Professional development is crucial for the growth of a professional. There are two main aspects of professional development – CPD and Awarding Organisations. Continuing Professional Development ensures that people have more up-to-date knowledge and skills for their careers by participating in learning activities. Awarding Organisations, however, are formal bodies that grant certificates to those who meet their criteria. In this essay, we will compare and contrast CPD and Awarding Organisations in terms of their roles, benefits, and applications in professional development.
On the one hand, Continuing Professional Development is regarded as a voluntary process. It is a way for people to enhance their careers. Those who participate in such programmes improve their soft skills and gain additional experience. Being part of a professional body like this also gives people a sense of belonging and a clearer path to their professional future.
On the other hand, Awarding Organisations provide formal certificates. People gain these certificates by satisfying the requirements of a programme. CPD and Awarding Organisation course certificates are regarded as proof of knowledge and enable people to apply for jobs that require a certain level of recognised experience. The most common form of certification is a university degree, but other courses, like language learning, are also available.
In conclusion, both CPD and Awarding Organisations have a significant role in professional development. They both offer opportunities for people to develop and gain formal recognition for their skills.
Understanding CPD (Continuing Professional Development)
Definition and Purpose of CPD
Continuing Professional Development (CPD), also referred to as Continuing Professional Learning (CPL), means the maintenance and development of professional skills and knowledge throughout one’s working life. It is a proactive and lifelong process of learning and acquiring new and updated skills, knowledge, and experience in order to maintain competence in one’s profession. The main aim of CPD is to ensure that professionals’ skills and knowledge are kept up to date and relevant in a fast-changing world, enabling them to function effectively in their work and to respond to change in the workplace.
3 Elements of CPD
CPD is made up of different learning activities that can be roughly sorted into three main elements:
- Formal Education and Training: Activities that are organised and structured, e.g., workshops, seminars, conferences, or courses – leading to a certificate or other formal award. An educational institution, professional organisation, or training provider usually provides these activities. External assessments are likely to be undertaken.
- Informal Learning and Self-Study: Informal learning consists of self-initiated activities that professionals use to improve their performance on the job. Reading trade journals and articles from the web and in print, attending webinars, and participating in online forums are all examples of informal learning. It is learning that you do on your own. You can study at any time and in a place that’s most convenient for you.
- Practical Experience and Application: Professional activities and practice are other aspects of CPD. This refers to hands-on experience and participation in professional activities and events. For example, on-the-job training, mentoring, networking, attending industry events, and participating in the professional community help professionals apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations, develop practical skills by learning from practice, and build a professional network.
CPD is vital for career development and skills enhancement. It helps professionals keep up to date with their industry and legal and regulatory changes. By keeping their knowledge and skills up to date, professionals will be able to improve their performance at work, increase their employability, enhance their career prospects, and ultimately boost their income. In addition, CPD fosters a culture of continuous personal development, which employers and industry bodies view as a fundamental skill.
Understanding Awarding Organisations
Awarding Organisations develop and certify various qualifications across school, college, employment, academic, professional, and vocational levels, enhancing credibility and career advancement opportunities.
What is an Awarding Organisation?
Awarding Organisations are bodies that develop, deliver, and certify qualifications and assessments. They have a crucial function in the education and training sector as they ensure that qualifications meet employer and regulatory needs. They recognise the skills, knowledge, and competencies of people through structured programmes and assessments leading to certification.
6 Types of Qualifications/Certification Offered by Awarding Organisations
Awarding Organisations offer qualifications and certifications in various sectors, which can be classified under three main categories:
1. Qualifications and Certifications Available at the School Level
Awarding Organisations provide qualifications that are directly linked to the school’s national curriculum. These qualifications are offered at various levels, ranging from GCSEs through to A levels and are studied in school. They are available in different subjects, covering a wide area such as Science, Maths, English, ICT, and so on. Employers give more importance to this kind of qualification and certification as compared to any other because all the subjects studied in this certification are considered essential by employers.
2. Qualifications and Certifications Available at the College Level
With the aim of expanding the horizons of knowledge and providing students with a wider range of subjects, colleges offer a variety of qualifications and certifications in different fields. Focusing on the technical and vocational field, they offer diploma courses designed to equip students with specific technical skills. For example, Business, Computing, and Engineering, with technical subjects such as Web Design, Electronics, and Civil Engineering. In addition, colleges offer general qualifications which are linked directly to the national curriculum. These qualifications are similar to the ones offered at the school level. However, they are slightly more advanced and offer a wider range of subjects.
3. Qualifications and Certifications Available for Employment
Many employers nowadays prefer applicants who have higher educational qualifications and some experience in the field of employment. For example, employers in the construction industry prefer candidates who have both professional and higher educational qualifications. Awarding Organisations strive to provide these qualifications and certifications to ensure that both the employers and the candidates are satisfied. The qualifications offered in the field of employment are designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills required for their desired field of employment.
4. Academic Qualifications
Academic qualifications are awarded to a student having completed a course of study. They are designed to provide a thorough theoretical knowledge of an academic subject. Universities and colleges generally issue them, including undergraduate degrees such as Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate. It is a rather specialised form of qualification, focusing on theoretical knowledge and research skills and preparing a graduate for an academic or professional career.
