Continuing Professional Development program is a way for members (excluding student members) to keep themselves informed of current practices and developments within the industry. The AATO’s CPD program participation is part of maintaining your membership in the AATO. CPD is noted in credits based on hours of continuing professional development or development presented and is divided into three broad areas:
Accredited AATO members are required to present 35 credits every two years. To recognize different opportunities, EDU & HSW development is to be at least 18 hours, PA maximum 17 hours.
We know that not all opportunities fall within a two-year cycle. You can carry over maximum 35 EDU & HSW credits and maximum 17 PA credits to the following two-year cycle. For shortfalls, a maximum of 15 hours can be performed in the following two-year cycle.
You must submit your hours every two years, however semi-annually (i.e. January and July) is also acceptable. Summarize your CPD experiences and credits, and send them to officeadministration@aato.ca. There are two Records that you can use for tracking and submitting your Continuing Professional Development: PDF document and a Spreadsheet document.
Scan and send backup documents for verification such as:
"Members are reminded that should you not meet the CPD program requirements you will receive a written Notice from the AATO office, issued by the CPD Committee, for failure to comply with the CPD program and for not having submitted your CPD forms at the end of a year term. It will result in the individual being in violation of the Code of Ethics. The member will be placed on a twelve-month notice to comply with the CPD program requirements."
The individual must in this twelve-month period submit and complete all CPD documentation or make a written appeal to the CPD Committee. The Committee will review the appeal and documentation and make a recommendation or request an interview with the member. If the appeal is rejected or the member fails to submit documentation certifying CPD completion, the Chair of the CPD Committee will issue a written notice to the member and council on the final result. Council will impose disciplinary action against a member that is in violation of the Code of Ethics. The result could be a loss of voting rights for the remainder of the CPD term.
For questions or to review if your experience fulfills the criteria for CPD credits, don’t hesitate to inquire at cpd@aato.ca.
LIFE Members do not need to meet the CPD requirements.
Here is a list of different conferences, shows, or websites that run some great seminar or course programs. Some are free, some require a fee.
In the province of Ontario, it is a requirement that any person or company that provides design services to the public be qualified and registered with the Ministry of Housing.
The qualification process requires that a person write a minimum of two exams. Upon successful completion of the examinations, the person or company must then register. As with most academic qualification procedures, there is an ‘advanced standing’ process which must be carried out through the Ministry of Housing.
The second part, registration, includes an application process, a fee and providing proof of professional liability insurance coverage. The registration process is an annual event.
For more information on the qualification and registration process, please visit
the Ontario Building Code/Ministry of Housing http://www.obc.mah.gov.on.ca/Page26.aspx
AATO E-Learning CentreE-Learning Online Platform Coming Soon. | Chapter MeetingsChapter meetings are a perfect way to earn CPD credits and to network with other fellow AATO Members. Chapter in-person meetings will resume after COVID restrictions are lifted. In the meantime, check with your local chapter contact, some are continuing their meetings digitally. | Lecture SeriesLecture Series is a 2-day course for preparing Interns to write the AATO Accreditation Exams. As a fully accredited member and have already attended the Lecture Series, it is still a great option for attending again as a refresher course. If interested to reattend the Lecture Series, as a whole or specific seminars, please reach out to the Office at officeadministrator@aato.ca and information will be provided on your request. |