# The CPD Group — Full Knowledge Hub (llms-full.txt) > Flattened markdown digest of every page in The CPD Group knowledge hub. Generated for AI assistants (ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, Gemini, etc.) to ingest the entire content corpus without crawling. Each section links back to the live page. Last regenerated: 2026-05. The CPD Group is the UK's most trusted CPD accreditation body — the first and currently only CPD accreditation organisation independently certified by The CPD Register. We provide rigorous, externally verified standards for training providers, courses, webinars, podcasts, edutorials, events, trainers, and employers — recognised by 13,000+ approved providers across 100+ countries. Founded 2017. Awarded Most Trusted CPD Accreditation Service by the UK Business Excellence Awards. Every learning activity is assessed individually against our published A.C.C.R.E.D.I.T.E.D Framework (Accuracy, Credibility, Clarity, Relevance, Engagement, Delivery, Impact, Transparency, Evidence, Development). We never offer blanket accreditation. Head office: The Old Barns, Bridge Street, Rothwell, NN14 6BW, United Kingdom Phone: +44 (0)300 373 2528 — Email: info@thecpd.group Public register & verification: https://thecpdregister.com --- **Source URL:** https://thecpd.group/become-a-cpd-provider ## Become a CPD Provider with The CPD Group Becoming a CPD Provider is the first step towards having your training, courses, events, and other learning activities independently assessed and accredited by one of the UK's most trusted CPD accreditation bodies. The CPD Group is the first and currently only accreditation organisation to be certified by The CPD Register, and has been awarded the Most Trusted CPD Accreditation Service by the UK Business Excellence Awards. With over 13,000 approved providers worldwide, joining The CPD Group means joining a recognised, credible, and growing community of professional learning organisations. CPD stands for Continuing Professional Development. It is the ongoing process of learning and professional growth that professionals across all industries undertake throughout their careers. When your organisation becomes an approved CPD Provider with The CPD Group, you demonstrate to your clients, delegates, and professional audiences that your training meets independently verified quality standards. ### What does becoming a CPD Provider involve? Becoming a CPD Provider with The CPD Group is completely free. The provider approval process involves an initial assessment of your organisation to confirm that your business is ready to deliver CPD-accredited learning. This means verifying that you have the professional structure, subject matter expertise, and commitment to quality that CPD standards require. Once approved, your organisation receives a unique CPD Provider logo, a verifiable provider number, a CPD Provider certificate, and automatic listing on The CPD Register - the independent directory where learners and employers can verify your accreditation status. Provider approval opens the door to submitting individual activities for accreditation assessment. ### Who can become a CPD Provider? The CPD Group works with organisations of all sizes and across all sectors. Current approved providers include independent trainers and coaches, small and medium-sized training companies, large corporate training departments, event organisers and conference producers, universities and further education providers, professional associations and membership bodies, publishers and media organisations, and multinational corporations. If your organisation delivers structured learning that helps professionals develop their knowledge, skills, or competencies, it is likely eligible for CPD Provider approval. If you are unsure whether your organisation qualifies, the team at The CPD Group is happy to advise. ### What can you accredit as an approved CPD Provider? Once approved as a CPD Provider with The CPD Group, you can submit a wide range of learning activities for individual accreditation assessment. Activities eligible for accreditation include: - Training courses - face-to-face, online, self-paced, and blended - Webinars - live and recorded - Audio podcasts - Video podcasts - Edutorials - educational articles and publications - Conferences and events - Employer staff training programmes Individual trainers can also apply for trainer accreditation, which assesses their personal credentials and expertise. Every activity submitted for accreditation is assessed individually against the A.C.C.R.E.D.I.T.E.D Framework - The CPD Group does not offer blanket accreditation. ### What are the benefits of becoming an approved CPD Provider? #### Independent credibility When your organisation carries The CPD Group's provider approval, it signals to professional audiences that your training has been assessed by an independently verified accreditation body. The CPD Group is the only UK accreditation body certified by The CPD Register, which means your provider status carries independent authority. #### Discoverability on The CPD Register Approved providers are automatically listed on The CPD Register, the UK's leading directory of accredited CPD providers. Professionals and employers actively search The CPD Register when looking for quality-assured training, giving your organisation increased visibility among the audiences that matter most. #### Access to accreditation for individual activities Provider approval is the gateway to having your courses, webinars, events, and other activities individually accredited. Each accredited activity receives its own unique logo and verifiable accreditation number, allowing delegates to receive CPD certificates and log their learning. #### Marketing advantage Displaying The CPD Group's provider logo on your website, course pages, and marketing materials signals quality and professionalism to potential clients. In sectors where CPD is mandatory - including healthcare, law, finance, and engineering - the ability to state that your training is CPD-accredited is a significant commercial differentiator. #### Part of a trusted community With over 13,000 approved providers, The CPD Group's provider community spans every major industry and sector. Becoming an approved provider connects your organisation to that community and to the network of professionals, employers, and institutions that recognise The CPD Group's accreditation mark. ### How to become a CPD Provider - step by step - Step 1: Submit your application - complete the free provider registration form at thecpd.group/training-provider - Step 2: Initial assessment - The CPD Group's team reviews your organisation against provider approval criteria - Step 3: Approval and onboarding - once approved, you receive your provider logo, certificate, provider number, and CPD Register listing - Step 4: Submit activities for accreditation - you can begin submitting individual courses and activities for assessment against the A.C.C.R.E.D.I.T.E.D Framework ### Frequently asked questions about becoming a CPD Provider #### Is it free to become a CPD Provider? Yes. Provider approval with The CPD Group is completely free. Fees apply when individual activities - such as courses, webinars, or events - are submitted for accreditation assessment. The CPD Group offers flexible pricing packages to suit organisations of all sizes. #### How long does provider approval take? The CPD Group aims to process provider applications promptly. Once you have submitted your application, the team will review your organisation and be in touch to discuss your requirements and confirm your approval. #### Do I need to be a large organisation to apply? No. The CPD Group works with individual trainers and coaches, small businesses, and large multinational corporations alike. What matters is the quality of your learning, not the size of your organisation. #### What is the difference between being a CPD Provider and having a CPD-accredited activity? Provider approval recognises your organisation as being ready to deliver CPD-accredited learning. Activity accreditation is the separate process of having an individual course, webinar, event, or other activity assessed and approved against CPD standards. You need to be an approved provider before your activities can be individually accredited. --- **Source URL:** https://thecpd.group/cpd-course-accreditation ## 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. ### 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. ### What types of courses can be CPD accredited? The CPD Group accredits a broad range of course formats, including: - Face-to-face classroom courses - Online self-paced e-learning modules - Live virtual classroom sessions - Recorded online courses - Blended learning programmes combining online and in-person delivery - Short courses, half-day, and full-day formats - Multi-week or modular programmes The assessment criteria focus on the quality and structure of the learning, not the delivery method. 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. ### What does The CPD Group look for when assessing a course? Every course submitted to The CPD Group is assessed against the A.C.C.R.E.D.I.T.E.D Framework. Key assessment areas include: - Accuracy - is the content factually correct and current? - Credibility - are the trainer's credentials appropriate for the subject matter? - Clarity - are the learning objectives clear, specific, and measurable? - Relevance - is the course appropriate for the intended professional audience? - Engagement - does the course support active learning rather than passive consumption? - Delivery - is the course structure logical and well-organised? - Impact - will learners leave with skills or knowledge they can apply professionally? - Transparency of Evidence - can completion and learning be verified? 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. ### What do I receive when my 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 course 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 your 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. ### Frequently asked questions 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 am 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. --- **Source URL:** https://thecpd.group/cpd-webinar-accreditation ## CPD Webinar Accreditation CPD webinar accreditation is the process of having a webinar independently assessed and approved as a Continuing Professional Development activity. When a webinar is accredited by The CPD Group, it confirms that the content meets recognised professional development standards and that delegates can earn CPD credits and receive a verifiable CPD certificate for attending. The CPD Group accredits webinars for training providers, coaches, event organisers, subject matter experts, and businesses across all industries. We assess both live webinars and pre-recorded webinar content. Our accreditation process is designed to be practical and straightforward, with each submission reviewed individually by our specialist team. ### What is CPD webinar accreditation? A webinar is a video-based learning session delivered online, either live or on demand. CPD webinar accreditation confirms that the session delivers genuine professional development value - that it has clear learning objectives, relevant content, a qualified presenter, and a means by which attendees can evidence their participation. When your webinar is accredited by The CPD Group, your delegates can use a QR code to download a personalised CPD certificate at the end of the session. This certificate confirms the number of CPD credits earned and includes your accreditation number, which can be verified on The CPD Register. ### How does CPD webinar accreditation work? The CPD Group's webinar accreditation process follows four stages: - Step 1 - Become a CPD Provider: Before accrediting your webinar, your organisation needs to be registered as an approved CPD Provider. This is free and confirms your organisation is ready to deliver CPD-accredited learning. - Step 2 - Submit your webinar details: You provide a detailed summary of your webinar content, the learning objectives, the duration, and the credentials of the presenter. - Step 3 - Assessment: The CPD Group's team assesses the expertise of the delivery team, the quality of the content, and the learning outcomes to confirm the webinar meets CPD standards. - Step 4 - Accreditation and QR code: Once accredited, you receive a unique QR code to display at your webinar. Delegates scan the code to receive their personalised CPD certificate, making the process seamless and immediate. ### What types of webinars can be accredited? The CPD Group accredits a wide range of webinar formats, including: - Live webinars with audience interaction and Q&A - Pre-recorded webinars available on demand - Single-session webinars covering one topic in depth - Multi-session webinar series - Industry-specific professional development webinars - Regulatory and compliance update webinars - Product training and technical webinars with professional learning content ### What are the benefits of CPD webinar accreditation? #### Delegates earn verifiable CPD credits Many professionals need to demonstrate their CPD to an employer or professional body each year. When your webinar is CPD accredited, delegates can include it in their professional development record and provide verifiable evidence of their attendance and learning. This makes your webinar significantly more attractive to professional audiences. #### Increased credibility and discoverability Accredited webinars are listed on The CPD Register, the UK's leading directory of CPD activities. Professionals and employers actively search The CPD Register when looking for quality-assured learning, increasing your audience reach. Displaying The CPD Group's accreditation mark in your webinar promotion and on your website signals independent quality assurance. #### Seamless certificate delivery via QR code The CPD Group's QR code system means delegates can access their CPD certificate immediately during or after the webinar, without any administrative effort from your team. Certificates are personalised, branded, and contain a verifiable accreditation number. #### Competitive advantage In a crowded market for online professional development content, CPD accreditation differentiates your webinars from unaccredited alternatives. For providers targeting professionals in regulated industries - healthcare, law, finance, engineering - accreditation is often a prerequisite for attendance. ### Frequently asked questions about webinar accreditation #### Can pre-recorded webinars be CPD accredited? Yes. Both live and pre-recorded webinars can be submitted for accreditation. The assessment criteria are the same regardless of delivery format - what matters is the quality of the learning content and objectives. #### Do delegates need to do anything to receive their CPD certificate? Delegates simply scan the QR code provided by The CPD Group at the end of the webinar. They enter their details and their personalised certificate is generated immediately. No manual certificate processing is required from the provider. #### How many CPD credits does a webinar earn? CPD credits are calculated based on the duration of the webinar. As a general rule, one CPD credit is equivalent to one hour of structured learning. A 60-minute webinar would typically earn one CPD credit. Your accreditation certificate will specify the exact number of credits. --- **Source URL:** https://thecpd.group/cpd-podcast-accreditation ## 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. ### 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. ### 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 and subject matter experts with professional audiences - Training companies and learning providers who produce educational podcast content - Professional associations and membership bodies delivering CPD to their members via podcast - Publishers and media organisations producing sector-specific professional content - Coaches and consultants who share expertise through audio or video podcast formats - Businesses that use podcasts as a vehicle for professional learning and development ### Audio and video podcast accreditation 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. ### What are 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. ### How does CPD podcast accreditation work? - Step 1 - Become a CPD Provider: Register your organisation as an approved CPD Provider at thecpd.group/training-provider. This is free. - Step 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. - Step 3 - Assessment: The CPD Group's team reviews the content to confirm