5. Professional Certifications
Professional certifications are course-free credentials that confirm an individual’s knowledge and skills in a particular field of work. The external bodies or organisations that grant such certifications define the necessary qualifications for passing the tests and the work experience. These specific qualifications vary in different professions, for example, accountants, project managers, and IT professionals. Professional certifications are of high value to employers, and they will increase one’s career potential and earning prospects.
6. Vocational and Technical Qualifications
Vocational and technical qualifications are meant to give students the practical skills and knowledge to enter into specific trades or professions. Vocational training providers award these qualifications, which can include diplomas, certificates, or apprenticeships. The focus is on practical training and experience, and students are prepared when they graduate.
Qualifications from Awarding Organisations play an important role in professional recognition. Awarding Organisation qualifications offer formal recognition of an individual’s skills and knowledge; they officially validate that the holder possesses the knowledge, competencies, and behaviour deemed necessary to be considered competent in the field.
Professional Development Courses are valuable assurance for professionals seeking to advance their careers, as they indicate their dedication to excellence and verify their competence. Employers and professional bodies see these qualifications as a way of ensuring that individuals meet the highest standards of practice and performance. For some professions, qualifying is a requirement for practising.
Awarding Organisations are responsible for ensuring that only competent professionals are accredited. In some cases, the awarding organisation enables the professional to work as a self-employed individual, which is often an essential step towards establishing a business. Qualifications from awarding organisations can, therefore, help enhance credibility and trustworthiness, giving professionals greater opportunities to advance their careers and earn higher salaries.
Comparing CPD and Awarding Organisations
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) promotes flexible, self-directed skill enhancement, while Awarding Organisations provide structured, accredited qualifications that enhance credibility and employability.
Objectives and Focus
A key focus in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is to help learners keep their thinking and skills up-to-date and relevant. They are encouraged to improve their performance by adding to and updating their skill base and understanding the changes that take place in their work environment. CPD is often a commitment. It is a model that requires continuous learning and skill development. Ongoing improvement in competence and performance is encouraged by constant evaluation, which helps to keep skills current. It is a dynamic approach to lifelong learning, adapting to changes in industry, and keeping work practices relevant.
In contrast, Awarding Organisations work to provide formal recognition and accreditation in the form of structured programmes and assessments that lead to formal qualifications and certifications. These qualifications serve as evidence of an individual’s attainment of practical expertise and assurance of meeting key industry standards. Indeed, the roles of Awarding Organisations in assuring professional standards are crucial to evidence-based practice and maintaining the quality of services.
Flexibility and Structure
CPD is self-directed and flexibly paced, enabling learners to select from a collection of learning experiences, including attending workshops, reading industry journals, listening to webinars, or experimenting with a new technique in practice. In this way, all of the above characterises CPD as a highly flexible model for learning.
By contrast, Awarding Organisations offer accredited programmes and criterion-referenced assessments. Accredited programmes are a series of planned learning experiences, which together form a coherent curriculum and are connected to formal examinations that check how learners have acquired the theoretical and practical components of the learning. The structured nature of the programmes’ design ensures that learners receive the proper education and training. At the same time, the examinations offer clear-cut ways to demonstrate and assess the learning. In other words, learning takes place within an organised and standardised framework that is less flexible than CPD but clearer and standardised in terms of the pathway to recognised qualifications.
Validation and Recognition
Employers and professional bodies respect CPD as a valuable way of developing and maintaining skills. It demonstrates to others a commitment to self-improvement and adaptability – qualities that are valued in the workplace. CPD activities can be recorded in a professional portfolio or performance review report, demonstrating an individual’s commitment to maintaining and improving competence.
Qualifications from Awarding Organisations, on the other hand, are formal and universally recognised credentials that are often essential to undertake certain professional roles. They can also be instrumental in increasing an individual’s credibility and employability, as employers are more likely to trust them as a standardised measure of competence and knowledge. They know that the people they hire will have reached a certain industry-approved level of competence.
Cost and Accessibility
The cost and availability of CPD will vary with the type of activities undertaken, ranging from low-cost or even free (for example, reading professional journals or handbooks, or participating in free webinars) to expensive (for example, attendance at formal training programmes and workshop sessions). It is likely that the flexibility of CPD also means that the schedule of professional development will be flexible and can be tailored to suit budget constraints.
It is common for Awarding Organisations to charge a standard fee for a programme and exam. These may still represent a substantial cost, particularly for higher-level qualifications or certifications that can require three, four, or more assessment points. The future benefits of these formal qualifications in terms of increased earning potential and employment opportunities often make the cost of formal qualifications worthwhile.
Benefits of CPD
Continuous Professional Development (CPD) enhances skills, personalizes learning, adapts to industry changes, and improves employability and career progression.
Continuous Skill Enhancement and Knowledge Update
Benefits of CPD ensure that professionals update their skills and stay abreast of the latest industry advancements, thereby enabling them to remain competitive and effective in their respective roles. Thus, they can serve as valuable assets to their employers.
