Every registered teacher in South Africa needs to participate in Continuing Professional Development (CPD). It’s managed by the South African Council for Educators (SACE), and you need to accumulate a certain number of points over each three-year cycle. If that sounds confusing, you’re not alone — most teachers know they need CPD points but aren’t sure how the system actually works. Let’s fix that.
What Is SACE CPD?
CPD stands for Continuing Professional Development. It’s SACE’s system for ensuring that teachers keep growing professionally throughout their careers. Think of it as proof that you’re investing in your own development — not just teaching the same way you did ten years ago.
The SACE CPD system requires all registered educators to earn 150 points over a three-year cycle. That’s roughly 50 points per year, though you can spread them however you like across the cycle.
How Points Are Earned
CPD activities fall into three categories, each with different point values:
Type 1: Teacher-Initiated Activities (up to 60 points per cycle)
These are things you do on your own initiative:
- Reading professional books and journals
- Participating in online courses or webinars
- Self-study and research
- Creating teaching and learning resources
- Mentoring other teachers informally
Type 2: School-Initiated Activities (up to 50 points per cycle)
These are organised by your school:
- Staff meetings with a professional development component
- Peer observation and feedback sessions
- School-based workshops
- Departmental planning sessions
- Assessment moderation meetings
Type 3: Externally-Initiated Activities (up to 60 points per cycle)
These are offered by approved providers:
- Workshops and conferences
- University short courses
- Subject-specific training
- Department of Education workshops
- Online professional development programmes
How Many Points Is Each Activity Worth?
| Activity | Typical Points |
|---|---|
| Attending a workshop (half-day) | 5 |
| Attending a conference (full day) | 10 |
| Completing a short course | 10-15 |
| University module | 15-25 |
| Creating a teaching resource | 5-10 |
| Reading and reflecting on professional material | 2-5 |
| Mentoring a student teacher | 10-15 |
| Presenting at a workshop | 10-15 |
| Action research project | 15-20 |
Creating Resources as Professional Development
Here’s something many teachers don’t realise: creating educational resources counts as CPD activity under Type 1 (Teacher-Initiated). When you develop a worksheet, study guide, or exam prep pack, you’re:
- Deepening your own subject knowledge
- Reflecting on how students learn best
- Developing new ways to present content
- Contributing to the broader education community
This means the resources you’re already creating for your classroom can earn you CPD points AND earn you income if you share them on a platform like LeagueIQ.
How to Log Your CPD Points
- Register on the SACE CPTD portal — visit sace.org.za and create your profile
- Log activities as you do them — don’t wait until the end of the cycle
- Keep evidence — certificates, attendance registers, screenshots of resources you’ve created
- Reflect on each activity — the system asks you to explain what you learned and how it improved your practice
Common Questions Teachers Ask
“What happens if I don’t get enough points?”
Currently, SACE is still in an advocacy phase for many educators. The system is designed to support professional growth rather than punish non-compliance. However, as the system matures, CPD participation will increasingly factor into career progression, performance evaluations, and SACE registration renewal.
“I’m overwhelmed — where do I start?”
Start with what you’re already doing. You probably attend staff meetings, read about teaching, and create resources for your classes. Log these activities — you may already be earning points without realising it.
“Do online activities count?”
Yes. Online webinars, courses, and professional development activities count under the relevant category. The shift to online learning has made CPD more accessible for teachers in all provinces, not just those near training centres.
Making CPD Work FOR You
Here’s the shift in thinking that changes everything: instead of seeing CPD as another admin burden, treat it as an opportunity.
Create resources → Log them as CPD → Share them on LeagueIQ → Earn income
That’s four benefits from one activity:
- Better materials for your own students
- CPD points logged
- Professional growth documented
- Passive income from every sale
It’s one of the few professional development activities that actually pays you back.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I check my current SACE CPD points?
Log into the SACE CPTD Management System at sace.org.za. Your dashboard shows your accumulated points, activities logged, and where you stand in the current cycle.
Q: Can I earn all 150 points from one type of activity?
No. Each type has a cap (60 for Type 1, 50 for Type 2, 60 for Type 3). You need a mix across categories, which encourages diverse professional development.
Q: Does creating resources for LeagueIQ count?
Creating educational resources falls under Type 1 (Teacher-Initiated) CPD activities. The key is to document what you created, reflect on the professional growth involved, and log it on the SACE portal with evidence.
Q: I’m a retired teacher — do I still need CPD?
If you maintain your SACE registration (which allows you to do occasional teaching, tutoring, or resource creation), CPD participation is expected. If you’ve formally retired from teaching and don’t plan to return, SACE registration maintenance is optional.
Ready to turn your teaching expertise into resources that earn while you grow? Join LeagueIQ — free to join, start earning, and your resource creation counts toward your CPD. It’s professional development that pays you back.
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