it delivers professional learning value and meets CPD standards. - Step 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. ### Frequently asked questions 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. --- **Source URL:** https://thecpd.group/cpd-event-accreditation ## CPD Event and Conference Accreditation CPD event accreditation is the formal assessment and approval of a live event, conference, seminar, or summit as a Continuing Professional Development activity. When an event is CPD accredited by The CPD Group, it confirms that the content and structure of the event delivers genuine professional development value, and that attendees can earn CPD credits and receive verifiable CPD certificates for their attendance. The CPD Group accredits events of all sizes - from single-day seminars to multi-day international conferences - across all professional sectors. We work with event organisers, professional associations, training companies, and corporate events teams to make CPD accreditation practical, credible, and valuable for both organisers and delegates. ### Why get your event CPD accredited? #### Attract professional audiences Many professionals in regulated industries - including healthcare, law, financial services, engineering, and education - are required to complete a set number of CPD hours each year. Having your event CPD accredited means it counts directly towards those requirements, making it significantly more attractive to professional delegates. In sectors where CPD is mandatory, accreditation is often a prerequisite for attendance. #### Increase delegate bookings CPD accreditation is a proven driver of event registrations. Professionals who need to evidence their CPD are actively searching for accredited events. Displaying The CPD Group's accreditation mark in your event marketing, on your website, and in your brochures signals to these audiences that attending your event will count towards their professional development record. #### Demonstrate content quality The accreditation process itself validates the quality of your event content. When The CPD Group accredits your event, it confirms that the programme has been independently assessed for professional relevance and learning value. This external validation adds credibility to your event brand and distinguishes it from unaccredited alternatives. #### Issue verified CPD certificates to all attendees CPD-accredited events enable organisers to issue personalised, verifiable CPD certificates to every delegate. Certificates include The CPD Group's accreditation number, which can be independently verified on The CPD Register. This provides delegates with the formal evidence they need for their professional bodies and employers. ### What types of events can be CPD accredited? The CPD Group accredits a broad range of event formats, including: - Single-day conferences and seminars - Multi-day international conferences - Industry summits and forums - Professional association annual conferences - Corporate learning and development events - Trade shows and exhibitions with educational content - Workshops and masterclasses delivered within events - Hybrid events combining in-person and virtual attendance ### How does CPD event accreditation work? - Step 1 - Become a CPD Provider: Register your organisation as an approved CPD Provider at thecpd.group/training-provider. This is free. - Step 2 - Submit your event details: Provide information about your event programme, speaker credentials, session topics, learning objectives, and the duration of accreditable content. - Step 3 - Assessment: The CPD Group's team reviews the event programme against CPD standards to confirm it delivers professional learning value appropriate for the intended audience. - Step 4 - Accreditation, certificates, and QR codes: Once accredited, you receive The CPD Group's event accreditation mark for your marketing materials, and QR codes that delegates can scan to receive their personalised CPD certificate immediately on the day. ### How many CPD credits does event attendance earn? CPD credits for events are calculated based on the duration of accreditable content - generally, one CPD credit is equivalent to one hour of structured professional learning. The CPD Group's team will confirm the appropriate credit allocation during the accreditation assessment. Delegates receive a certificate stating the exact number of CPD credits earned. ### Can virtual and hybrid events be CPD accredited? Yes. The CPD Group accredits in-person, fully virtual, and hybrid events. The assessment criteria focus on the quality and structure of the learning content, not the delivery format. Virtual and hybrid event delegates can receive their CPD certificates via digital download using The CPD Group's QR code system. ### Frequently asked questions about event accreditation #### Do I need to submit every session at my conference for accreditation? No. You can choose to accredit the event as a whole, or select specific sessions for accreditation. The CPD Group's team can advise on the most appropriate approach for your event format. Many organisers accredit the full event programme and issue a single certificate confirming attendance and total CPD credits earned. #### What documentation do I need to provide for event accreditation? Typically this includes the event programme, speaker biographies or credentials, a description of each session's learning objectives, and the planned duration of each session. The CPD Group's team will confirm exactly what is needed when you register your event for assessment. #### Can I display CPD accreditation on my event marketing materials before the event takes place? Yes, once your event has been formally accredited by The CPD Group, you can use the accreditation mark in all your pre-event and event marketing materials. --- **Source URL:** https://thecpd.group/cpd-trainer-accreditation ## CPD Trainer Accreditation CPD trainer accreditation is the independent assessment and formal recognition of an individual trainer, coach, consultant, or subject matter expert as a credentialed CPD professional. The CPD Group's trainer accreditation confirms that an individual has the expertise, qualifications, and professional capability to deliver high-quality CPD-accredited learning. Unlike provider accreditation - which recognises an organisation - trainer accreditation recognises the individual. This makes it particularly valuable for freelance trainers, independent coaches, consultants, and subject matter experts who deliver learning across multiple organisations, platforms, or contexts. Your accreditation travels with you, not with the company you happen to be working for at the time. ### What is CPD trainer accreditation? When The CPD Group assesses and accredits an individual trainer, it confirms that the trainer's credentials, professional experience, and subject matter expertise meet the standards required to deliver CPD-accredited learning. The assessment takes into account the trainer's qualifications, professional background, areas of expertise, and track record in delivering professional development. Accredited trainers receive a personal CPD trainer accreditation credential from The CPD Group - a recognised, verifiable mark of professional standing that can be displayed on their website, LinkedIn profile, marketing materials, and course pages. ### Who is CPD trainer accreditation for? Trainer accreditation from The CPD Group is suitable for: - Freelance trainers and facilitators working independently - Coaches - executive coaches, life coaches, business coaches, career coaches - Consultants who deliver training or workshops as part of their services - Speakers who present at professional events and conferences - Subject matter experts who teach or train in their area of specialism - In-house trainers looking to add an external credential to their professional profile - Educators and teachers delivering CPD-relevant content outside formal qualifications ### What are the benefits of CPD trainer accreditation? #### Portable professional credential As a freelance trainer or independent professional, your reputation is built on your personal credentials rather than the organisation you work for. CPD trainer accreditation from The CPD Group provides an independently verified mark of professional standing that you can present to clients and delegates regardless of the context in which you are delivering. #### Increased client confidence When potential clients are evaluating trainers, an independently verified CPD accreditation is a meaningful differentiator. It confirms that your expertise and delivery capability have been assessed by an external body - not just self-declared. In a competitive market for training and coaching services, this independent validation can be a deciding factor in winning new business. #### Access to course and activity accreditation Accredited trainers can apply to have their individual courses, workshops, and other learning activities accredited by The CPD Group. Having both personal trainer accreditation and activity-level accreditation provides the strongest possible signal of quality to professional audiences. #### Listing on The CPD Register Accredited trainers are listed on The CPD Register, the UK's leading directory of CPD professionals and providers. Professionals and employers who are looking for CPD-accredited training and coaching actively search The CPD Register, increasing your discoverability to the audiences most likely to engage your services. #### Part of a credentialed professional community Trainer accreditation from The CPD Group connects you to a community of over 13,000 approved providers and accredited professionals. This community spans every major industry and sector, reflecting the breadth of professional development work that The CPD Group supports. ### What does the trainer accreditation assessment involve? The CPD Group's trainer assessment evaluates the individual against a professional framework covering: - Qualifications - formal educational or professional qualifications relevant to the subject area - Professional experience - years and depth of experience in the relevant field - Subject matter expertise - depth of knowledge in the area being taught - Delivery experience - track record in delivering training, coaching, or facilitation - Professional standing - industry recognition, memberships, or professional body status where relevant ### Trainer accreditation versus CPD provider accreditation - which do I need? Provider accreditation recognises an organisation. Trainer accreditation recognises an individual. If you run a training business and deliver courses through that business, you need provider accreditation for the organisation. If you deliver training independently - as a freelancer, coach, or consultant - trainer accreditation gives you a personal credential that you can present to clients. Many professionals hold both. If you run a small training business but also deliver some work independently, having both provider and trainer accreditation gives you maximum credibility across all the contexts in which you work. The CPD Group's team can advise on the right combination for your specific situation. --- **Source URL:** https://thecpd.group/cpd-employer-accreditation ## CPD Employer Accreditation CPD employer accreditation is the formal recognition of an organisation's commitment to Continuing Professional Development for its employees. The CPD Group's employer accreditation assesses and approves an organisation's internal training and staff development programmes, confirming that they meet recognised CPD standards and that employees can earn verifiable CPD credits for the learning they complete as part of their employment. Employer accreditation from The CPD Group is awarded to businesses that demonstrate a genuine and structured commitment to professional development - not just to training provision. It recognises organisations that invest meaningfully in their people and that can evidence the quality and structure of that investment. ### What is CPD employer accreditation? Most CPD accreditation is directed at training providers - external organisations that sell courses and learning activities to other businesses and professionals. Employer accreditation is different. It is specifically designed for organisations that want to have their own internal training programmes formally assessed and recognised as meeting CPD standards. When an organisation's training is CPD accredited by The CPD Group, employees who complete that training can receive CPD credits and certificates as evidence of their professional development. This is particularly valuable for employees working in regulated professions who need to demonstrate annual CPD to their professional body or regulator - but it applies across all industries where professional development is valued. ### Who is CPD employer accreditation for? Employer accreditation from The CPD Group is suitable for any organisation that invests in structured staff learning and development, including: - Businesses with in-house training departments or learning and development teams - Organisations in regulated sectors - healthcare, financial services, legal, engineering - that must evidence employee CPD for regulatory compliance - Companies seeking to strengthen their employer brand by demonstrating a commitment to professional development - HR and L&D teams looking to add credibility and formal recognition to internal training programmes - Businesses that use employee professional development as a recruitment and retention tool - Organisations rolling out compliance training, technical upskilling, or leadership development programmes ### What are the benefits of CPD employer accreditation? #### Employees can evidence their CPD For employees in regulated professions, being able to log CPD earned through workplace training is a significant practical benefit. Employer accreditation from The CPD Group means that in-house training generates verifiable CPD credits that employees can include in their annual CPD records. This reduces the time and cost employees spend sourcing external CPD to meet their professional body requirements. #### Recruitment and retention Professional development is consistently ranked among the top factors influencing both job choice and employee retention. Research shows that a significant proportion of professionals would stay with their current employer if meaningful training and development opportunities were available. Displaying The CPD Group's employer accreditation mark signals to current and prospective employees that the organisation takes professional development seriously - and that it has been independently verified. #### Independent validation of training quality Internal training programmes are often developed with good intentions but without formal quality assurance. The CPD Group's employer accreditation process provides an independent review of the quality, structure, and learning outcomes of your training. This external validation helps HR and L&D teams demonstrate the value of their programmes to senior leadership and to the business as a whole. #### Enhanced employer brand Being a CPD-accredited employer is a visible and meaningful signal of corporate commitment to professional development. It can be featured prominently in recruitment campaigns, employer brand communications, staff handbooks, and LinkedIn company profiles. In sectors where professional development is expected and valued, it positions the organisation as a serious and credible employer. #### Support for regulatory compliance In industries where CPD is mandatory - healthcare, financial services, legal, construction - employer accreditation helps organisations demonstrate regulatory compliance. When employees' professional development requirements can be met through internally accredited training, it reduces the administrative burden of tracking and evidencing CPD across a workforce. ### What does the employer accreditation assessment involve? The CPD Group's employer accreditation assessment evaluates the organisation's training against CPD standards. Key areas of assessment include the structure and quality of the learning programmes, the clarity of learning objectives, the qualifications and expertise of internal trainers or facilitators, how learning is measured and evidenced, and the organisation's overall commitment to professional development. The CPD Group works collaboratively with the organisation throughout the process to ensure the best possible outcome. ### How does employer accreditation differ from provider accreditation? Provider accreditation recognises an organisation as a supplier of