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The CPD Cycle is a practical tool that helps individuals to structure their Continuing Professional Development learning easily throughout the year, and to identify regular and measurable improvements in work-related skills and knowledge. There are five key stages of the CPD Cycle that are important when planning professional development activities for the year. These include Stage 1 - Identifying Your Needs, Stage 2 – Planning, Stage 3 - Acting/Doing, Stage 4 - Reflecting on Learning, Stage 5 - Implement your New Learning.

The majority of institutions and professional bodies provide Continuing Professional Development targets generally set on an annual basis. These targets are defined by the accrual of CPD activities through attendance in training courses, eLearning and events, as well as other forms of structured learning. Most professional bodies use CPD hours as their measure, and where CPD points or credits are used, these are typically a 1:1 ratio with CPD hours. By this, 1 CPD point would be equal to 1 CPD hour.

Independent assessment demonstrates to attendees the steps taken to deliver high-quality training. The CPD Certification Service is an independent organisation that provides CPD accreditation, supporting organisations and professionals across all sectors in over 100 countries. Our CPD symbols offer professional bodies, institutional associations, educational providers and consumers reassurance that further learning has been through our assessment process.

CPD is an essential, recognised approach to helping individuals, organisations and entire industries to keep skills and knowledge up to date. CPD supports the ongoing development of professional skills and knowledge in line with increasing globalisation and consumer demand. For individuals, it enables learning to become conscious and proactive, rather than passive and encourages professionals to maintain consistent levels of high performance and demonstrate commitment towards a particular job role or profession.

myCPD Portal is a free online record tool that allows individuals and organisations to log, track and manage their Continuing Professional Development in one simple place. Users can set annual CPD targets, review training records, store attendance certificates and monitor learning progress. This makes it easier to reflect on knowledge and skills that have been obtained throughout the year.

CPD is carried out by millions of individuals across a whole range of industries and professions. Most professional bodies and institutes will provide individuals with Continuing Professional Development requirements, generally as a set number of CPD training hours to achieve each year. Over recent decades, we have seen the commitment to CPD reach far beyond the traditional industries and institutional bodies of the UK to what is now recognised and embraced across the world.