Two systems, two different purposes — and frequently confused. A clear explainer of what each means, how they differ, and why both have a valuable role in a professional career.
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CPD accreditation and regulated qualifications are frequently confused, but they are fundamentally different in purpose, structure, and regulatory standing. Understanding the distinction is important for training providers, learners, and employers. This page explains clearly what each means, how they differ, and why both have a valuable role to play in professional development.
The CPD Group is the first and only CPD accreditation body certified by The CPD Register. As a leading voice in the sector, we are committed to helping training providers and learners understand the CPD landscape clearly — including what our accreditation is, and equally, what it is not.
CPD accreditation is an independent quality mark awarded by an accreditation body such as The CPD Group. It confirms that a specific learning activity — a course, webinar, event, podcast, or other format — meets recognised professional development standards. Accreditation is provided by independent organisations that are not part of the government's regulated qualifications framework.
A CPD accredited activity generates a CPD certificate for the learner confirming the number of CPD credits earned. This certificate is evidence of professional learning and development. It is accepted by professional bodies, employers, and regulators as evidence of Continuing Professional Development — but it is not a formal qualification.
A regulated qualification is a formal credential that sits within a government-regulated framework. In England, regulated qualifications are overseen by Ofqual (the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation). They are designed, developed, and awarded by approved Awarding Organisations (AOs) and are assigned a level on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF).
The RQF runs from Entry Level to Level 8 (doctorate). Examples include GCSEs (Level 1-2), A-Levels (Level 3), BTECs and NVQs (Levels 1-5), Higher National Certificates (Level 4), degrees (Level 6), and master's degrees (Level 7). Completing a regulated qualification involves formal assessment — exams, coursework, or practical assessment — and results in a nationally recognised credential.
Four dimensions where the two systems diverge.
Regulated qualifications are overseen by Ofqual and sit on the RQF. CPD accreditation is provided by independent organisations — such as The CPD Group — that are not regulated by Ofqual and do not award qualifications on the RQF. The two systems are entirely separate.
Regulated qualifications require formal assessment — usually exams, assignments, or practical observation — to award the credential. CPD accreditation assesses the quality of the learning activity itself, not the individual learner. CPD certificates confirm that a learner attended or completed an accredited activity; they do not involve the learner being formally assessed or graded.
Regulated qualifications are designed to establish formal competence, particularly when entering a profession or progressing to higher education. They are often prerequisites for specific roles. CPD accreditation is designed to support ongoing professional development throughout a career. It is not a prerequisite for entering a profession, but it confirms that the learning undertaken meets recognised professional standards.
Regulated qualifications are recognised by UCAS for university entry, by employers as evidence of formal educational achievement, and by professional bodies as prerequisites for membership. CPD accreditation is recognised by professional bodies as evidence of ongoing learning and development, and by employers as evidence of a commitment to professional growth. CPD certificates do not confer the same academic standing as regulated qualifications.
Browse The CPD Register for verified accredited courses, webinars, and events.
Qualifications and CPD serve different but complementary roles in a professional's development. Qualifications establish the foundation — they are what get a professional into a role and demonstrate their initial competence. CPD maintains and builds on that foundation throughout a career, ensuring that skills and knowledge remain current as industries, regulations, and best practices evolve.
A professional might hold a degree (regulated qualification) and complete 35 hours of CPD-accredited learning each year (CPD). The qualification opened the door to their career. The CPD keeps them effective and credible within it. Many professionals in regulated industries need both: qualifications for entry and ongoing CPD for continued registration.
Qualification
Degree / charter / NVQ — opens the door to a profession.
Annual CPD
Accredited courses, webinars, events — keep skills current.
Continued registration
Most professional bodies require both for ongoing membership.
Some organisations in the market blur the distinction between CPD accreditation and regulated qualifications — suggesting, for example, that their CPD-accredited courses are “equivalent” to formal qualifications, or implying Ofqual recognition where none exists. The CPD Group is transparent about what our accreditation is and what it is not. Our accreditation confirms quality professional development — it does not confer regulated qualification status, and we would never suggest otherwise.
As the first and only accreditation body certified by The CPD Register, The CPD Group's accreditation has been independently verified. We are committed to upholding the integrity of CPD accreditation across the sector.
CPD accreditation from the first and only UK accreditation body certified by The CPD Register. We're clear about what our accreditation is — and what it isn't.