CPD accreditation offers training programs that are important in credibility and value and ensure the professional development of participants. If you’re considering registering your training and event for CPD accreditation, it’s important to understand the requirements and find the right accreditation body. Write your content beforehand, prepare the right materials for the right accrediting body, and submit for accreditation.
Understanding CPD Accreditation Requirements
What CPD Accreditation Entails
If CPD accreditation is provided, a training program or event complies with recognized standards for professional development. CPD (Continuing Professional Development) is meant to help professionals maintain their competence and effectiveness in their professional roles by constantly updating their knowledge and skills in line with developments in their field and society at large. The accreditation by an official accrediting body indicates that the program has been reviewed and approved for its quality and relevance in a professional context.
To receive CPD accreditation, the training must be designed to improve professional skills; thus, the content of the training must target informational and skill-based learning that aligns with the needs of ongoing professional development. CPD accreditation promises that the training will be of value to participants and contribute meaningfully to their professional learning.
Key Standards for CPD Accreditation
In order to be accredited for CPD, a training or event must adhere to certain standards determined by CPD accreditation bodies. These standards include the following:.
Educational Value: The content should be practical and applicable and be capable of improving the participants’ professional skills.
Relevance: The training has to be relevant to your profession or industry (i.e., help you better understand current trends and technologies, or help you address challenges in your field).
Learning Outcomes: The program must specify learning objectives that clearly describe what participants will ‘learn’ from the training; learning outcomes must be measurable and be based on professional development goals.
Structured Learning: Learning should adhere to a logical structure, with a set beginning and end, with information being presented in a sequential order that allows the participants to build upon each other.
Meeting these criteria is essential for gaining CPD accreditation, and training providers must ensure they can demonstrate that all course content is evidence-based, relevant to the delegate group, and designed to deliver measurable learning outcomes that can be practically applied in the delegate’s professional environment.
The Importance of Aligning with CPD Criteria
The other reason to be CPD standard-aligned is to maximize the professional impact of the program. Programs accredited by an established CPD standardizing body are seen as more credible, high-quality, and trustworthy by participants. Professionals seeking CPD points or certificates for their portfolios will also be more likely to choose your program if it aligns with these standards. In fact, some regulatory bodies won’t even accept hours gained from unstandardized training.
Focus on these principles of educational value, relevance, and structured learning to make sure that your training or event is valuable to participants, advancing their careers, and maintaining professional competencies.
Choosing the Right Accrediting Body
Exploring Different CPD Accrediting Bodies
Multiple CPD accrediting bodies review and accredit training programs to ensure that they comply with their particular standards and requirements. In the UK, the two most recognized CPD accrediting bodies are the CPD Standards Office and the CPD Certification Service.
CPD Standards Office: This organization certifies training in all sectors, from healthcare to education, business, and IT. It examines the educational content of a program to ensure that it meets the needs of professional learners, as well as the delivery methods and structure of learning materials. It also acts as a training provider support network, offering advice and guidance on maintaining accreditation.
CPD Certification Service: One of the longest-standing and most established accreditation bodies, the CPD Certification Service accredits learning in all shapes and sizes, from workshops and seminars to e-learning courses. They cover the globe and rate courses on educational effectiveness, learner engagement, and relevance to the industry.
How to Choose the Right Accrediting Organization
The choice of the right CPD accrediting body will depend on your industry, your target audience, and your training objectives. Here are some key considerations:
Industry Focus: Industry-specific accrediting bodies abound in some areas, while in others such organizations need to be more. For example, suppose your CPD is aimed at the healthcare industry. In that case, you might look to an accrediting body that specializes in healthcare CPD (in the UK, for example, the RCGP or the Association for Continuing Professional Development in Healthcare are just two that might certify your program to be appropriate for doctors and other regulated healthcare professionals).
Or, if you’re looking at training that spans multiple industries—for example, a training course aimed at a business or finance audience—an organization such as the CPD Standards Office or the CPD Certification Service that isn’t industry-specific might be a better fit.
Global or Local Scope: If you’re training large numbers of people or plan to train people internationally, you’ll want your accrediting body to likewise have international recognition. If your program is going to be primarily local, then you may want to find an organization whose accreditation is recognized only at the local level.