CPD-accredited learning to external clients and delegates. Employer accreditation specifically recognises an organisation's internal training programmes as meeting CPD standards for its own employees. Some organisations hold both - a training company that also invests in its own staff development could have both provider accreditation for its external products and employer accreditation for its internal programmes. ### Frequently asked questions about employer accreditation #### Can small businesses apply for employer accreditation? Yes. The CPD Group works with organisations of all sizes. Whether you have a dedicated L&D team or a single person responsible for training, employer accreditation is accessible provided your training meets the required quality standards. #### Can specific training programmes be accredited rather than the entire training offer? Yes. Employer accreditation can be applied to specific programmes, modules, or training initiatives rather than the organisation's entire training portfolio. The CPD Group's team can advise on the most appropriate scope for your organisation. #### How long does employer accreditation last? Employer accreditation is renewed annually, ensuring that recognised training programmes continue to meet current CPD standards. The CPD Group sends renewal reminders in advance and the renewal process is designed to be straightforward. --- **Source URL:** https://thecpd.group/what-is-cpd-accreditation ## What is CPD Accreditation? CPD accreditation is the independent, third-party assessment of a learning activity to confirm it meets recognised Continuing Professional Development standards. When a course, webinar, event, podcast, or other professional learning activity is CPD accredited, it means a qualified accreditation body has reviewed it against a defined quality framework and approved it as a genuine and valuable CPD activity. The CPD Group is one of the UK's leading CPD accreditation bodies. We are the first and currently only organisation to be certified by The CPD Register - the independent body that verifies the standards of accreditation organisations themselves. We have been named the Most Trusted CPD Accreditation Service by the UK Business Excellence Awards, and we work with over 13,000 approved providers worldwide across all professional sectors. ### What does CPD stand for? CPD stands for Continuing Professional Development. It refers to the ongoing process of learning, developing skills, and maintaining professional knowledge throughout a career - beyond any initial training or qualifications. CPD ensures that professionals stay current with the latest standards, practices, and developments in their field. CPD is recognised internationally across virtually every industry. In some countries it is known as Continuing Education (CE), Continuing Professional Education (CPE), or Continuing Medical Education (CME), but the underlying principle is the same: professionals have a responsibility to keep their knowledge and skills current throughout their working lives. ### Why does CPD accreditation matter? CPD accreditation matters for two distinct audiences. For training providers - organisations and individuals who deliver professional learning - accreditation provides independent validation that their content meets recognised standards. This adds credibility, supports marketing, and makes their activities discoverable to professionals who need accredited learning. For learners and delegates, CPD accreditation provides assurance that the time and money invested in a course or event will be accepted as valid CPD by their professional body or employer. It means the activity has been independently assessed for quality - not just self-declared by the provider. Accredited activities generate CPD certificates that can be used as formal evidence of professional development. ### How does CPD accreditation work? The CPD accreditation process at The CPD Group follows three stages. First, an organisation or individual registers as an approved CPD Provider - this is free and establishes that the organisation meets the fundamental criteria required to deliver CPD. Second, individual activities are submitted for assessment. Third, The CPD Group's specialist team evaluates each submission individually against the A.C.C.R.E.D.I.T.E.D Framework. The A.C.C.R.E.D.I.T.E.D Framework assesses every submission across eight dimensions: Accuracy, Credibility, Clarity, Relevance, Engagement, Delivery, Impact, and Transparency of Evidence. If an activity meets the required standard, it is approved and listed on The CPD Register with a unique, verifiable accreditation number. If improvements are needed, the team provides detailed feedback and works with the provider to achieve accreditation. ### What activities can be CPD accredited? The CPD Group accredits a broader range of learning formats than most accreditation bodies. Activities eligible for accreditation include: - Training courses - face-to-face, online, self-paced, and blended - Webinars - live and pre-recorded - Audio podcasts - Video podcasts - Edutorials - educational articles and written publications - Conferences, seminars, and events - Employer internal training programmes - Individual trainer and coach credentials Every format is assessed individually against the same rigorous framework. The CPD Group does not offer blanket accreditation - a practice where a provider logo is applied broadly without assessing individual activities. ### What is the difference between CPD accreditation and a qualification? CPD accreditation and regulated qualifications are fundamentally different and serve different purposes. Regulated qualifications - such as degrees, NVQs, HNCs, and professional charters - are formal credentials regulated by government-appointed bodies such as Ofqual in England. They are assigned a level on the Regulated Qualifications Framework and confer formal educational standing. CPD accreditation is an independent quality mark confirming that a learning activity meets professional development standards. It is not a regulated qualification and does not sit within Ofqual's framework. A CPD certificate is evidence of professional learning and development. The two serve complementary purposes: qualifications establish baseline competence when entering a profession, while CPD keeps knowledge and skills current throughout a career. ### What is blanket CPD accreditation and why should I avoid it? Blanket accreditation is the practice of some organisations approving a provider's entire output without assessing individual activities. A provider pays a fee, receives a logo, and can display it on all their content - regardless of quality. This approach offers no genuine assurance that individual learning activities meet CPD standards. The CPD Group does not offer blanket accreditation. Every single activity submitted - whether a provider submits one course or six hundred - is assessed individually by our specialist team. This is one of the core reasons The CPD Group was certified by The CPD Register and named the most trusted accreditation service in the sector. ### How do I know if a CPD accreditation is legitimate? The CPD Register is the UK's independent certification body that verifies the standards of CPD accreditation organisations. The CPD Group is the first and currently only accreditation organisation to be certified by The CPD Register. When an activity carries The CPD Group's accreditation mark, it can be verified at thecpd.group/cpd-register using the unique accreditation number shown on the certificate or logo. Any accreditation that cannot be independently verified should be treated with caution. ### Frequently asked questions about CPD accreditation #### Is CPD accreditation the same in every country? CPD accreditation from a recognised UK body such as The CPD Group is accepted internationally. The CPD Group works with providers in over 100 countries and the accreditation is recognised across all major professional sectors globally. Different regions may use different terminology - CE, CPE, CME - but the underlying quality standards are consistent. #### How long does CPD accreditation last? Most CPD accreditations at activity level are valid for one year, after which renewal is required. Annual renewal ensures that accredited content remains current and continues to meet professional standards. The CPD Group sends renewal reminders in advance and the process is straightforward. #### Can online courses be CPD accredited? Yes. Online and e-learning courses are among the most commonly accredited formats. Self-paced modules, live virtual classrooms, and recorded programmes are all eligible. Most professional bodies now accept online CPD equally alongside in-person activities. --- **Source URL:** https://thecpd.group/the-cpd-cycle ## The CPD Cycle Explained The CPD cycle is a structured, continuous process that helps professionals plan, undertake, and reflect on their Continuing Professional Development throughout their career. Rather than treating CPD as a one-off box-ticking exercise, the CPD cycle encourages professionals to approach their development systematically and purposefully - identifying what they need to learn, choosing appropriate activities, completing that learning, and reflecting on how it has improved their professional practice. The CPD cycle is widely adopted by UK professional bodies, employers, and accreditation organisations including The CPD Group. Understanding and following the cycle ensures that CPD is genuinely valuable rather than simply a compliance requirement. Most professional bodies that mandate annual CPD ask members to demonstrate that they have followed a cyclical, reflective approach when submitting their records. ### The four stages of the CPD cycle #### Stage 1 - Identify The first stage of the CPD cycle involves identifying your current skills and knowledge gaps, your career goals, and the professional development needs that arise from your role. This reflection might be prompted by a performance review, changes in your sector, new regulatory requirements, feedback from clients or colleagues, or your own sense of where your knowledge could be stronger. Identifying your needs honestly and specifically is what makes CPD meaningful. A generic plan to "stay up to date" is less useful than identifying that you need to strengthen your knowledge of a specific regulation, develop a particular technical skill, or build leadership capability for the next stage of your career. #### Stage 2 - Plan Once you have identified your development needs, the planning stage involves deciding which CPD activities will best address them. This means choosing activities that are directly relevant to your identified gaps, appropriate for your professional level, and achievable within the time and budget you have available. A good CPD plan considers a mix of structured activities - accredited courses, webinars, events, or podcasts - and less formal learning such as reading, peer discussions, or on-the-job learning. Many professional bodies specify that a proportion of annual CPD must come from structured, accredited activities. Choosing activities accredited by The CPD Group ensures they meet recognised quality standards and will be accepted by your professional body. #### Stage 3 - Act The action stage is where you complete your planned CPD activities. This might mean attending a training course, watching an accredited webinar, reading a CPD-accredited edutorial, attending a conference, or completing an online learning module. The key is to engage actively with the learning - not just attending but genuinely participating and absorbing the content. As you complete each activity, record what you have done. Note the activity name, provider, date, duration, and the number of CPD credits earned. When you complete an activity accredited by The CPD Group, you receive a verifiable CPD certificate that provides the formal evidence you need. You can log and store your certificates and CPD records using the free CPD Passport at thecpd.group/cpdpassport. #### Stage 4 - Reflect Reflection is the stage that transforms CPD from a compliance activity into genuine professional growth. After completing a learning activity, take time to consider what you learned, how it connects to your professional role, and what you will do differently as a result. This reflective element is increasingly required by professional bodies when members submit their annual CPD records. A useful reflection captures three things: what you learned, how it is relevant to your professional practice, and what you intend to do with that knowledge. Even a brief written reflection - two or three sentences per activity - provides the evidence that demonstrates active, purposeful engagement with your development rather than passive box-ticking. ### Why the CPD cycle matters Following the CPD cycle produces better professional development outcomes than ad-hoc learning. When development is planned against identified needs, professionals learn what they actually need to know rather than attending convenient but generic courses. When learning is reflected on, it is better retained and more likely to change professional practice. When records are kept, professionals have the evidence they need to demonstrate their development to employers, professional bodies, and clients. For training providers and organisations accredited by The CPD Group, understanding the CPD cycle also matters because it informs how learning activities should be designed. Courses and programmes that align with the CPD cycle - that address identifiable professional needs, have clear outcomes, and prompt reflection - are more likely to meet accreditation standards and deliver genuine value to delegates. ### The CPD cycle and professional body requirements Most UK professional bodies that require annual CPD use a framework that reflects the four stages of the CPD cycle. While the specific language and number of stages may vary, the underlying approach - identify, plan, act, reflect - is consistent across sectors including healthcare, law, accountancy, engineering, HR, and education. When submitting your annual CPD record to your professional body, you will typically need to demonstrate that you have followed this cyclical approach - not just list the courses you attended. This is why reflective notes and verifiable certificates are important. CPD accredited by The CPD Group provides a certificate with a unique accreditation number that can be verified on The CPD Register, giving your professional body independently confirmed evidence of your learning. ### Recording the CPD cycle with the CPD Passport The CPD Passport from The CPD Group is a free online tool that allows professionals to record and track their CPD activities at every stage of the cycle. You can log planned activities, record completed learning, store CPD certificates, and add reflective notes - building a complete, evidenced CPD portfolio that is ready to present to your professional body, employer, or clients at any time. Access the CPD Passport at thecpd.group/cpdpassport. --- **Source URL:** https://thecpd.group/how-to-get-a-course-cpd-accredited ## How to Get a Course CPD Accredited Getting a course CPD accredited means having it independently assessed by a recognised accreditation body to confirm it meets professional development standards. When your course is CPD accredited, delegates can earn verifiable CPD credits and receive certificates that count towards their annual professional development requirements. Accreditation also adds credibility to your course, differentiates it from unaccredited alternatives, and makes it discoverable on The CPD Register. The CPD Group is the first and currently only CPD accreditation body certified by The CPD Register, and has been named the Most Trusted CPD Accreditation Service by the UK Business Excellence Awards. This guide explains everything you need to know about getting your course CPD accredited with The CPD Group. ### Step 1 - Become a CPD Provider Before your course can be individually accredited, your organisation needs to be registered as an approved CPD Provider with The CPD Group. Provider approval is completely free and involves an initial assessment of your organisation to confirm it is ready to deliver CPD-accredited learning. When you register, you receive a unique CPD Provider logo, a verifiable provider number, a CPD Provider certificate, and automatic listing on The CPD Register. You do not need to be a large training company - individual trainers, coaches, small businesses, and large corporations are all eligible. Register at thecpd.group/training-provider. ### Step 2 - Prepare your course for