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Over the past few months, many energy professionals affected by the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act (EECA 2024) have approached me with the same question: What exactly is the difference between Mandatory and Optional Continuous Development Programme (CDP) points?
The confusion is understandable. Many Suruhanjaya Tenaga (ST)-approved courses were simply advertised with the number of CDP points awarded without clearly stating whether those points are Mandatory or Optional. Yet, the distinction is important, as the two types of CDP serve different purposes and carry different implications for practising certificate renewal.
Some training providers, including OPTIMISE, clearly classify their courses as Mandatory or Optional. However, the inconsistent way CDP points are presented across the industry continues to leave many Registered Energy Managers (REMs) uncertain about which courses best support their professional development and renewal requirements.
So, what is the difference between Mandatory and Optional CDP, and why should REMs pay attention to it?
CDP or CPD?
Most professionals are familiar with Continuing Professional Development (CPD), which many professional bodies require to encourage continuous learning and competency development. In Malaysia’s energy sector, the Energy Commission (Suruhanjaya Tenaga, ST) adopts a similar concept through its Continuous Development Programme (CDP) framework, which supports the ongoing competency and professional development of registered energy practitioners.
As a requirement for practising certificate renewal under subsection 29(4) of the EECA 2024, REM Type 1 and Type 2 must provide proof of sufficient participation in CDP conducted by Registered Training Institutions (RTI) to maintain and enhance their professional competency and stay current with evolving technologies, standards, regulations, and industry practices.
What is Mandatory CDP?
Mandatory CDP consists of prescribed training activities that REMs must complete during a renewal period to be entitled for CDP exemption.
REMs who have completed the Mandatory CDP syllabus specified in Appendix CC of the Guide on Registration of Training Institutions may be exempted from the CDP point submission requirement for practising certificate renewal.
What is Optional CDP?
REMs who do not apply for CDP exemption may fulfil their practising certificate renewal requirements by attending Commission-recognised Optional CDP programmes offered by RTIs (Refer to the attached infographics)
Which One is For Me?
The simple answer: choose based on your renewal pathway.
If you intend to seek permanent CDP exemption, focus on completing the Mandatory CDP syllabus prescribed by ST. This route is especially important because Mandatory CDP is tied to the core competency areas expected of REMs under the EECA framework.
If you do not intend to apply for exemption, you may fulfil your renewal requirement by attending Optional CDP programmes recognised by the Commission and offered by RTIs.
Either way, do not just look at the number of CDP points. Check whether the course is classified as Mandatory or Optional, whether it is offered by an approved RTI, and whether it supports your renewal strategy.
In short:
Mandatory CDP helps you meet prescribed competency expectations, and be entitled to permanent CDP exemption. Optional CDP helps you broaden and strengthen your professional capability. Both matter, but they do not serve the same purpose.
References:
- Guide On Registration of Energy Manager, Suruhanjaya Tenaga, May 2026
- Guide On Registration of Training Institution, Suruhanjaya Tenaga, May 2026
You are cordially invited to register for OPTIMISE upcoming REM Certification Trainings, as well as our Mandatory and Optional CDP courses below and listed at Optimise Training Link.
