Online Courses

Learning and striving for excellence should be a lifelong objective. With this in mind, the CPA has designed The CPA Parliamentary Academy: A Centre of Excellence for Commonwealth Parliamentarians. The Academy was intended as a central learning hub for Commonwealth Parliamentarians, Clerks and parliamentary officials. Today, that purpose has been extended to anyone who wishes to learn about Parliaments and key thematic topics.

In May 2021, the Academy launched its first set of nine online courses. Each course includes up to ten modules consisting of video briefings, lessons, reading materials and tests. These static courses can be completed in a number of hours and can be undertaken at any time with no time limits for completion imposed on the student.

Since its establishment, over 1,500 people have joined the platform. The Academy offers participants the opportunity to learn directly from people who are shaping the way Parliaments act and operate today.

More than 100 MPs, Clerks and international experts have contributed video lessons, resources and case studies, offering their personal insights on subjects ranging from gender-sensitive budgeting to codes of conduct.

The following online courses are currently available:

CPA Parliamentary Professional Development Certificate (awarded to those that complete all the courses)

• Induction for New Parliamentarians
• Legislative Process
• Scrutiny, Accountability and Oversight
• Representation, Advocacy and Education

and at an advanced level:

• Advanced Course for Speakers and Presiding Officers

CPA Parliamentary Service Professional Development Certificate (awarded to those that complete all the courses)

• Basic Principles of Parliamentary Procedure
• Committee System
• Administration and Management of Parliaments
• Building Relationships
• Strategy, Business Planning and Monitoring and Evaluation

CPA Public Financial Management Certificate (awarded to those that complete the course below)

• Public Accounts Committee Course

CPA Small Branches: Climate Change Certificate (awarded to those that complete the course below)

• Parliamentary Action on Climate Change in Small Jurisdictions Course

CPA CWP Network: Effective Women's Parliamentary Caucuses certificate (awarded to those that complete the course below)

• Effective Women's Parliamentary Caucuses Course 

CPA CPwD Network: Making Parliaments Accessible Certificate (awarded to those that complete the course below)

• Making Parliaments Accessible Course

CPA SDG Certificate (awarded to those that complete the course below)

• The Sustainable Development Goals: A Parliament's Role Course

CPA Human Rights Certificate (awarded to those that complete the course below)

• Human Rights: A Parliament's Role 

2025 Expansion

New online courses (both Moderate and Advanced) will be launched in 2025. The following courses have been confirmed:

• Chairing a Parliamentary Committee
• Role of Parliamentarians in the budget process
• Developing Legislation

Find out more about the new courses ->

The CPA is a Member of the Continuous Professional Development (CPD) Certification Service. CPD was established in 1996 as the leading independent CPD accreditation institution operating across industry sectors to complement the Continuing Professional Development policies of professional institutes and academic bodies. The CPD Certification Service provides support, advice and recognised independent CPD accreditation compatible with global CPD principles.

Residency Courses

As part of the CPA Parliamentary Academy, the CPA will deliver two residency based courses for Parliamentarians and one residency course for Clerks/parliamentary staff. These courses will be run annually and will be an opportunity to complement the online courses.

These Advanced Residency Courses are usually held over a five day period in a Commonwealth jurisdiction and seek to enhance understanding around people and soft skills on topics ranging from leadership and strategic thinking to communications and team management as well as parliamentary practice and procedure.

Upcoming: Residency Programmes for MPs and for Clerks and Officials

• Dates: Autumn 2025 and Spring 2026
• Location: To be confirmed
• Click here for more details

Externally Delivered Courses

The CPA, in partnership with leading international universities and professional development training institutions have designed academically rigorous accredited programmes for Parliamentarians and Clerks to access independently. These include:

• The Professional Development Certificate in Parliamentary Governance and the Professional Development Certificate in Parliamentary Management delivered by the McGill University's School of Continuing Studies
• The online King’s College, University of London Advanced Parliamentary Theory and Practice module for parliamentary officials
• Backbencher to an Effective Minister: From Campaigning to Governing delivered by the Civil Service College is aimed at newly appointed Ministers

Browse our affiliated courses ->