submission Before submitting your course for assessment, ensure it is ready to meet The CPD Group's A.C.C.R.E.D.I.T.E.D Framework. The most common reason for revision requests at assessment stage is insufficiently clear learning objectives. Strong preparation at this stage makes the accreditation process faster and more straightforward. #### Learning objectives Every course must have clear, specific, and measurable learning objectives. Objectives should describe what a learner will be able to do, know, or demonstrate after completing the course - not simply what topics will be covered. Use active, observable verbs: "identify", "explain", "apply", "evaluate", "demonstrate". A typical course has between three and eight clearly stated objectives. Example of a weak objective: "This course covers health and safety regulations." Example of a strong objective: "By the end of this course, participants will be able to identify the key requirements of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and apply them to their workplace context." #### Course content Your course content must be accurate, current, and professionally relevant to the audience it serves. If your course covers a regulated field - healthcare, law, finance, construction - ensure that all factual information reflects current legislation, guidelines, and best practice. Outdated content is one of the most common reasons courses fail accreditation. #### Trainer credentials The CPD Group assesses the expertise and credentials of the trainer or facilitator delivering the course. Ensure you have documented evidence of the trainer's relevant qualifications, professional experience, and subject matter expertise. This is particularly important for courses in regulated or specialist fields. #### Duration and structure Your course must have a clearly defined duration. CPD credits are calculated on the basis of one credit per hour of structured learning, so the length of your course directly determines the number of CPD credits delegates earn. Ensure your course is structured logically - with a clear beginning, progression of content, and conclusion - and that the stated duration reflects the actual learning time. ### Step 3 - Submit your course for assessment Once your organisation is an approved CPD Provider, you can submit your course for accreditation assessment through the provider portal at portal.thecpd.group. Your submission will need to include the course title and description, your learning objectives, an outline or syllabus of the course content, the delivery format and duration, the trainer's credentials and biography, and any supporting materials such as slides, handouts, or assessment tools. The CPD Group's team generally aims to begin reviewing submissions within 2 to 3 weeks of receipt. If your submission is complete and your content is well-prepared, the assessment is typically straightforward. ### Step 4 - Assessment and feedback The CPD Group's specialist accreditation team reviews every course individually against the A.C.C.R.E.D.I.T.E.D Framework. This covers: Accuracy of content, Credibility of the trainer, Clarity of learning objectives, Relevance to the professional audience, Engagement and delivery quality, Impact on learner development, and Transparency of Evidence for completion. If the assessment team identifies areas that need strengthening, they provide specific, constructive feedback and work with you to bring the course up to standard. The CPD Group never simply refuses a submission without explanation - the goal is to help providers achieve accreditation, not to act as a barrier. ### Step 5 - Accreditation, logo, and CPD Register listing Once your course is approved, you receive a unique CPD accreditation logo specific to that course, a verifiable accreditation number, automatic listing on The CPD Register, and the ability to issue personalised CPD certificates to delegates upon completion. You can use the accreditation logo on your website, course pages, brochures, social media, and marketing materials. Accreditation is renewed annually. The CPD Group sends renewal reminders in advance, and renewal typically involves confirming the course remains current and paying a renewal fee. Updated course materials are re-assessed as part of renewal at no additional charge. ### What types of courses can be accredited? The CPD Group accredits face-to-face classroom courses, online self-paced courses, live virtual classroom sessions, pre-recorded video courses, blended learning programmes, short courses and half-day formats, full-day workshops, multi-week or modular programmes, and AI-assisted courses (provided they meet accuracy and quality standards). Both new courses and existing courses can be submitted for accreditation. ### How much does CPD course accreditation cost? Provider registration is 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 for individual trainers, small businesses, and large training organisations. Contact the team at thecpd.group/contact-cpd for a tailored quote. ### Frequently asked questions #### Can I accredit a course I have already been delivering? Yes. There is no requirement for a course to be new. Existing courses can be submitted for accreditation at any time, provided they meet the current quality standards assessed by The CPD Group. #### Can I accredit multiple courses at once? Yes. Once you are an approved CPD Provider, you can submit multiple courses simultaneously. The CPD Group assesses every course individually regardless of volume - a provider submitting 50 courses receives the same rigorous individual assessment as one submitting a single course. #### What happens if my course does not pass first time? The CPD Group provides detailed feedback on any areas that need improvement and supports you in making the necessary changes. Once you have revised your course and resubmitted, it is assessed again. There is no additional charge for resubmissions following feedback. --- **Source URL:** https://thecpd.group/cpd-requirements-by-industry ## CPD Requirements by Industry Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements vary significantly across industries and professional sectors. Some professions have mandatory, regulated CPD requirements with specific annual hour targets and requirements for structured learning. Others have voluntary guidelines set by professional bodies. This guide provides an overview of CPD requirements across the major professional sectors in the UK, and explains how CPD accreditation from The CPD Group is relevant across all of them. For training providers, understanding CPD requirements by industry is essential for developing courses that meet the needs of professional audiences and qualify for CPD accreditation. For professionals, knowing your sector's requirements helps you plan your annual CPD effectively. The CPD Group accredits learning activities across all of the sectors below. ### Healthcare and medical Healthcare is one of the most heavily regulated sectors for CPD in the UK. Specific requirements include: - Doctors (GMC): 50 CPD hours per year as part of the revalidation framework - Nurses and midwives (NMC): 35 hours of CPD every three years, including at least 20 hours of participatory learning - Allied health professionals (HCPC): No set hour requirement, but evidence of a mix of learning activities must be provided at every two-year renewal - Dentists (GDC): 100 CPD hours over a five-year cycle, including verifiable CPD in specific clinical areas - Pharmacists (GPhC): Nine CPD entries per year, reflecting structured and reflective learning Healthcare CPD must be directly relevant to professional practice and must be evidenced with certificates or records. The CPD Group accredits healthcare training courses, conferences, webinars, and educational podcasts, providing the verifiable CPD certificates that healthcare professionals need for their regulatory requirements. ### Legal Legal professionals in the UK have specific CPD requirements depending on their role and jurisdiction: - Solicitors in England and Wales (SRA): The SRA moved away from a set hour requirement in 2016, requiring solicitors instead to demonstrate competence through ongoing learning. However, most firms continue to require 16 hours of CPD per year as internal policy. - Solicitors in Scotland (Law Society of Scotland): 20 CPD hours per year, of which at least 15 must be verifiable CPD - Barristers (BSB): 45 CPD hours over the first three years of practice under the New Practitioners Programme - Legal executives (CILEX): 8 CPD hours per year for Fellows - Licensed conveyancers: 6 to 12 CPD hours per year depending on licence type The CPD Group accredits legal CPD training courses, compliance update webinars, and professional development events, all of which can contribute to solicitors' and barristers' ongoing development requirements. ### Financial services and accountancy Financial services is among the most regulated sectors for CPD due to the FCA's requirements and the complexity of the regulatory environment: - FCA-regulated professionals: The FCA requires firms to ensure staff have the knowledge and competence to carry out their roles, typically resulting in 35 CPD hours per year - Chartered accountants (ICAEW): 40 CPD hours per year, of which 21 hours must be verifiable - ACCA members: 40 CPD hours per year as part of the ACCA CPD requirement - CIMA members: 120 CPD units per three-year rolling cycle - Chartered Insurance Institute: 35 hours per year for most members The CPD Group accredits financial services training, compliance and regulation update courses, and professional development programmes for accountants and financial advisors. ### Human resources and people development HR professionals are guided primarily by CIPD requirements: - CIPD members: No set minimum hour requirement, but members are expected to demonstrate ongoing reflective learning and professional development appropriate to their level (Foundation, Associate, Chartered Member, or Fellow) - Many HR departments set internal CPD targets of 30 to 40 hours per year The CPD Group accredits HR-focused training courses, L&D programmes, employment law update webinars, and leadership development events across the full spectrum of people management topics. ### Engineering and construction Engineering and construction have well-established CPD frameworks: - Chartered engineers (Engineering Council): A minimum of 30 CPD hours per year, documented in a CPD record - CIBSE (building services engineers): 21 hours of CPD per year - Chartered surveyors (RICS): 20 hours per year, of which at least 10 must be formal learning - Construction professionals (CIOB): 35 hours of CPD per year The CPD Group accredits engineering CPD courses, technical update events, construction industry conferences, and professional development webinars across civil, structural, mechanical, and electrical engineering disciplines. ### Education and teaching CPD requirements for educators vary across the four UK nations: - Scotland: 35 CPD hours per year is mandatory for teachers registered with the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS) - England: No statutory minimum, but schools typically expect teachers to engage in CPD as part of performance management; five INSET days are built into the working year - Wales and Northern Ireland: No statutory minimum, with CPD guided by school and institutional policy The CPD Group accredits education sector CPD including teaching methodology courses, safeguarding training, SEND provision, leadership development, and subject-specific continuing education. ### Marketing and communications The Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) requires members to complete 35 CPD hours per year as part of maintaining chartered marketer status. The Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) requires members to complete 30 CPD hours annually. The CPD Group accredits marketing, digital marketing, PR, communications, and content creation CPD for professionals working in these fields. ### Technology and IT The technology sector does not have a single regulated CPD body, but many IT professionals hold certifications from bodies including BCS (the Chartered Institute for IT), which recommends 30 CPD hours per year. Many technology employers set internal CPD expectations of 20 to 40 hours annually. The rapid pace of change in technology makes ongoing CPD particularly important for keeping skills current. The CPD Group accredits technology, cybersecurity, data, AI, and digital skills training. ### How The CPD Group supports professionals and providers across all sectors The CPD Group accredits learning activities across every professional sector covered in this guide. For training providers, our accreditation confirms that your courses and activities meet the quality standards required by your delegates' professional bodies. For professionals, our accreditation ensures that the time you invest in learning generates verifiable CPD credits that will be accepted by your employer or regulatory body. Every activity accredited by The CPD Group is listed on The CPD Register with a unique accreditation number. Delegates receive a personalised CPD certificate confirming the number of credits earned. As the first and only accreditation organisation certified by The CPD Register, The CPD Group's accreditation is the most independently verified mark of CPD quality in the UK. --- **Source URL:** https://thecpd.group/types-of-cpd-guide ## Types of CPD - A Complete Guide Continuing Professional Development comes in many forms. Understanding the different types of CPD helps professionals plan their annual development more effectively, and helps training providers design activities that genuinely meet the needs of their audiences. This guide explains the main categories and formats of CPD, and explains how The CPD Group accredits the full range of structured CPD activities. ### Structured vs unstructured CPD The most fundamental distinction in CPD is between structured and unstructured learning. #### Structured CPD Structured CPD involves organised learning activities with defined objectives, a set format, and a means of evidencing completion. It is sometimes called formal or active CPD. Examples include accredited training courses, webinars, conferences, online learning modules, and professionally accredited podcasts. Structured CPD is the type most commonly required by professional bodies - most mandate that a proportion of annual CPD comes from structured activities that can be independently verified. #### Unstructured CPD Unstructured CPD covers self-directed learning that does not have a formal structure or certification. Examples include reading professional journals and industry publications, peer discussions, on-the-job learning, mentoring, attending networking events, and watching informational videos. Unstructured CPD is valuable and widely accepted by professional bodies, but it typically carries less weight than structured, accredited activities. ### CPD by delivery format Within structured CPD, activities can be delivered in a wide range of formats. The CPD Group accredits all of the following: #### Training courses Training courses are the most traditional form of structured CPD. They can be delivered face-to-face in a classroom setting, fully online as self-paced e-learning, live online as virtual classroom sessions, or as a blend of in-person and online delivery. Courses vary in length from a few hours to multi-day or multi-week programmes. They typically have defined learning objectives, structured content, and a certificate of completion. #### Webinars Webinars are online seminars delivered via video conferencing platforms. They can be live events with audience participation, pre-recorded sessions available on demand, or a combination of both. Webinars are particularly popular for compliance and regulatory update CPD, subject matter expert presentations, and interactive professional discussions. The CPD Group accredits both live and recorded webinars. #### Events and conferences Professional conferences, seminars, summits, and industry events deliver CPD through keynote presentations, panel discussions, workshops, and networking. CPD credits for events are typically calculated based on the hours of accreditable learning content - not including breaks or non-educational sessions. The CPD Group accredits events of all sizes, from single-day seminars to multi-day international conferences. #### Podcasts Both audio and video podcasts are increasingly recognised as valuable CPD formats. The CPD Group was among the first accreditation bodies in the UK to offer dedicated podcast accreditation, reflecting the growing role of podcast-style