Type of Training: Some accrediting bodies focus on specific types of training, such as in-person workshops, online learning, or corporate training. Think about the nature of your training and choose an accrediting body that suits your delivery methods.
Choose the right accrediting body, and your program will be held to the right standards for your sector and your target audience. Your training will be taken seriously.
Preparing Your Training or Event for Submission
Required Materials for the Application Process
After you’ve chosen the right organization for accreditation, the next step is to get ready to put together the materials you’ll need to submit your training and event for CPD accreditation. While the precise requirements can vary from one accreditation organization to the next, most applications will ask you for the following:
Outline of the course: A detailed curriculum outline of the training, which provides an overview of the course contents, its duration per course (while keeping in mind subjects covered during each session), and the learning mode whether it’s delivered online, face-to-face, or blended.
Learning Objectives: Learning outcomes are clearly defined and measurable, with participants stating what they will have achieved by the end of the CPD program. These should be grounded in CPD standards and address how this training will contribute to professional development.
Participant Materials: Copies of any handouts or slides used by the course leader. These will be checked to ensure that they adhere to current educational standards and that their content is linked with the specified learning objectives.
Trainer Details: Information on the trainers or instructors, such as their qualifications, industry experience, and familiarity with the subject area. Accrediting bodies will want to know that the trainers are qualified to deliver high-quality education.
Moreover, you might be asked to furnish proof of methods of evaluation through which the participants’ progress is measured, such as quizzes, assignments, or tests. Often, accrediting bodies look for evidence that the participants taking the course are tested on their level of comprehension and their ability to apply their learning.
Aligning Documentation with CPD Standards
Everything submitted must be CPD compliant, so all course content must have clear learning objectives and a direct link to professional development, with evidence of the result of the training and an explanation of how participants’ knowledge or skills will be enhanced.
Additionally, the materials must have a demonstrable connection with the industry and professional challenges of the intended audience. Accreditation bodies will assess the level of practical applicability of the training, so your course content must be instructional as well as actionable. Make sure your course materials are contemporary—for example, they’ll cover industry trends, tools, and practices.
Finally, be sure that your documentation shows that accreditation often requires periodic updates to ensure that the training is still relevant and addresses changing industry needs. Showing a commitment to refining and refreshing the program can make the difference between whether or not you are granted accreditation and whether or not you manage to keep it down the line.
Submitting Your Application for Accreditation
Step-by-Step Process for Submitting an Application
When your training program or event is fully designed, you can then consider applying for CPD accreditation. The process usually involves:
Register with the Accrediting Body: The first step is to register on their online portal. Many accrediting bodies host submission portals where providers are invited to create profiles and manage their applications. Take the CPD Standards Office and the CPD Certification Service, for example; these two organizations both offer an easy-to-use web-based platform for their accreditation process.
Complete the Application Form: The next step is to fill out the application form online. You will be asked to provide information about the training, including the syllabus, learning outcomes, participant materials, trainers, and others. You will also be asked about the structure of the program, including the learning strategies and modes of delivery, and how it meets the CPD standards.
Upload Supporting Documents: Once you have completed and submitted your application form, you will be required to upload all supporting documents, such as your course outline, learning materials, assessments, and evidence of your trainer qualifications. Make sure that these documents are clearly and neatly presented as instructed.
Pay the Application Fee: Most accrediting bodies charge an application fee to review and evaluate your work through the accrediting site. These fees are typically paid at the time you submit via the online portal. Costs vary by accrediting organization and the type of program submitted.
Submit Your Application: After you have uploaded all the required documents and paid the fee, you can apply for review. You will receive a confirmation that the application was submitted and may get a reference number to check on the application’s status.
Submission Platforms and Timeline
Accrediting bodies often have an online portal where providers can manage their applications. For example, the CPD Standards Office has a portal where you can track your submission, liaise with the review team, and upload documents.
Depending on the organization, the timeline for CPD accreditation can be anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, again depending on the complexity of the program and the number of applications that the accrediting body needs to review. Some will offer a faster turnaround for a fee if you need to meet a deadline.
