What is CPD Accreditation?
CPD Accreditation
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) empowers individuals and organisations across sectors to stay competitive and future-ready. In a fast-evolving landscape shaped by technology and new ways of working, CPD builds the skills and expertise needed for sustained growth and professional excellence.
With a proven global track record in accrediting learning across industries, The CPD Certification Service is a leading advocate for lifelong learning—helping set recognised standards for professional development and recognition worldwide.
What is CPD accreditation?
CPD accreditation raises industry standards and benchmarks in line with globalisation and rising consumer expectations. Organisations across many sectors use CPD accreditation to add credibility and value to their training.
The CPD Certification Service helps organisations formalise their courses, workshops and events for accreditation—turning expertise into a structured, recognised learning offer.
CPD accreditation provides independent, third-party evaluation of training activities to ensure alignment with recognised Continuing Professional Development standards.
Accredited training gives businesses a competitive edge by ensuring quality, credibility and reassurance for learners and delegates. It applies to courses, workshops, seminars, e-learning and conferences.
Who is CPD for?
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is for professionals in every sector who aim to uphold high standards and show ongoing commitment to their roles. It’s a practical tool for self-motivation, helping individuals recognise achievements and track progress over time.
CPD is flexible by design, offering varied formats so you can learn in the way that suits you—whether through structured courses, hands-on workshops or online modules.
Most professional bodies and institutions set annual CPD requirements, often measured in training hours. In many industries, regularly recording and completing CPD is essential to remain current, competent and competitive.
Benefits of CPD
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) helps you plan career growth—whether you’re pursuing a new role, progressing in your current position or increasing your earning potential. It provides a clear, structured path to align learning with specific professional goals.
CPD increases value and flexibility, strengthening job security and career prospects. It also builds competence, enabling more efficient work and saving time.
CPD encourages you to identify improvement areas and take targeted action to close knowledge gaps. Treat it as a proactive tool to stay competitive, stand out among peers and demonstrate professional commitment—especially when differentiation matters.
What Are CPD Hours?
CPD hours reflect the time a professional spends on structured learning. They are recorded for activities such as training, workshops and courses. For example, a one-day course from 10:00 to 17:00 with a one-hour break counts as 6 CPD hours.
What is the CPD Cycle?
The CPD (Continuing Professional Development) cycle is a simple framework for ongoing growth. It has five stages: Identify learning needs – pinpoint the skills or knowledge gaps linked to your role and goals. Plan development activities – choose the best formats, timing, and success measures. Take action – complete the learning (courses, workshops, projects, etc.). Reflect on outcomes – note what you learned, what changed, and what still needs work. Apply new knowledge – use it in your day-to-day practice and, where possible, share it with others. Following this cycle keeps learning intentional, relevant, and impactful—so your CPD stays focused, meaningful, and aligned with career progression.
How to Record your CPD?
The myCPD Portal is your central hub for planning, tracking and managing Continuing Professional Development. It offers a simple way to record activities, reflect on what you’ve learned and monitor progress over time. Key benefits Quick logging of CPD hours and activities Built-in reflection tools to support personal growth Secure record storage for future assessments, interviews or audits Keeping your CPD record up to date reinforces your commitment to professional excellence and positions you for career advancement.
Where To Find Relevant CPD Learning?
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) spans many learning formats—there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. A blended mix of methods typically boosts engagement and helps learning stick. CPD opportunities include: Training courses Seminars and workshops Webinars and conferences Hands-on events and online modules To explore tailored CPD options, browse our Course Catalogue and Events Calendar for programs designed to support your professional growth and specialization.
What Activities can be CPD Accredited?
CPD accreditation applies to a wide variety of learning formats. Each year, our Assessments team evaluates thousands of training programmes, including workshops, seminars, conferences, and events
Training Courses
Training courses are a widely used form of CPD. They can be short or extended and are designed to cover focused topics or strengthen skills in a particular field.
Seminars
Seminars are short sessions, typically a day or less. They let participants examine a topic in depth and use group discussion to share insights and ideas.
Workshops
Workshops deliver hands-on CPD. Unlike seminars, they emphasise practical skill-building, with participants applying knowledge during the session.
Webinars
Webinars are delivered online and accessible from anywhere. They’re a quick, efficient way to learn about industry updates, often with interactive features such as live Q&A.
Events
CPD events include conferences, keynote talks and breakout sessions. They offer chances to connect with peers, gain fresh perspectives and stay up to date with the latest trends.
Online Courses
Online courses offer a flexible, cost-effective way to continue professional learning, allowing you to study at your own pace without attending in person.
Record your CPD
It is important for all individuals to manage their Continuing Professional Development log effectively on a regular basis.
The myCPD Portal is a powerful free online CPD record tool to help professionals to keep their educational training log up to date.
Keep a track of training courses, workshops, seminars, eLearning, conferences and events that you have attended throughout the year.
What Professionals Say
“Accreditation workflow was clear and fast. Our courses now carry more weight with partners.”
“The certificate verification is instant and the CPD portfolio export saved me hours during appraisal.”
“Clean, modern, and built for physiotherapy CPD in the UK. Just what we needed.”