Welcome to APACE

Time frame

The time frame for APACE certification is two years. However, this time may be extended due to extenuating circumstances. An extended time frame may be granted to individuals who apply to the APACE committee due to circumstances such as parental leave, extended sick leave, or carer’s leave. Individual applications will be considered on merit by the APACE committee.

Note: As webinars and online conferences, meetings and workshops are all interactive, it was considered that this is the same as attending in person, therefore the same number of points will be awarded for attendance either virtually or face-to-face. This should enable more members to attend as no travelling time, costs and in some cases the online attendance will be at a reduced or no cost to the attendee.

Required accrual of points for APACE certification

The committee reviewed other medical scientific workforce CPD programs in Australia and overseas. The committee understands that those working at the scientific level were usually given more opportunities to participate in CPD than those working in other positions. Therefore, the points required vary for the different positions in the workforce.

  • Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS): 100 points per 2 years.
  • Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT): 75 points per 2 years with the note that if a graduate is currently employed in the role of MLT and wishes to be employed as an MLS in the next few years, he/she is advised to accumulate 100 points during the current 2-year time frame.
  • Phlebotomist, laboratory and technical assistants, and pre-analytical staff: 50 points per 2 years.

Categories of activities

MLS and MLT should undertake several activities in the two year cycle with activities divided into four categories.

  • Category A - Professional activities
  • Category B - Personal or self-directed learning
  • Category C - Quality activities
  • Category D - Employment and work-based learning

Click here for the APACE Activity Credit Guide - CPD credit points allocation.

Participants should endeavour to engage in activities in all categories and at a minimum, points should be accrued from at least two of the categories. One category will suffice when APACE application includes completion of a PhD, Fellowship, or Master’s degree.

The APACE committee hopes that these changes will encourage more members, and all employed in the medical laboratory workforce to undertake more CPD, become active participants in the APACE program, and become certified.

The APACE (Australasian Professional Acknowledgement of Continuing Education) scheme is a voluntary program that recognises continuing education, formal courses, and a wide range of professional activities which contribute to your professional growth.

The healthcare industry is undergoing rapid change. We are expected to keep our knowledge and skills up to date to enable us to perform to the highest professional standard. The APACE scheme provides a method by which your professional activities are recognised.

APACE is accepted by the Australian Council for Certification of Medical Laboratory Scientific Workforce (CMLS) as a continuing professional development recognition program. After completion of an APACE cycle, the awarded certificate is valid for two years.

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APACE Accreditation is achievable by all

Credit where credit is due!

APACE is a registered trademark of the Australian Institute of Medical and Clinical Scientists.