Evaluation and Review Process
What Happens After Submission
Once the application is submitted, it goes into its evaluation and review phase. This is where the CPD decision-making body reviews your training or event to make sure that it meets the standards for professional development. They usually check for the following:
Content: Is the content well-structured and relevant to the stated learning objectives and meets the criteria of the accrediting body? Does the training contribute to professional development, and does it provide participants with measurable educational outcomes?
Educational Value: Does the program provide practical, applicable knowledge that improves the skills and competencies of participants in their area?
Trainer Qualifications: The qualifications and experience of the trainers will be checked by the accrediting body to ensure that they have the necessary competence to produce quality educational experiences.
Additional Steps: Site visits, audits, or revisions
For some courses, accrediting bodies may require more steps before they are approved:
Site Visits or Audits: If the training program you deliver is on-site (for example, in-person training programs or large-scale events), an accrediting body might conduct an on-site visit to observe your program ‘in action’. This will allow them to see that the learning environment is conducive to learning and that all aspects of the program align with their standards.
Changes or Clarifications: The cycle is complete. After reviewing your application, if any aspect of your application is unclear or seems to need adjustment, the account revisions. This might entail updating course materials, revising learning objectives, or providing additional explanations or documentation to support your application.
Our review process is rigorous, and requirements are in place to maintain the rigor of CPD accreditation by ensuring that only programs of the highest standard are approved.
Receiving Your Accreditation and Certification
What Happens Once Your Program is Accredited?
If your program passes the assessment, it will be accredited, and you can issue a certificate of accreditation to your participants or delegates. This certifies that your program is carried out to the required standards under a recognized CPD scheme. It will usually also include an official CPD logo or badge that you can use for marketing and promotion.
In addition to the certificate itself, for instance, accrediting bodies will often offer guidelines on how to use and display your accreditation, perhaps giving you access to digital badges, logos, and other assets that you can use to signal your training program’s accredited status.
Displaying CPD Accreditation and Promoting Its Value
When you get your program accredited, this must be showcased to your participants and prospects, which can be done in these ways.
Place the CPD Logo on Your Website: Place the CPD accreditation badge on your website, especially on pages advertising your training or event, to show that your program is officially endorsed for its educational value.
Display the accreditation in marketing materials: Incorporate your CPD certification in your brochures, flyers, e-mails, and social media campaigns. Your accreditation status can be a powerful differentiator for professionals looking for high-quality learning experiences that meet their professional development goals.
Encourages CPD Credits: Highlight to potential participants that your program awards CPD credits. This is important for people who must accrue credits in order to retain licenses, certifications, or memberships in their respective industries.
This helps to enhance the credibility of your program, which in turn makes it a more attractive offering for both individual professionals and organizations.
Maintaining and Renewing your CPD Accreditation
Ongoing Requirements for Maintaining Accreditation
If you’ve successfully gained CPD accreditation, then you’ll have to be aware of the ongoing requirements when it comes to your accreditation. Programs will likely be updated on an ongoing basis to reflect changes in the industry and developments. As a training provider, you’ll need to review and revise your course content on a regular basis.
However, apart from the content revisions, you might also need to submit an annual or periodic report to the accrediting body describing any changes you made to the program and demonstrating that the program continues to meet CPD standards. This is usually accompanied by a renewal fee, which can vary widely from one accrediting body to another.
Continuous Improvement and Staying Compliant
Having CPD accreditation also means you’re committing to continuous improvement. This means that you’re proactively seeking feedback from participants and making changes as a result. Regular updating not only keeps your program compliant but also adds value for those participating.
In turn, recognizing your efforts to maintain high standards of training and to ensure you continue to improve your practice, you can hold on to your CPD accreditation and continue to provide high-quality, recognized, valued learning activity, which will help you keep the goodwill of the participants whilst also attracting new learners to your accredited professional development activity.
This ensures that your accreditation is renewed and your program continuously improved to maintain your status as a trusted provider of quality CPD-accredited training and expand your reputation as a credible CPD provider.
Conclusion
Suppose you want to get your training or event accredited for CPD. In that case, it’s important to understand the standards, select the appropriate accreditation provider, prepare and submit your application, and then maintain it by keeping it up to date. Having your program accredited for CPD will boost its reputation, and it will also give your participants ongoing access to professional development. Accreditation attracts participants, and if they’ve come all that way, you want to make sure that they get the most out of it.