cost is an important consideration.

This year’s changes focus on strengthening the systems and support behind membership to make renewal simpler, more reliable and easier to manage. Membership fees also support the work SPA does on behalf of the profession, including advocacy, professional standards and member services.

We’re working to provide clearer information about what your membership includes, so you can better understand how fees are applied.

How are membership fees determined?

Membership fees are set through SPA’s governance processes and approved by the Board.

In determining fees, SPA considers the cost of delivering member services, supporting professional standards and certification, and investing in advocacy and initiatives that support the profession. Operational costs and the need to maintain sustainable, reliable systems are also taken into account.

We’re working to make it easier to understand how membership works, including what your fees support, and will continue to provide clearer information as part of the renewal process.

What changes are being made to payments?

We’re simplifying payment options to make the process more reliable and easier to manage.

This includes removing some payment methods such as quarterly repayments or payment by bank account that have led to complexity or issues in the past and focusing on options that are more consistent and easier to support.

We know this may feel different at first and our team is here to help if you need support understanding your options.

Why are some payment methods being removed?

Some payment options have created challenges for both members and SPA, including failed payments and additional follow-up.

By simplifying the approach, we can reduce these issues and provide a smoother experience overall.

Our focus is on making renewal more straightforward and reliable.

What is included in my membership?

Your membership includes access to a range of services and support, including professional standards, advocacy, resources and professional development opportunities. We also have great partnerships with Industry Legal Group, Guild Insurance and Member Advantage to name a few, to support you in your professional practice.

We’re working to make it easier to understand exactly what’s included, with clearer information available on the website during the renewal period.

What do I need to do before renewing?

To make renewal as smooth as possible, we recommend:

Logging into MySPA to check your details are correct
Ensuring your CPD requirements are up to date
Reviewing any certification requirements that apply to you

We’ll continue to guide you through each step ahead of renewals opening.

When do renewals open?

Membership renewals open in June.

We’ll provide clear instructions and reminders to help you complete your renewal, along with key dates and requirements.

I have a CPD extension, how will this affect me?

Make sure you have met the CPD requirements by the time you renew your membership at the end of your extension period. i.e., you must have earned a minimum of 20 hours of learning that includes at least 2 hours of professional support and 2 hours of cultural learning.

Why isn't CPSP offered as a standalone option?

It is, at a reduced cost without membership benefits. We understand there is interest in how CPSP is structured and we are working to have renewals for Non-Member CPSP online this year. To learn more about what is best for your circumstances, please contact the Membership team via Contact us.

What happens if I have not met the Certification Program requirements?

If you submit less than 20 hours of learning at renewal, without an extension in place, your membership status will be updated to Non-Certified. Non-Certified membership is time limited.

If you cannot declare that you have met the applicable recency of practice requirement, you cannot renew as a Certified Practising member. You have the option of renewing as a Non-Certified member (if you have previously been eligible for full CPSP) or applying for Re-entry membership. To discuss your individual requirements, please reach out to the Certification team via Contact Us.

When I renew my membership, do I need to submit my CPD log or evidence of practice hours?

No, you do not need to submit a CPD log or evidence when you renew your membership. However, if you are selected for an audit you will be required to submit evidence. Speech Pathology Australia audits 5% of Certified Practising members annually. This is a requirement of the National Alliance of Self-Regulating Health Professions (NASRHP).

I need to obtain more CPD hours, what can I do?

If you need extra hours, explore upcoming LIVE Online events or choose from a wide range of On Demand programs on the Learning Hub, many of which are free or discounted for members.

For cultural learning, options include Acknowledge This! and the SBS Inclusion Program’s First Nations course, along with free podcasts, SPARK resources, and keynote recordings under ‘Cultural Learning’. If you prefer learning with colleagues, SPARK resources work well for group discussions—simply engage with the content, reflect together, and log your learning.

Start planning your CPD now by visiting the Learning Hub and choosing the learning options that best support your goals.

I am experiencing financial difficulty, what support is available?

SPA offers payment by monthly instalments to help with the cost of Membership.
For renewals, the total amount due (annual fee + $25 recurring payment administration fee) is divided into 11 monthly instalments.
Membership fees remain tax deductible when paid this way.

What happens if I don't renew on time?

If you don’t renew, your membership access will lapse and you may lose access to member benefits.

If your membership is still not renewed by September, SPA is required to notify Services Australia that your membership has lapsed. Renewing earlier helps avoid this.

If you hold certification, there may also be additional implications, so it’s important to renew by the required deadline.

Is there any benefit to renewing early?

Yes. For CPSP members who renew and pay in full during June will receive access to curated free CPD bundles of approximately 5 hours of learning each.

This can be used towards SPA professional development opportunities and is designed to support your ongoing learning while encouraging early renewal.

Who can I contact if I have questions?

If you have any questions or need support, please contact the Membership team.

We’re here to help and will do our best to guide you through the process.