content in professional development. Accredited podcast episodes allow listeners and viewers to earn CPD credits and receive certificates. #### Edutorials Edutorials are educational articles in professional publications that deliver measurable learning value to readers. The CPD Group pioneered edutorial accreditation in the UK - a unique format that allows readers of professional magazines, journals, and online publications to earn CPD credits by reading accredited articles. #### Employer training Internal workplace training programmes can be formally recognised as CPD through The CPD Group's employer accreditation service. When an employer's internal training meets CPD standards, employees can earn verifiable CPD credits for their workplace learning - particularly valuable in regulated sectors where employee CPD must be evidenced. ### CPD by learning approach #### Active CPD Active CPD involves direct participation and engagement - attending a live course, interacting in a webinar, participating in a workshop, or completing assessed activities. Most professional bodies give greatest weighting to active, structured CPD because it demonstrates genuine engagement with the learning rather than passive consumption. #### Passive CPD Passive CPD involves absorbing information without formal interaction or assessment - watching a recorded lecture, reading an article, or listening to a podcast without engagement features. Passive CPD is generally accepted by professional bodies but carries less weighting than active participation. CPD accreditation from The CPD Group applies to both active and passive formats, provided the content meets professional learning standards. ### Which type of CPD is right for me? The right CPD mix depends on your professional body's requirements, your identified development needs from the CPD cycle, your available time and budget, and your preferred learning style. Most professionals benefit from a combination of structured accredited activities and informal self-directed learning throughout the year. The CPD Group's CPD Passport helps you track your activities across all formats at thecpd.group/cpdpassport. --- **Source URL:** https://thecpd.group/the-benefits-of-cpd-guide ## The Benefits of CPD Continuing Professional Development delivers benefits at every level - for individual professionals, for the organisations they work in, and for the industries and sectors they serve. Whether CPD is mandatory in your profession or undertaken voluntarily, the evidence consistently shows that structured, ongoing professional development improves performance, supports career progression, and increases professional credibility. This page explains the key benefits of CPD for professionals, for training providers, and for employers - and explains how CPD accreditation from The CPD Group maximises those benefits. ### Benefits of CPD for individual professionals #### Keeps skills and knowledge current The pace of change across most professional sectors - driven by technology, regulation, and market evolution - means that knowledge and skills developed during initial training can become outdated within years. CPD ensures that professionals stay current with the latest standards, practices, tools, and legislative requirements in their field. In regulated industries, failing to maintain current knowledge can have serious consequences for professional standing and client safety. #### Supports career progression Documented CPD demonstrates to employers and clients that a professional is proactive about their development, committed to maintaining high standards, and willing to invest in their own growth. Research consistently shows that professionals who engage in structured CPD are more likely to be promoted, achieve chartered status, and command higher rates of pay. In competitive job markets, a well-evidenced CPD record is a meaningful differentiator. #### Maintains professional registration and membership Over 450 professional bodies in the UK require members to complete CPD as a condition of maintaining their registration, licence to practise, or membership status. For professionals in regulated sectors - including healthcare, law, financial services, and engineering - meeting annual CPD requirements is not optional. Failing to do so can result in suspension or removal from a professional register. #### Builds professional confidence Engaging in structured learning and professional development builds confidence. Professionals who regularly update their knowledge feel more assured in their expertise, more capable of handling complex situations, and more credible in the eyes of clients and colleagues. This confidence is both a personal benefit and a professional asset. #### Expands professional networks Many CPD activities - courses, conferences, seminars, and professional events - bring professionals together with peers from across their sector. These connections build professional networks that provide support, collaboration opportunities, and access to new ideas and approaches. The networking value of CPD is often as significant as the learning value. ### Benefits of CPD accreditation for training providers #### Credibility and trust When your training activities are CPD accredited by The CPD Group, they carry independent validation that your content meets recognised professional development standards. This independent credibility - particularly from an accreditation body certified by The CPD Register - is more compelling to professional audiences than self-declared quality claims. #### Commercial differentiation In sectors where CPD is mandatory, professionals actively seek accredited learning. Training providers without CPD accreditation are invisible to these audiences. Accreditation from The CPD Group makes your courses, webinars, events, and other activities discoverable on The CPD Register, and gives you a recognised quality mark to display in your marketing. #### Increased course quality The accreditation process itself drives quality improvement. When courses are assessed against The CPD Group's A.C.C.R.E.D.I.T.E.D Framework, providers receive structured feedback that highlights areas for improvement. Many providers report that going through accreditation strengthens their learning objectives, sharpens their content structure, and improves the overall learner experience. ### Benefits of CPD for employers #### More capable and confident workforce Employees who engage in structured CPD bring current knowledge, improved skills, and fresh professional perspectives to their roles. The organisational benefits include better decision-making, improved client outcomes, stronger regulatory compliance, and increased operational effectiveness. #### Recruitment and retention Professional development opportunities are consistently cited as a key factor in job choice and employee retention. Employers who invest in CPD - and can evidence that investment through accreditation - are more attractive to high-quality candidates and more successful at retaining existing talent. #### Regulatory compliance In regulated sectors, employers have a responsibility to ensure their staff meet CPD requirements. Organisations with CPD-accredited internal training programmes - recognised through The CPD Group's employer accreditation - can evidence regulatory compliance clearly and consistently. --- **Source URL:** https://thecpd.group/cpd-faqs ## CPD Accreditation Frequently Asked Questions This page answers the most commonly asked questions about CPD, CPD accreditation, and working with The CPD Group. The CPD Group is the first and currently only CPD accreditation body certified by The CPD Register, and has been named the Most Trusted CPD Accreditation Service by the UK Business Excellence Awards. For questions not covered here, contact the team at thecpd.group/contact-cpd. ### About CPD #### What does CPD stand for? CPD stands for Continuing Professional Development. It refers to the ongoing process of learning, developing skills, and maintaining professional knowledge throughout a working career, beyond any initial training or qualifications. #### What counts as CPD? CPD covers structured activities such as accredited training courses, webinars, events, podcasts, and e-learning - as well as unstructured activities such as reading industry publications, peer discussions, and on-the-job learning. Most professional bodies require a proportion of structured, accredited CPD each year. #### How many CPD hours do I need per year? Requirements vary by profession. Common examples include: doctors (GMC) 50 hours per year; nurses (NMC) 35 hours over three years; solicitors in England and Wales 16 hours per year; accountants (ICAEW) 40 hours per year; chartered marketers (CIM) 35 hours per year. For professions without mandated requirements, most advisors recommend a minimum of 20 to 30 hours annually. #### What are CPD credits and how are they calculated? CPD credits (also called CPD hours or CPD points) measure the amount of professional development completed. As a general rule, one CPD credit equals one hour of structured learning. A one-day course typically earns 7 CPD credits. When you complete an activity accredited by The CPD Group, your certificate states the exact number of credits earned. ### About CPD accreditation #### What is CPD accreditation? CPD accreditation is the independent assessment of a learning activity by a qualified body - such as The CPD Group - to confirm it meets recognised professional development standards. Accreditation provides independent quality assurance for providers and verifiable evidence of learning for delegates. #### What is the difference between CPD accreditation and a qualification? CPD accreditation is an independent quality mark for professional learning activities. It is not a regulated qualification. Regulated qualifications (degrees, NVQs, A-Levels) are overseen by Ofqual and sit on the Regulated Qualifications Framework. CPD and qualifications serve different purposes - qualifications establish initial competence; CPD maintains and develops it throughout a career. #### What is blanket CPD accreditation? Blanket accreditation is when an accreditation body approves a provider without assessing individual activities. The CPD Group does not offer blanket accreditation - every single activity submitted is assessed individually by our specialist team, regardless of volume. #### How do I verify a CPD accreditation is legitimate? Enter the accreditation number from any CPD Group certificate or logo into our verification tool at thecpd.group/cpd-register. This confirms whether the activity is genuinely accredited, its status, and expiry date. If a CPD logo does not have a verifiable number, treat it with caution. ### Working with The CPD Group #### How do I become a CPD Provider? Register free at thecpd.group/training-provider. Provider approval involves an initial assessment of your organisation to confirm it is ready to deliver CPD-accredited learning. Once approved you receive a provider logo, certificate, and CPD Register listing. #### How long does it take to get a course accredited? The CPD Group aims to begin reviewing submissions within 2 to 3 weeks. Courses with clear learning objectives and complete documentation tend to move through assessment most quickly. Contact the team early if you are working to a launch deadline. #### How much does CPD accreditation cost? Becoming a CPD Provider is completely free. Accreditation fees apply at activity level and vary by format and volume. Contact the team at thecpd.group/contact-cpd for a tailored quote. #### Why is The CPD Group different from other accreditation bodies? The CPD Group is the first and only UK accreditation body certified by The CPD Register - meaning our accreditation processes have been independently verified, not just self-declared. We assess every activity individually, accredit the widest range of formats in the sector, and have been named the Most Trusted CPD Accreditation Service by the UK Business Excellence Awards. #### What do I receive when my activity is accredited? A unique activity-specific logo, a verifiable accreditation number on The CPD Register, the ability to issue CPD certificates to delegates, and a listing in our searchable provider directory. Accreditation is renewed annually. --- **Source URL:** https://thecpd.group/cpd-accreditation-by-industry ## CPD Accreditation by Industry The CPD Group provides CPD accreditation for training providers, coaches, event organisers, and employers across all professional industries and sectors. Whether you deliver learning in healthcare, financial services, construction, technology, legal, HR, or any other field, The CPD Group's accreditation confirms that your activities meet recognised professional development standards and qualifies delegates to earn verifiable CPD credits. This page provides an overview of CPD accreditation in the major professional sectors that The CPD Group works with. For training providers, understanding the sector-specific context of CPD is important for positioning your accredited activities to the professional audiences most likely to need them. The CPD Group is the first and only UK accreditation body certified by The CPD Register, and works with over 13,000 approved providers across every sector below. ### CPD accreditation for healthcare training providers Healthcare is one of the most CPD-intensive sectors in the UK. Doctors, nurses, dentists, pharmacists, allied health professionals, and health and social care workers all have CPD obligations set by their respective regulatory bodies. For training providers delivering healthcare CPD, accreditation from The CPD Group confirms that courses and learning activities meet the quality standards required for healthcare professionals' revalidation and regulatory CPD records. The CPD Group accredits healthcare training courses, clinical skills workshops, patient safety programmes, compliance and governance training, professional development webinars, and healthcare conferences. Accredited activities are listed on The CPD Register and delegates receive verifiable CPD certificates for their revalidation portfolios. ### CPD accreditation for legal training providers Legal CPD is a significant and growing market in the UK. Solicitors, barristers, legal executives, and licensed conveyancers all require ongoing professional development. For legal training providers, CPD accreditation from The CPD Group adds independent quality assurance to courses covering areas such as employment law, regulatory updates, practice management, client care, risk management, and legal technology. The CPD Group accredits face-to-face legal CPD seminars, online legal training courses, law firm webinars, and legal sector conferences. Accredited legal CPD is listed on The CPD Register, allowing solicitors and other legal professionals to verify and log their learning. ### CPD accreditation for financial services training Financial services professionals operate in one of the most heavily regulated CPD environments in the UK. FCA requirements, combined with the CPD frameworks of bodies including ACCA, CIMA, the Chartered Insurance Institute, and the Chartered Banker Institute, create significant demand for quality-assured financial services CPD. The CPD Group accredits compliance training, regulatory update programmes, technical finance courses, investment and wealth management CPD, and insurance sector training. ### CPD accreditation for HR and L&D professionals Human resources and learning and development professionals have their own CPD requirements through CIPD membership, as well as a natural professional interest in quality-assured development. The CPD Group accredits HR-focused training covering employment law, talent management, recruitment and selection, diversity and inclusion, wellbeing, performance management, and coaching skills. L&D professionals who deliver training can also apply for trainer accreditation to carry a recognised personal credential. ### CPD accreditation for technology and IT training The technology sector demands continuous upskilling. Cybersecurity, data science, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, software development, and digital transformation are all areas where professionals need structured, current learning. The CPD Group accredits technology CPD courses, IT certification preparation programmes, cybersecurity awareness training, and digital skills development for professionals across all levels of seniority. ### CPD accreditation for construction and engineering Chartered engineers, surveyors, building services professionals, and construction managers all require structured CPD. The CPD Group accredits technical update courses, health and safety training, building regulations and standards programmes, sustainability and net zero courses, and leadership development for engineering and construction professionals. ### CPD accreditation for education and training Teachers, lecturers, education leaders, and training professionals themselves benefit from CPD accreditation. The CPD Group accredits teaching methodology courses, safeguarding and child protection training, SEND provision development, school leadership programmes, and continuing education for further and higher education professionals. ### CPD accreditation for coaches and coaching businesses Executive coaching, life coaching, business coaching, and career coaching are significant professional development activities. The CPD Group accredits coaching programmes as CPD activities, enabling coaching clients to earn CPD credits for their sessions. Individual coaches can also apply for trainer accreditation to carry a personal CPD Group credential, providing clients with independent assurance of their professional standing. ### CPD accreditation for other professional sectors The CPD Group accredits training and learning activities across all professional sectors, including marketing and communications, media and publishing, real estate and property, facilities management, logistics and supply chain, environmental and sustainability, social care, charity and not-for-profit, and many more. If your sector is not listed, contact the team at thecpd.group/contact-cpd - we accredit learning across all industries. --- **Source URL:** https://thecpd.group/cpd-accreditation-vs-qualifications ## CPD Accreditation vs Regulated Qualifications 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. ### What is CPD accreditation? 