Activity Accreditation

CPD Podcast Accreditation

Audio or video. Single episode or series. Listeners scan a QR code in your show notes and earn verifiable CPD credits for the time they spend with your content.

Audio podcasts Video podcasts Existing back catalogue eligible
The CPD Group podcast accreditation mark

Among first UK

Podcast Accreditors

Certified by

The CPD Register

QR-code

Listener Certificates

Listener

Engagement Data

What it is

CPD podcast accreditation

CPD podcast accreditation is the formal assessment and approval of a podcast episode as a Continuing Professional Development activity. The CPD Group was among the first accreditation bodies in the UK to offer dedicated podcast accreditation, recognising that podcasts have become a significant and valuable medium for professional learning.

When a podcast episode is CPD accredited by The CPD Group, it confirms that the content delivers genuine professional development value. Listeners can earn CPD credits by listening, and can download a verifiable CPD certificate as evidence of their learning — allowing them to log the time towards their professional body's annual CPD requirements.

The model

What is CPD podcast accreditation?

Podcast accreditation from The CPD Group involves an independent assessment of your podcast episode to confirm it has defined educational content, a clear professional audience, an appropriate duration, and delivers genuine learning value that listeners can apply in their professional role.

Accredited podcast episodes receive a unique QR code. Listeners scan the QR code — displayed in your show notes, episode page, or social media posts — to access their personalised CPD certificate. This certificate confirms the episode title, the number of CPD credits earned, and The CPD Group's verifiable accreditation number, which can be checked on The CPD Register.

QR code placement

Where listeners scan

In your show notes

On the episode page

In social media posts

On video episode end-cards

Personalised certificate. Verifiable accreditation number. Zero admin from your team.

Who it's for

Who is podcast accreditation for?

The CPD Group's podcast accreditation service is suitable for a wide range of content creators and organisations, including:

Industry thought leaders & subject matter experts

With professional audiences who want to log structured learning.

Training companies & learning providers

Who produce educational podcast content alongside courses and webinars.

Professional associations & membership bodies

Delivering CPD to their members via podcast.

Publishers & media organisations

Producing sector-specific professional content.

Coaches & consultants

Who share expertise through audio or video podcast formats.

Businesses using podcasts for learning

As a vehicle for professional learning and development.

Format-neutral

Audio and video podcast accreditation

Audio podcast

Distributed via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music and other audio platforms. Listeners earn CPD as they listen during a commute, workout, or focused desk time.

Same criteria

Same outcome

Video podcast

Distributed on YouTube, Spotify Video, LinkedIn and other video platforms. Same learning intent, additional visual cues, same CPD credit per listening hour.

The CPD Group accredits both audio podcasts and video podcasts. Both formats are assessed against the same criteria — the key requirement is that the episode delivers structured educational content that supports professional development. The delivery format — audio or video — does not affect the eligibility or outcome of the accreditation assessment.

Make the time listeners already spend with you count.

CPD-accredit your existing back catalogue or your next launch. Provider registration is free; we accredit per episode.

Why accredit

The benefits of CPD podcast accreditation

Makes your content count towards listeners' CPD

Many professionals need to log a set number of CPD hours each year to maintain their professional registration or membership. By having your podcast episodes CPD accredited, you enable listeners to count the time they spend engaging with your content as part of their professional development record. This significantly increases the practical value of your podcast to professional audiences.

Increases audience reach and discoverability

Accredited podcast episodes are listed on The CPD Register, where professionals and employers actively search for quality-assured CPD activities. Displaying The CPD Group's accreditation logo in your podcast artwork, show notes, and promotional materials signals independent quality assurance and attracts listeners who are actively seeking accredited learning.

Differentiates your podcast in a crowded market

Podcast accreditation is still relatively uncommon in most professional sectors, which means accredited content stands out clearly from the vast majority of unaccredited podcasts. For content creators targeting audiences in regulated industries — healthcare, law, financial services, engineering — CPD accreditation is a meaningful signal of professional credibility.

Generates listener data

When listeners scan your QR code to receive their CPD certificate, The CPD Group provides data on engagement with each accredited episode. This gives podcast producers valuable insight into listener behaviour and the reach of their professional content.

The process

How does CPD podcast accreditation work?

1

Become a CPD Provider

Register your organisation as an approved CPD Provider at thecpd.group/training-provider. This is free.

2

Submit your episode

Provide details including the episode title, a summary of the content, the learning objectives, the duration, and the credentials of the host or contributors.

3

Assessment

The CPD Group's team reviews the content to confirm it delivers professional learning value and meets CPD standards.

4

QR code and listing

Once accredited, you receive a unique QR code for your episode and a listing on The CPD Register. Listeners scan the code to receive their CPD certificate.

FAQs

About podcast accreditation

Does every episode of a podcast need to be accredited separately?

Yes. Each episode submitted for accreditation is assessed individually, as each episode contains different content. This individual assessment model ensures that every accredited episode genuinely meets CPD standards — it is the same approach The CPD Group takes with courses and webinars.

Can older podcast episodes be submitted for accreditation?

Yes. There is no requirement for episodes to be new at the point of submission. If you have existing episodes that deliver professional learning value, they can be submitted for assessment.

What length does a podcast episode need to be?

There is no strict minimum length, but an episode needs to be long enough to deliver meaningful professional learning. As a general rule, one CPD credit is equivalent to one hour of learning. Shorter episodes may earn fractional credits. The CPD Group's team will advise on the appropriate credit allocation during the assessment process.

Turn your podcast into accredited CPD.

Audio or video. New episodes or your existing back catalogue. Reviewed individually, verifiable on the register, certificates issued by QR code.