Activity Accreditation

CPD Course Accreditation

Every element of your course — learning objectives, content accuracy, delivery, and professional relevance — independently assessed against The CPD Group's A.C.C.R.E.D.I.T.E.D Framework.

Classroom Online & e-learning Live virtual Blended
The CPD Group course accreditation mark

Certified by

The CPD Register

Awarded

Most Trusted CPD Service

Used by

13,000+ Providers

Every Course

Individually Assessed

What it is

CPD course accreditation

CPD course accreditation is the independent, third-party assessment of a training course to confirm it meets recognised Continuing Professional Development standards. When a course is CPD accredited by The CPD Group, it means every element of that course — its learning objectives, content accuracy, delivery structure, and professional relevance — has been evaluated against The CPD Group's A.C.C.R.E.D.I.T.E.D Framework and approved as a genuine and valuable CPD activity.

The CPD Group is the first and currently only CPD accreditation body certified by The CPD Register. We have been awarded the Most Trusted CPD Accreditation Service by the UK Business Excellence Awards, and we have accredited courses from over 13,000 approved providers worldwide. Whether you deliver classroom training, online e-learning, or blended programmes, The CPD Group's course accreditation gives your learners a recognised CPD credential and gives you a proven mark of quality for your marketing.

The model

What is CPD course accreditation?

A CPD course is a structured learning activity with defined objectives, an appropriate duration, and content that helps professionals develop their knowledge, skills, or competencies. CPD course accreditation is the process of having that course independently assessed to confirm it meets professional development standards.

Unlike blanket provider accreditation — where a provider logo is applied broadly without assessing individual courses — The CPD Group assesses every course submission individually. Whether you submit one course or six hundred, each one is reviewed by our specialist accreditation team against the same rigorous framework. This individual assessment model is one of the reasons The CPD Group was certified by The CPD Register and named the most trusted accreditation service in the sector.

One course or 600 —

Same rigorous individual review

1 course submitted
50 courses submitted
600 courses submitted

Never blanket approval. Every accreditation mark traces back to a specific reviewed course.

Eligible formats

What types of courses can be CPD accredited?

The CPD Group accredits a broad range of course formats. Assessment criteria focus on the quality and structure of the learning, not the delivery method.

Face-to-face classroom courses

Online self-paced e-learning modules

Live virtual classroom sessions

Recorded online courses

Blended online + in-person programmes

Short, half-day & full-day formats

Multi-week or modular programmes

Most professional bodies now accept online CPD equally alongside in-person activities, which means accredited online courses carry the same weight as classroom-based programmes.

The Framework

What we look for when assessing a course

Every course is reviewed against the A.C.C.R.E.D.I.T.E.D Framework. The key assessment areas:

A

Accuracy

Is the content factually correct and current?

C

Credibility

Are the trainer's credentials appropriate for the subject matter?

C

Clarity

Are the learning objectives clear, specific, and measurable?

R

Relevance

Is the course appropriate for the intended professional audience?

E

Engagement

Does the course support active learning rather than passive consumption?

D

Delivery

Is the course structure logical and well-organised?

I

Impact

Will learners leave with skills or knowledge they can apply professionally?

T

Transparency of Evidence

Can completion and learning be verified?

Feedback, not rejection

If our assessors identify areas for improvement during the review process, they provide detailed, constructive feedback and work with the provider to bring the course up to the required standard. The CPD Group never simply refuses a submission without explanation.

Ready to accredit your course?

Provider registration is free. Submit your course for individual assessment and get a verifiable accreditation number listed on The CPD Register.

Once accredited

What you receive when your course is accredited

A unique CPD accreditation logo specific to that course

A verifiable accreditation number listed on The CPD Register

The ability to issue CPD certificates to delegates upon completion

A listing on The CPD Register so learners can find and verify your course

Guidance on displaying your accreditation mark correctly in marketing

How long does course accreditation take?

The CPD Group aims to begin reviewing course submissions within 2 to 3 weeks of receipt. The full timeline depends on the completeness of the information submitted and whether any revisions are required. Courses with clear learning objectives, complete documentation, and well-structured content typically move through assessment most quickly. If you are working towards a specific launch date, contact the team as early as possible.

How much does CPD course accreditation cost?

Becoming a CPD Provider with The CPD Group is completely free. Course accreditation fees apply at the activity level and vary depending on the format, duration, and volume of courses being submitted. The CPD Group offers flexible pricing to suit individual trainers as well as large training organisations. Contact the team for a tailored quote.

Can AI-generated courses be CPD accredited?

Yes. The CPD Group assesses courses on the quality of the learning they deliver, not solely on how the content was produced. Courses developed with AI tools can be submitted for accreditation, provided they meet the required standards for accuracy, relevance, learning objectives, and delivery quality. AI-generated content is assessed with particular attention to factual accuracy and professional depth.

FAQs

About course accreditation

Can online courses be CPD accredited?

Yes. Online and e-learning courses are among the most commonly submitted formats and can be fully accredited by The CPD Group. Self-paced modules, live virtual classrooms, and recorded programmes are all eligible.

Do I need to be a large training company to get a course accredited?

No. The CPD Group works with individual trainers, small businesses, and large organisations alike. What matters is the quality of the learning, not the size of the organisation delivering it.

Can I get a course accredited if I'm not yet an approved provider?

You need to be an approved CPD Provider before your courses can be individually accredited. Becoming an approved provider is free and straightforward. Register at thecpd.group/training-provider.

Get your course CPD accredited.

Independent assessment. Verifiable accreditation number. A recognised CPD credential for your delegates and a proven mark of quality for your marketing.