CPD - Continuing Professional Development Training & Courses Information

CPD - Continuing Professional Development

What is CPD?

Continuing professional development provides employees and professionals a way to not only stay up-to-date with industry changes, but also to grow as individuals. Learning and development are most certainly important for increased profits and business competitiveness, however it is also important for employees to continue to grow in their organisational roles.

Completing a CPD qualification is an important way of gaining the knowledge and skills needed to remain successful in current positions. However, learning does not stop there, as it is also important in proving abilities to future employers.

How does CPD work?

No matter how long in the work force, employees have the responsibility of keeping their skills and knowledge up to date. Continuing professional development allows individuals the ability to turn that responsibility into an opportunity for increased knowledge to help advance careers and build competencies. CPD should be viewed as both an investment in the future and profitability of a business, but also as an investment in a business' most valuable resource - its employees.

What are the benefits of CPD?

CPD has a multitude of advantages to employees and employers alike.

Some advantages for employees include:

• Increased confidence in abilities
• Increased credibility
• Ability to exemplify committment to growth
• Increased ability to reach career goals
• Ability to cope with industry change by constantly updating skill set
• Chance to fill in gaps in competencies and knowledge

Some advantages for employers include:

• Maximises staff potential
  
• Promotes staff development
• Creates better staff morale
• Motivates workforce
• Helps set objective organisational goals
• Improves the firm's competitiveness and profitability

The ultimate goal of CPD is to add practical experiences to an employee's skill set and assess the practical benefits of what was learned and how it can be applied to their position. After attending a continuing professional development course, employees should walk away with the ability to do something that they could not do before, or obtain knowledge that they did not previously possess.

CPD requirements for members of Chartered Institutes / Professional Organisations

ACCA - The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants

According to their CPD requirements, as of 2005 members of the ACCA must obtain at least 40 units per calendar year of acceptable CPD learning activities which are relevant to their work. One unit is equal to one hour spent on an acceptable CPD learning activity. Stipulations include individuals who work under 770 hours per calendar year and members in permanent retirement. 

 Find courses that count towards your Accounting CPD here

CMI - The Chartered Management Institute

The Chartered Management Institute's CPD policy is as follows: 

• CPD is vital to a successful career and the Institute requires all members to make a commitment to their own professional development
• Submission of a detailed CPD record is an integral and compulsory part of the Chartered Manager scheme
• CPD is a self-owned and self-managed activity for which the individual is ultimately responsible
• The Institute is not prescriptive as to the content, approach or effort an individual member puts into their development but offers advice and practical support.

 Find a Chartered Management Institute CPD training course here

CIPP - Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals

As of 2011, the CIPP as issued mandatory CPD for all Full and Fellow members of the Institute. The first mandatory declarations for CPD will be for members renewing their membership with effect from 1 January 2011.

 Find a Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals CPD training course here

CILT - Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport 

 Find a Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport CPD course

CIM - Chartered Institute of Marketing

The Chartered Institute of Marketing requires members to obtain 35 hours of CPD per year. Whereby the total amount of combined hours claimed under categories 7, 8, 9 and 10 should not exceed 28 hours annually; excess of 35 hours may not be carried forward as a credit for the following year’s CPD; and participants are required to have supporting evidence of CPD. 

 Find a Chartered Institute of Marketing CPD training course here

CILIP - Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals

 Find a Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals CPD course here

CII - Chartered Insurance Institute

The completion of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is a condition of membership of the Chartered Insurance Institute for qualified members, who have committed to undertake CPD as part of membership, holding the following designations: Cert CII (Certificate in Insurance), Dip CII (Diploma in Insurance), ACII (Advanced Diploma in Insurance) and FCII (Fellowship).

 Find a Chartered Insurance Institute CPD course here

CIPD - Chartered Institute of Professional Development

 All members of the CIPD are expected to engage in CPD and provide a record of their CPD. Development should be continuous in the sense that the professional should always be actively seeking improved performance. Each learner is responsible for their own CPD, however it is a requirement of membership and the CIPD will audit CPD activity. 

 Find a Chartered Institute of Professional Development CPD course here