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. ### What is a regulated 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. ### Key differences between CPD accreditation and qualifications #### Regulatory framework 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. #### Assessment 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. #### Purpose 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. #### Recognition 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. ### Why both matter 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. ### A note on misleading claims 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. ### Frequently asked questions #### Can a CPD course also be a regulated qualification? Yes. Some learning activities can carry both CPD accreditation and sit within the regulated qualifications framework. For example, a Level 3 certificate from an Ofqual-approved awarding organisation might also be CPD accredited, allowing learners to earn both a formal qualification and CPD credits simultaneously. #### Will a CPD certificate help me get into university? CPD certificates are not equivalent to regulated qualifications for university entry. UCAS points are awarded for regulated qualifications, not CPD. However, CPD certificates can support a personal statement by demonstrating commitment to professional development and lifelong learning. #### Does my employer have to accept CPD accreditation? Most employers in professional sectors recognise and value CPD accreditation from reputable bodies. In regulated industries, CPD accreditation from The CPD Group provides the verifiable evidence employers and regulators need to confirm that development requirements have been met. --- **Source URL:** https://thecpd.group/what-is-blanket-cpd-accreditation ## What is Blanket CPD Accreditation? Blanket CPD accreditation refers to the practice of some accreditation organisations approving a training provider's entire output without individually assessing the specific activities they deliver. Under a blanket model, a provider pays a membership or registration fee, receives an accreditation logo, and is permitted to display that logo on all their courses, webinars, and events - regardless of the quality, accuracy, or professional relevance of each individual activity. The CPD Group does not offer blanket accreditation. We assess every individual activity submitted against our A.C.C.R.E.D.I.T.E.D Framework, regardless of how many activities a provider submits. This individual assessment model is one of the core reasons The CPD Group was certified by The CPD Register - the UK's independent certification body for CPD accreditation organisations - and was named the Most Trusted CPD Accreditation Service by the UK Business Excellence Awards. ### How blanket accreditation works In a blanket accreditation model, the accreditation body approves the organisation rather than its individual products. The provider receives a logo and a generic approval statement along the lines of "Approved CPD Provider", which can then be used across all their content. This means that a provider with a blanket accreditation could display an accreditation logo on a course that has never been read, reviewed, or assessed by the accrediting body. The logo signals that the provider paid a membership fee - not that any specific course has been evaluated for quality, accuracy, or professional relevance. ### Why blanket accreditation is a problem #### It provides no quality assurance for learners The purpose of CPD accreditation, from a learner's perspective, is assurance that a specific activity delivers genuine professional development value. Blanket accreditation cannot provide this assurance because the individual activity has not been assessed. A learner who chooses a course bearing a blanket accreditation logo has no independent confirmation that the course content is accurate, relevant, well-structured, or professionally appropriate. #### It misleads professional bodies and employers When a professional submits CPD evidence to their regulatory body or employer, they are expected to provide records of learning that meets recognised standards. If that evidence is based on activities carrying a blanket accreditation logo - rather than individually assessed accreditation - the professional may be presenting CPD that has never actually been quality assured, even if it appears accredited. #### It devalues the CPD accreditation ecosystem When blanket accreditation logos proliferate across low-quality or inaccurate content, it erodes trust in CPD accreditation as a concept. This makes it harder for genuinely rigorous accreditation bodies to communicate the real value of independently assessed CPD. The CPD Group actively works to raise standards across the sector, which is why we were the first organisation to be certified by The CPD Register - an independent body that verifies whether accreditation processes meet the standards they claim. ### How to identify blanket accreditation There are several indicators that an accreditation may be a blanket approval rather than an individually assessed credential: - The provider uses the same logo on all their activities, regardless of topic or format, without individual accreditation numbers - The accreditation body cannot provide a searchable register of individually accredited activities - The accreditation process involves no review of course content, learning objectives, or trainer credentials - The accreditation fee is paid at provider level only, with no per-activity assessment fee - The accreditation number on the logo or certificate cannot be independently verified ### The CPD Group's approach: individual activity assessment Every course, webinar, podcast, event, edutorial, and other activity submitted to The CPD Group is assessed individually by our specialist accreditation team. The assessment evaluates the accuracy of the content, the clarity of the learning objectives, the credentials of the trainer, the relevance of the activity to its professional audience, the quality of delivery, and the overall learning impact. Whether a provider submits one course or six hundred, each submission receives the same rigorous individual review. This is not more expensive for providers than it could be under a blanket model - our pricing is structured to make individual assessment accessible to organisations of all sizes. It is, however, more meaningful. When a course carries The CPD Group's accreditation mark, it means that specific course has been reviewed and approved by an independently certified accreditation body. Each accredited activity receives a unique accreditation number that is listed on The CPD Register. Anyone - a learner, an employer, a professional body - can enter that number at thecpd.group/cpd-register and immediately confirm that the specific activity is genuinely accredited, when the accreditation was issued, and when it expires. This transparency is not possible with blanket accreditation. ### How The CPD Register certifies accreditation bodies The CPD Register is an independent UK certification body that sets standards for CPD accreditation organisations. It verifies whether accreditation bodies operate with appropriate rigour, transparency, and quality in their assessment processes. The CPD Group is the first and currently only accreditation organisation to receive certification from The CPD Register - confirming that our processes meet independently verified standards. This certification means that when providers choose The CPD Group for their accreditation, they are working with a body whose standards have been externally verified - not just self-declared. And when learners complete an activity bearing The CPD Group's mark, they can have confidence that the accreditation reflects a genuine quality assessment. ### Frequently asked questions #### Is blanket accreditation illegal? No. Blanket accreditation is not illegal. CPD accreditation is not regulated by government in the same way that regulated qualifications are. However, blanket accreditation that misleads consumers about the nature of the quality assurance provided may be subject to ASA (Advertising Standards Authority) scrutiny, as has been demonstrated in recent rulings against some providers in the sector. #### How can learners protect themselves? Learners should check whether the accreditation on a course has a unique, verifiable accreditation number. For activities accredited by The CPD Group, this number can be verified at thecpd.group/cpd-register. If an accreditation logo cannot be verified independently, treat it with caution. #### Should I report a provider misusing CPD accreditation? Yes. If you believe a provider is misrepresenting their accreditation status - for example, using The CPD Group's logo without a valid accreditation - you can report this at thecpd.group/report-cpd. The CPD Group investigates all reports and takes appropriate action to protect the integrity of our accreditation mark. --- **Source URL:** https://thecpd.group/international-cpd-accreditation-guide ## International CPD Accreditation The CPD Group provides internationally recognised CPD accreditation for training providers, event organisers, coaches, and employers operating across all global markets. We work with over 13,000 approved providers from countries including the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, the UAE, South Africa, India, Singapore, and throughout Europe. Our accreditation is accepted by professionals and organisations worldwide as a recognised mark of CPD quality. CPD - Continuing Professional Development - is a globally understood concept, though it is known by different names in different regions. In the USA it is commonly called Continuing Education (CE) or Continuing Professional Education (CPE). In medical contexts it may be Continuing Medical Education (CME). In legal contexts, Continuing Legal Education (CLE). Regardless of terminology, the underlying principle - structured, verifiable, ongoing professional learning - is consistent, and CPD accreditation from The CPD Group is recognised as meeting that standard internationally. ### Why choose The CPD Group for international CPD accreditation? The CPD Group is the first and only accreditation organisation in the UK to be certified by The CPD Register - the independent body that verifies the standards of accreditation organisations themselves. This independent certification means that our accreditation processes have been externally verified, giving international training providers and their delegates the highest available level of confidence in the quality of our accreditation mark. We have been named the Most Trusted CPD Accreditation Service by the UK Business Excellence Awards, and our accreditation is recognised across all professional sectors globally. For training providers operating internationally, a single CPD Group accreditation covers all the markets you serve. ### CPD around the world #### United Kingdom The UK has one of the most mature and structured CPD frameworks in the world. Over 450 professional bodies require their members to complete CPD annually. The CPD Group is a UK-based, UK-registered organisation and our accreditation is fully recognised across all UK professional sectors and regulatory bodies. #### United States of America CPD in the USA is most commonly called Continuing Education (CE) or Continuing Professional Education (CPE). There are over 4,000 professional bodies and regulatory organisations across the USA with CE requirements for their members. CPD accreditation from The CPD Group is recognised as a quality mark by US-based professionals and organisations, particularly those working for multinational companies or in sectors with global professional standards. #### Australia and New Zealand Australia and New Zealand follow a CPD model closely aligned with the UK. Many professions have mandatory CPD requirements set by their regulatory bodies and professional institutes. CPD accreditation from The CPD Group is accepted by Australian and New Zealand professionals, many of whom work for organisations with UK or global professional standards. #### United Arab Emirates and the Middle East The UAE and wider Middle East region have a strong and growing emphasis on professional development, with significant demand for internationally recognised CPD. Many professionals in the region hold UK professional qualifications and memberships that require UK-recognised CPD. The CPD Group works with a number of UAE and Middle East-based training providers and has accredited events and conferences held across the region. #### Europe CPD requirements across Europe vary significantly by country and profession. However, the increasing internationalisation of professional standards - particularly in healthcare, law, financial services, and engineering - means that internationally recognised CPD accreditation from The CPD Group is valued across European markets. #### Africa CPD is an emerging and growing practice across the African continent, with particular emphasis in South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, and Ghana. The CPD Group works with providers based in or delivering into Africa, and our accreditation is recognised by professionals across the continent who hold UK or international professional memberships. ### For international training providers If you deliver training, events, or learning content to professional audiences outside the UK, The CPD Group's international accreditation means your activities carry a recognised quality mark in all the markets you serve. A single CPD Group accreditation covers your global delivery - you do not need separate accreditations for each country or region. Getting started is straightforward. Register as a CPD Provider free at thecpd.group/training-provider, and our team will guide you through the process of having your activities assessed for international CPD accreditation. --- **Source URL:** https://thecpd.group/cpd-and-professional-bodies ## CPD and Professional Bodies Professional bodies, institutes, and regulatory organisations are the principal drivers of CPD requirements across the UK and internationally. Over 450 professional bodies in the UK require their members to complete a minimum amount of Continuing Professional Development each year to maintain their membership, professional registration, or licence to practise. Understanding how professional body CPD requirements work is essential for both professionals who must meet those requirements and training providers who want to serve those audiences. The CPD Group works with training providers across every major sector to ensure their learning activities meet the CPD standards required by professional bodies. Our accreditation is recognised across all professional sectors and by thousands of professional body members worldwide. ### What do professional bodies require? Professional