Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPD?
Continuing professional development (CPD) is the intentional maintenance and development of the knowledge and skills needed to perform in a professional context. This could mean honing current skills, it could mean developing them to a new level, or it could mean learning new ones that will allow an employee’s job role to expand or prepare them for potential promotion.
What activities count towards my CPD hours?
Any activity that develops your professional skills, both soft and hard, counts towards your CPD points/hours. The learning doesn’t have to be within your professional field – if you are planning to change career paths, for example, you can log CPD points by completing activities that align with the new career you are pursuing.
The activities can include events (online or in person), networking sessions, online or face-to-face training, reading (articles, books, journals), mentoring sessions (you can be the mentor or the mentee), shadowing, professional writing, research, and others.
Please remember that for an activity to count towards your CPD hours; it must be part of your Professional Development. Therefore, developing personal hobbies such as gardening, travel, knitting, yoga, or else that don’t relate to your professional path isn’t applicable.
What are the benefits of doing CPD?
You can enjoy a whole range of benefits when you commit to CPD. It ensures that your skills and knowledge are kept up-to-date and that you are in a position to maintain your professional registrations and qualifications. Also, CPD will help to build your credibility and your confidence as you demonstrate your commitment to personal development and professionalism.
I’ve become a member, how do I use my badge and membership for the greater good?
Your membership and digital badge is a currency that can be used in both your CV and LinkedIn profile pages as an employability tool that helps you not only focus on your career journey but also demonstrate your commitment to your own future development. You’ll be awarded post nominals after your name – Achiever (AInstCPD), Member (MInstCPD) or Fellow (FInstCPD) to elevate your learning above a formal qualification and COMING SOON, the Institute of CPD App will give you the ability to network with other like minded, career driven individuals to gain insights and experience from all walks of life. The app is designed to put the ‘the steer on your career’ in your very own pocket where you get to record your CPD activities on the move, upload certificates and tangibly recognise a thirst of reskilling or upskilling yourself. Check out some of our stories and how joining the Institute has really helped their journey so far.
How do I know where to find good CPD training?
The CPD Institute works in partnership with the CPD Standards Office – a CPD Accreditation organisation with over 1000 members. You can use the database (see here) to find CPD accredited providers by category or keyword and visit their websites to find a course suitable to your needs.
Why should I do CPD?
Undertaking CPD is vital to keeping your knowledge and skills up-to-date. Across the workforce, CPD is expected of most individual professionals in most sectors. Regulatory bodies are established to ensure that the public receives services of the required standard, so CPD is taken very seriously.
How much does it cost?
Membership to the CPD Institute comes in three levels,. Achiever costs £29, Member is priced at £99 and Fellow costs £149. All prices are for 1 years membership and exclude VAT. (Joining is FREE at the moment).
What is the CPD Institute?
The Institute of CPD is a global community made up of people who are dedicated to being the best version of themselves. We work with individuals to develop continuous knowledge and skills, and support young people to flourish and fulfil their professional ambitions.
How much CPD do I have to do?
The amount of CPD you need to undertake is dependent on your iCPD membership level, requirements outlined by other membership professional bodies and your employer who has CPD requirements.
Can I become a member of iCPD without any school or work qualifications?
Yes, you can…
Do I have to do all of my CPD hours?
To maintain membership with iCPD, dependent on your membership level you will need to complete 10 hours of CPD per year if you’re an achiever, 20 hours per year if you’re a member and 30 hours of CPD per year for fellowship status.