Personalised Learning Paths
In addition, CPD promotes customisation of learning content through the establishment of individual learning trajectories. Professionals can decide which areas to explore based on their own career goals, interests, and the demands of their current job, which in turn increases the relevance of learning to their professional needs.
Adaptability to Changing Industry Needs
This flexibility means that CPD can respond to changes within the profession and the working environment, enabling individuals to respond to new technologies, regulations, or best practices. By doing so, CPD ensures that professionals are up-to-date, competent, and effective in their work.
Improved Employability and Career Progression
Making an effort to complete CPD shows your employer that you are committed to maintaining your level of professionalism and striving for personal improvement, which might lead to enhanced levels of employability. You will be in demand and may find that, with the latest skills and expertise, you can command a higher salary or secure more senior responsibilities.
Benefits of Awarding Organisations
Formal qualifications from recognized Awarding Organisations ensure standardised education, clear career pathways, and increased credibility, enhancing professional opportunities and trust.
Official Recognition and Accreditation
When people achieve a qualification from an Awarding Organisation, they receive formal recognition and accreditation. For some professions, such formal recognition of having met industry or regulatory standards of competence and knowledge is essential. Many employers require such qualifications from their employees.
Standardised Education and Training Quality
Standardised curricula and assessment processes within AOs ensure that there will be no difference between a teacher who is accredited in Ontario and one whose qualification was obtained in New York State or Australia. All candidates will have the same foundation of education and training. In addition, the rigour of the assessments required to earn these qualifications means that anyone who has completed them will be known as someone who has reached a certain level of competence, a mark of distinction everywhere.
Clear Career Pathways and Advancement Opportunities
Formal qualifications from Awarding Organisations offer a clear and structured career pathway in which progression routes are often outlined. They can provide a roadmap for people to develop their careers and can show learners how and what they need to do to move to a more senior role. Formal qualifications support progression into more advanced roles with greater responsibilities. They demonstrate commitment to standards and to ensuring continued and improved professional performance.
Increased Credibility and Trust in Qualifications
Obtaining a qualification from a well-known Awarding Organisation can make a huge difference to an individual’s credibility and perceived trustworthiness. To employers, clients, and peers alike, a qualification from a highly regarded Awarding Organisation is a sign that the holder has the knowledge and skills to perform their job well. This can provide an edge in career choices and success.
Choosing Between CPD and Awarding Organisations
In the context of Continuing Professional Development, Awarding Organisations offer qualifications in a wide range of subjects. They are often ‘off-the-shelf’, offering flexibility. However, I believe that CPD has some advantages over qualifications in terms of providing opportunities for improvement. In this essay, I will explain my viewpoint.
Factors to Consider
- Career Goals and Industry Needs: Analyse your career goals and the requirements of your sector. Some professions require qualifications from Awarding Organisations as a necessity for career progression. At the same time, CPD will be more relevant for roles where learning and skills development are valued rather than formal credentials.
- Learning Preferences and Time: Think about your learning preferences and the amount of time you are able to dedicate to professional development. CPD is inherently flexible and self-directed, giving you the freedom to choose learning activities that fit in with your schedule and interests. On the other hand, a structured programme with milestones will be more appropriate for those looking for a more formal qualification from Awarding Organisations.
- Budget and Financial Investment: Consider your budget and the financial investment you’re willing and able to make, both for CPD activities and for formal qualifications. The costs of CPD can range from nothing (or nearly nothing) for some types of activity to very significant investments. Formal qualifications, in contrast, typically have relatively clear costs associated with them, which will often be substantial but may also have a relatively clear return on investment in terms of developing your career and earning potential.
- Scenarios Where CPD is More Suitable: Continuing professional development (CPD) is more advantageous for people who:
- Want to update their skills and knowledge but are not interested in formal certifications.
- Work in an industry where the pace of change is extremely fast, and therefore, staying up to date with the latest trends and technologies is very important (for example, the IT industry).
- Want to learn in a flexible and personalised manner?
- Situations Where Qualifications from Awarding Organisations are Beneficial: Formal qualifications from Awarding Organisations are beneficial when it is necessary to showcase your skills or proficiency when entering a specific occupation. They are particularly helpful for careers that have strict regulatory standards, where earning these credentials will demonstrate that you have an established and approved measure of competence. Qualifications from Awarding Organisations are also beneficial because they give you a competitive edge in your field by showing you are committed to achieving high standards and maintaining your credibility and trustworthiness.
Conclusion
In short, CPD and Awarding Organisations offer distinct and complementary approaches to professional development. CPD can be responsive, continuous, and flexible, adapting to evolving industry needs and personal growth. In contrast, Awarding Organisations provide formal qualifications, accreditation, and structured career development, ensuring a recognised standard of competence. Understanding your personal and professional goals should be the litmus test for deciding your path.
To make an informed decision, consider exploring the CPD certification process and understanding how to get CPD accredited. A blended approach that incorporates both CPD and formal qualifications may represent a winning formula, keeping expertise and knowledge current, competent, and competitive.