body CPD requirements vary significantly in terms of the number of hours required, whether CPD must be structured or can include informal learning, whether specific topics must be covered, and how CPD must be evidenced and reported. Most professional bodies communicate their CPD requirements to members through their membership documentation, annual renewal processes, and online member resources. As a general pattern, professional bodies in regulated sectors - healthcare, law, financial services, engineering - tend to have the most prescriptive CPD requirements, often specifying minimum hours, required topics, and verification standards. Professional bodies in less regulated sectors typically set guidance rather than mandatory requirements, though CPD is still expected and valued. ### How does CPD accreditation help professionals meet their requirements? When a professional completes a training activity that is CPD accredited by The CPD Group, they receive a verifiable CPD certificate confirming the number of CPD credits earned. This certificate can be submitted to their professional body as evidence of structured CPD. The accreditation number on the certificate can be independently verified on The CPD Register, providing professional bodies with the assurance that the activity has been quality assessed. For professionals who need to demonstrate their CPD to multiple bodies or employers, The CPD Group's CPD Passport provides a free, centralised record of all their accredited learning. Certificates and records can be stored, organised, and accessed at any time at thecpd.group/cpdpassport. ### How does CPD accreditation help training providers reach professional body members? Professionals who belong to bodies with CPD requirements actively seek accredited learning. A training provider without CPD accreditation is often invisible to these audiences - the professional may not be able to justify the time or cost of attending if the activity will not count towards their CPD. CPD accreditation from The CPD Group makes your activities eligible for professional body CPD records, immediately expanding your addressable audience. In addition, having activities listed on The CPD Register - which professional bodies and their members use to find and verify accredited CPD - increases your discoverability to exactly the audiences most likely to need your training. Our accreditation is the most independently verified in the sector, which gives professional body members additional confidence in the quality of your learning. ### Key professional bodies requiring CPD in the UK The following is a selection of major UK professional bodies with CPD requirements for their members: - General Medical Council (GMC) - medical doctors - Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) - nurses and midwives - Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) - solicitors in England and Wales - Bar Standards Board (BSB) - barristers - Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) - chartered accountants - Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) - accountants - Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) - HR professionals - Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) - marketing professionals - Engineering Council - chartered engineers - Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) - surveyors - Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) - financial services professionals - General Dental Council (GDC) - dental professionals This is not an exhaustive list. The CPD Group works with providers serving the members of all these bodies and many more. If you are a training provider seeking to serve members of a specific professional body, contact the team at thecpd.group/contact-cpd to discuss how our accreditation can help. --- **Source URL:** https://thecpd.group/cpd-accredited-framework ## The CPD Group A.C.C.R.E.D.I.T.E.D Framework Every CPD activity submitted to The CPD Group for accreditation is assessed against the A.C.C.R.E.D.I.T.E.D Framework. This is The CPD Group's published, transparent quality assessment framework - the set of standards against which every course, webinar, event, podcast, edutorial, and other learning activity is evaluated before it can carry our accreditation mark. Publishing this framework openly is a deliberate choice. It means training providers know exactly what standard they are working to before they submit an activity. It means learners and employers can understand the criteria any accredited activity has been assessed against. And it means the CPD sector as a whole benefits from a clear, independently certified standard for what professional development quality looks like. ### What does A.C.C.R.E.D.I.T.E.D stand for? #### A - Accuracy The content of the learning activity must be factually accurate and current. This is particularly critical in fast-moving fields such as healthcare, law, financial services, and technology, where outdated information can have serious professional consequences. The CPD Group's assessors check content accuracy as part of every assessment, with particular rigour applied to regulated and specialist subjects. #### C - Credibility The trainer, presenter, or content author must have appropriate credentials, qualifications, and professional experience to deliver the subject matter. Credibility is assessed through the submission of trainer biographies, qualifications, and professional background. The standard required varies by subject - a course on healthcare regulation needs a qualified healthcare or legal professional; a course on digital marketing needs demonstrable industry expertise. #### C - Clarity Learning objectives must be clearly and specifically stated. They must describe what learners will be able to do, know, or demonstrate after completing the activity - not simply list the topics covered. Clear learning objectives are the foundation of a quality CPD activity because they define the learning outcomes, guide the content structure, and allow learners to assess whether the activity meets their development needs. #### R - Relevance The activity must be directly relevant to its stated professional audience. A course marketed to HR professionals must address HR-relevant content. A webinar for healthcare practitioners must focus on healthcare-applicable learning. Activities that are too generic, or that claim broad professional relevance without substance, will not meet the relevance standard. #### E - Engagement The activity must support active engagement with the learning material. This does not mean every activity must include interactive elements, but it does mean the delivery approach must facilitate genuine learning rather than passive consumption. Engagement is assessed differently across formats - a course might evidence engagement through interactive exercises; a webinar through live Q&A; a podcast through structured discussion and reflection prompts. #### D - Delivery The structure and delivery of the activity must be appropriate for the content and the audience. This covers the logical organisation of content, the appropriateness of the delivery format for the subject matter, the clarity of presentation, and the overall quality of the learning experience. Poor delivery - unclear structure, inappropriate pace, or content that does not align with the stated objectives - will not meet this standard. #### I - Impact The activity must deliver measurable professional learning impact. Learners must leave with something they can apply to their professional role - new knowledge, a practical skill, updated awareness, or changed behaviour. Activities that are informative but do not have clear professional application fall short of the impact standard. #### T - Transparency The activity must be transparent about its content, duration, objectives, and the qualifications required to deliver it. Providers must not misrepresent what a course covers, how long it takes, or who delivers it. Transparency also extends to the accreditation itself - The CPD Group's accreditation numbers are publicly verifiable, and providers must not use our marks in ways that misrepresent the scope or status of their accreditation. #### E - Evidence The activity must include a mechanism for evidencing completion. For courses and webinars, this typically means a certificate of completion. For events, attendance records. For podcasts and edutorials, a QR code that generates a personalised certificate. Evidence of completion is what allows learners to include the activity in their CPD record and present it to their professional body or employer. #### D - Development Ultimately, every activity must contribute to the genuine professional development of its participants. The framework's final criterion asks whether the activity meaningfully develops the professional competence, knowledge, or capability of the people who undertake it. This is the overarching purpose of CPD and the standard against which every submission is ultimately judged. ### How the framework is applied When a training provider submits an activity to The CPD Group, the accreditation team reviews it against all ten dimensions of the A.C.C.R.E.D.I.T.E.D Framework. If an activity meets all ten criteria, it is approved and accredited. If an assessor identifies areas where the activity falls short, they provide specific, constructive feedback on exactly which criteria need addressing and how. The CPD Group works collaboratively with providers to help them reach the required standard. No activity receives a blanket approval. Every submission is assessed individually, regardless of how many other activities the provider has previously had accredited. This consistency is one of the reasons The CPD Group was certified by The CPD Register and named the most trusted CPD accreditation service in the sector. --- **Source URL:** https://thecpd.group/cpd-provider-or-trainer ## CPD Provider or CPD Trainer - Which Do You Need? One of the most common questions The CPD Group receives from people exploring CPD accreditation for the first time is whether they need provider accreditation, trainer accreditation, or both. The answer depends on the structure of your business and how you deliver your learning. This page explains the difference clearly and helps you identify the right accreditation path for your situation. ### What is a CPD Provider? A CPD Provider is an organisation - a company, business, institution, or other legal entity - that delivers CPD-accredited learning activities. CPD Provider accreditation from The CPD Group recognises the organisation as a whole as having met the criteria required to deliver CPD-accredited learning. It is the gateway through which individual activities can then be submitted for accreditation. Provider accreditation is the right choice if you run a training business, operate a company that delivers courses or events, organise professional conferences, publish educational content, or manage an employer training function. The accreditation belongs to the organisation, not to any individual within it. ### What is a CPD Trainer? A CPD Trainer is an individual - a freelance trainer, independent coach, consultant, speaker, or subject matter expert - whose personal expertise, qualifications, and delivery capability have been independently assessed and accredited by The CPD Group. Trainer accreditation recognises the individual professional, not a company or organisation. Trainer accreditation is the right choice if you work independently, deliver training through multiple organisations or platforms, are building a personal brand as a professional trainer or coach, or want to carry an independent credential that reflects your individual expertise rather than the company you work for. ### Key differences at a glance #### Provider accreditation - Recognises an organisation, company, or institution - Required before individual activities can be submitted for accreditation - Free to register as a provider - Suitable for training companies, event organisers, publishers, employers - The accreditation stays with the organisation #### Trainer accreditation - Recognises an individual professional - Assesses personal qualifications, experience, and subject expertise - Portable - travels with the individual regardless of who they work for - Suitable for freelance trainers, coaches, consultants, speakers - Can be held alongside provider accreditation ### Can I hold both? Yes - and many professionals do. If you run a training business (which needs provider accreditation) but also deliver some work as an individual independent of that business (which benefits from trainer accreditation), holding both gives you maximum credibility and coverage across all the contexts in which you work. For example, a training company director who also coaches independently would benefit from provider accreditation for their business's courses and events, and trainer accreditation for their personal coaching practice. Both credentials can be displayed on their website and marketing materials, offering clients assurance at every level. ### What if I am a sole trader? If you are a sole trader - an individual running their own training or coaching business - you likely need provider accreditation to register your business as CPD-ready and to then accredit your individual activities. You can also apply for trainer accreditation to carry a personal professional credential. The CPD Group's team will advise you on the combination that makes most sense for your specific situation - contact us at thecpd.group/contact-cpd. ### What about employer accreditation? Employer accreditation is a third distinct pathway for organisations that want to recognise their own internal staff training programmes. It is different from provider accreditation - which is for organisations that sell or deliver training to external audiences - in that it is specifically designed for businesses accrediting learning for their own employees. Some organisations hold all three: provider accreditation for their external training offer, employer accreditation for their internal programmes, and trainer accreditation for their individual trainers. --- **Source URL:** https://thecpd.group/our-cpd-register-certification ## The CPD Group - Certified by The CPD Register The CPD Group is the first and currently only CPD accreditation organisation in the UK to be certified by The CPD Register. This certification is the most significant independent credential available to a CPD accreditation body - and it means that The CPD Group's accreditation processes have been externally verified against published standards for quality, transparency, and rigour. For training providers, this certification means that when you choose The CPD Group for your CPD accreditation, you are working with a body whose standards have been independently confirmed - not just self-declared. For learners and delegates, it means that CPD accreditation from The CPD Group carries the highest available level of independent assurance. No other CPD accreditation body in the UK can currently make this claim. ### What is The CPD Register? The CPD Register is an independent UK certification body that operates separately from The CPD Group and from all other CPD accreditation organisations. Its role is to set, verify, and maintain standards for CPD accreditation organisations themselves - acting as a quality assurance body for the accreditation sector as a whole. The CPD Register assesses CPD accreditation organisations against criteria covering the rigour of their assessment processes, the transparency of their standards and criteria, the consistency and fairness of their decision-making, the independence and expertise of their assessment teams, and the robustness of their verification and reporting systems. Organisations that meet these standards are listed as Certified CPD Accreditation Organisations on The CPD Register. ### Why this certification matters CPD accreditation in the UK is not regulated by government in the same way that formal qualifications are. This means that any organisation can, in principle, describe itself as a CPD accreditation body and issue accreditation marks and certificates - without any independent verification that its processes are rigorous or its standards are genuine. This regulatory gap creates risk for training providers and learners. A provider who invests in CPD accreditation from an unverified body may find that their accreditation is not recognised or trusted by their clients' professional bodies. A learner who pays for a CPD-accredited course from an unverified provider may find their certificate carries less weight than they expected. The CPD Register's certification of The