What is CPD?
Continuing Professional Development
CPD stands for Continuing Professional Development. It refers to any learning that helps someone improve their knowledge, develop new skills, or stay up to date in their professional role. For many industries, CPD is essential , not just to remain compliant, but to grow, stay relevant, and perform at the highest level.
There’s no single way to do CPD. It might be a short course, a webinar, an in-house training session, or a large-scale conference. What matters is that the learning is structured, purposeful, and contributes meaningfully to someone’s professional development.
Structured CPD usually includes a clear aim, defined learning outcomes, and an opportunity for reflection or assessment. It’s different from casual reading or ad-hoc learning. Proper CPD is planned, tracked, and recognised , either by an employer, a professional body, or through independent accreditation.
What does it mean for you as a CPD Provider?
- Increase trust and credibility
- Win tenders and contracts
- Differentiate your offering in a crowded market
- Attract clients in regulated or compliance-driven sectors
- Strengthen marketing and learner retention
- Provide certificates that count toward formal CPD
Learner & Client Confidence
The CPD Standards Board accredits professional learning that meets recognised standards. We work with training providers, internal L&D teams, and individual consultants to assess their content and certify it as credible CPD. That means learners and organisations can trust that the time they spend is time well invested.
Accredited CPD gives learners the confidence that their development is valid and recognised. It also helps providers stand out, showing that their training has been independently reviewed and meets the expectations of professional learners and employers.
Whether someone is meeting regulatory requirements, working toward a promotion, or simply staying sharp in their role, CPD plays a vital role in keeping skills current and careers moving forward.
If you offer training that helps people grow in their jobs, you may already be delivering CPD , even if you’ve never called it that. We’re here to help you get it recognised.