CPD Group directly addresses this risk. It confirms that The CPD Group's accreditation is not self-declared quality assurance - it has been externally verified by an independent body with published standards. This is the equivalent, in the CPD sector, of a trading standards certification or an accreditation body's own accreditation. ### What The CPD Group's certification means in practice #### For training providers When you register as a CPD Provider with The CPD Group and have your activities accredited by us, you are working with the only accreditation body in the UK that has been independently certified. This means your accreditation mark carries independent authority - it has been verified by an external body, not just claimed by The CPD Group itself. This is a meaningful commercial advantage. When your clients - particularly those in regulated professions - ask whether your CPD accreditation is credible, you can point to The CPD Register certification as independent confirmation. No other UK accreditation body can offer this level of verified credibility. #### For learners and professionals When you complete a learning activity accredited by The CPD Group, the certificate you receive has been issued by an independently certified organisation. The accreditation number on your certificate can be verified on The CPD Register. And the organisation that accredited your activity has had its processes confirmed by an independent certification body as meeting published quality standards. This matters most when you need to present CPD evidence to your professional body or employer. Some professional bodies and employers are increasingly scrutinising the quality of CPD accreditation organisations - not just the presence of a logo. The CPD Register certification is the strongest possible response to that scrutiny. ### The CPD Group's other credentials The CPD Register certification sits alongside several other significant credentials that confirm The CPD Group's standing as a trusted and rigorous accreditation body: - Most Trusted CPD Accreditation Service - UK Business Excellence Awards - Over 13,000 approved providers worldwide across all professional sectors - CPD accreditation recognised in over 100 countries - Founded 2017 and one of the fastest-growing accreditation organisations in the UK - A.C.C.R.E.D.I.T.E.D Framework - a transparent, published framework against which all activities are assessed - Individual activity assessment - every submission is reviewed individually, not as part of blanket provider approval ### How to verify The CPD Group's certification The CPD Group's certification by The CPD Register can be verified directly on The CPD Register's website. You can also verify any individual activity accredited by The CPD Group using the verification tool at thecpd.group/cpd-register - enter the accreditation number from any CPD certificate or logo to confirm its authenticity, validity, and expiry date. If you ever have concerns about an accreditation claim made by any provider, the verification tool is the definitive check. Legitimate accreditation from The CPD Group will always return a verified result with the provider's name, the activity title, and the accreditation status. --- **Source URL:** https://thecpd.group/cpd-advisory-panel-guide ## The CPD Group Advisory Panel The CPD Group is guided and supported by an independent Advisory Panel of professional learning and development experts. The Advisory Panel provides strategic guidance on CPD standards, industry developments, and best practice in professional development - ensuring that The CPD Group's accreditation standards remain rigorous, current, and relevant to the professional sectors we serve. The independence and expertise of our Advisory Panel is one of the factors that distinguishes The CPD Group from less rigorous accreditation organisations. Our standards are not set by a single organisation in isolation - they are informed by expert practitioners from across the professional learning landscape, reviewed against current research and industry practice, and independently certified by The CPD Register. ### The role of the Advisory Panel The CPD Group's Advisory Panel plays a key role in maintaining the integrity and relevance of our accreditation standards. The panel's activities include reviewing and advising on The CPD Group's assessment criteria and frameworks, providing guidance on emerging trends and developments in professional learning, advising on sector-specific CPD requirements and standards, contributing to the development of new accreditation formats and services, and helping to ensure that The CPD Group's approach reflects current best practice in professional development. ### Why independent advisory expertise matters CPD accreditation without independent expert input risks becoming self-referential - an organisation setting its own standards without external challenge or validation. The CPD Group's Advisory Panel provides the external perspective that keeps our standards genuinely aligned with the needs of professionals, employers, and the sectors we serve. This independent advisory structure is part of what makes The CPD Group's accreditation credible to professional bodies, employers, and regulators. Combined with our certification by The CPD Register - the UK's independent certification body for CPD accreditation organisations - it means our accreditation is grounded in independently validated standards, not just internal policy. ### The CPD Group's commitment to standards The CPD Group was founded with a mission to raise CPD standards across the UK and internationally. That mission requires a genuine commitment to rigour - not just the appearance of quality, but the substance of it. Our Advisory Panel, our A.C.C.R.E.D.I.T.E.D Framework, our individual activity assessment model, and our CPD Register certification all reflect that commitment. We are the first and only UK CPD accreditation body to be certified by The CPD Register. We assess every activity individually rather than offering blanket accreditation. And we maintain an independent Advisory Panel to ensure our standards evolve with the sectors we serve. This is what it means to be the most trusted CPD accreditation service in the UK. --- **Source URL:** https://thecpd.group/verify-a-cpd-accreditation ## Verify a CPD Accreditation The CPD Group provides a free verification tool that allows anyone - learners, employers, professional bodies, or members of the public - to independently confirm whether a CPD activity is genuinely accredited by The CPD Group. This verification system is a fundamental part of what makes The CPD Group's accreditation credible and trustworthy. To verify an activity, enter the unique accreditation number shown on the CPD Group logo or CPD certificate into the verification tool at thecpd.group/cpd-register. The tool will confirm whether the activity is genuinely accredited, the name of the provider, the activity title, and the accreditation expiry date. ### Why verification matters CPD accreditation is not regulated by government in the same way that formal qualifications are. This means that not all CPD accreditation logos carry the same weight - and some organisations have been known to misrepresent their accreditation status. The CPD Group's verification system is the definitive check for any activity claiming to be accredited by us. For learners submitting CPD evidence to a professional body or employer, the ability to verify accreditation provides important reassurance. For employers reviewing CPD records from staff, it confirms that the learning claimed was genuinely quality-assessed. For professional bodies auditing member CPD, it provides the independent verification needed to accept the activity. ### What verification confirms Entering a valid CPD Group accreditation number into the verification tool confirms: - The activity is genuinely accredited by The CPD Group - The name of the accredited provider - The title of the specific accredited activity - The current accreditation status (active or expired) - The accreditation expiry date Each accredited activity receives a unique accreditation number. This number appears on The CPD Group logo for that activity and on every CPD certificate issued to delegates who complete it. No two accredited activities share the same number. ### What to do if verification fails If you enter an accreditation number and it does not return a verified result, this indicates that either the number has been entered incorrectly, the accreditation has expired and not been renewed, or the activity is not genuinely accredited by The CPD Group. If you believe a provider is fraudulently using The CPD Group's accreditation mark, you can report it at thecpd.group/report-cpd. The CPD Group investigates all reports and takes appropriate action. ### About The CPD Register The CPD Group's verification system is separate from The CPD Register, which is an independent certification body for CPD accreditation organisations. The CPD Group is the first and only accreditation body to be certified by The CPD Register - meaning our accreditation processes themselves have been independently verified. This dual layer of verification - activity-level verification through our verification tool, and organisation-level verification through The CPD Register - provides the strongest possible assurance of accreditation quality. --- **Source URL:** https://thecpd.group/cpd-passport-record-your-cpd ## Record Your CPD - The CPD Passport The CPD Passport is a free, online CPD recording tool provided by The CPD Group that allows professionals to log, track, and evidence their Continuing Professional Development activities throughout the year. It provides a centralised, secure portfolio of your CPD records - including certificates, reflective notes, and hours accumulated - that you can access and present to your professional body, employer, or clients at any time. The CPD Passport is available to all professionals, regardless of industry or sector. You do not need to be a member of The CPD Group or to have completed an activity accredited by us to use it. It is designed to be a practical, accessible tool that makes CPD recording straightforward for every professional. ### Why use the CPD Passport? #### Meets professional body requirements Most professional bodies that require annual CPD ask members to submit a CPD log or portfolio at renewal. The CPD Passport is structured to generate exactly the kind of evidence professional bodies require - dated entries, activity descriptions, CPD hours, certificates, and reflective notes. Having a complete, well-maintained CPD Passport makes annual submission straightforward. #### Keeps all your records in one place Without a dedicated CPD record tool, professionals typically accumulate CPD certificates across email folders, desktop files, and physical folders - only to discover them missing when they are needed most. The CPD Passport provides a single, secure location for all your CPD records. Certificates from activities accredited by The CPD Group are automatically logged when you scan the QR code at the end of an accredited activity. #### Supports reflective practice Good CPD is not just about accumulating hours - it is about learning that genuinely improves professional practice. The CPD Passport includes space for reflective notes on each activity, prompting you to record what you learned and how it will inform your professional work. This reflective element is increasingly required by professional bodies and is the difference between CPD that genuinely develops you and CPD that simply meets a compliance requirement. #### Demonstrates commitment to professional development A well-maintained CPD Passport is tangible evidence of your commitment to professional growth. It can be shared with employers at appraisal, presented to clients as evidence of your continuing expertise, used in applications for promotion or new roles, and submitted to professional bodies for membership renewal or audit. The CPD Passport turns years of professional development into a credible, evidenced professional record. ### How to use the CPD Passport Getting started with the CPD Passport is straightforward. Create your free account at thecpd.group/cpdpassport. Add CPD activities - including past activities you want to record retrospectively. Upload certificates and supporting evidence. Add reflective notes for each activity. Track your accumulated CPD hours against your professional body's annual requirement. Download or share your CPD record when you need to present it. When you complete a CPD activity accredited by The CPD Group - a course, webinar, event, podcast, or edutorial - scanning the QR code provided automatically generates your personalised CPD certificate. You can then upload this to your CPD Passport to maintain a complete, verified record. ### Who is the CPD Passport for? The CPD Passport is suitable for any professional who needs to track their CPD - whether their professional body mandates a specific number of hours, whether they are building a CPD portfolio for career progression, or whether they simply want to maintain an organised record of their professional learning. It is particularly valuable for professionals in regulated sectors including healthcare, law, financial services, engineering, and HR, where CPD records are subject to audit. --- **Source URL:** https://thecpd.group/report-a-cpd-provider ## Report a CPD Provider The CPD Group takes the integrity of CPD accreditation seriously. If you believe a training provider or individual is misrepresenting their CPD accreditation status - including fraudulently using The CPD Group's accreditation logo, displaying our marks without a valid current accreditation, or misleading learners about the nature of their CPD accreditation - you can report it directly to us. We investigate all reports and take appropriate action to protect the integrity of our accreditation mark and the interests of learners, employers, and the wider CPD community. Protecting the credibility of CPD accreditation is one of the core reasons The CPD Group was certified by The CPD Register - and it is a responsibility we take seriously. ### What can I report? You can report concerns about any of the following: - A provider displaying The CPD Group's accreditation logo without a valid, current accreditation - A provider using an accreditation number that does not appear on The CPD Register or cannot be verified - A provider misrepresenting the scope of their accreditation - for example, claiming that activities are individually accredited when they are not - A provider delivering training that does not match the course content that was submitted for accreditation - Any other misleading or fraudulent claims related to CPD Group accreditation ### How to check before reporting Before submitting a report, you can verify the accreditation status of any activity that claims to be accredited by The CPD Group using our verification tool at thecpd.group/cpd-register. Enter the accreditation number shown on the provider's logo or certificate. If the number returns no result, or if the result does not match the activity being advertised, this is grounds for a report. ### What happens when I report a concern? All reports are reviewed by The CPD Group's team. We investigate each case against the available evidence, which may include checking our accreditation records, reviewing the provider's marketing materials, and contacting the provider directly. Where we find evidence of misrepresentation, we take appropriate action - which may include withdrawing accreditation, requiring corrections to marketing materials, or referring the matter to relevant authorities. We maintain the confidentiality of individuals who submit reports wherever possible. Our aim is not to penalise providers for administrative errors but to address genuine misrepresentation that could mislead learners or damage confidence in CPD accreditation. ### CPD accreditation and consumer protection Misleading consumers about CPD accreditation status may also be subject to oversight by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA). The ASA has issued rulings against CPD accreditation bodies that have made misleading or unsubstantiated claims about their accreditation status or quality. As the only UK accreditation body certified by The CPD Register, The CPD Group is committed to operating with full transparency and to maintaining the standards that that certification requires. If you have experienced a financial loss as a result of a provider's misleading CPD accreditation claims, you may also wish to contact Trading Standards or seek independent legal advice. ---