Understanding and Recording Non-verifiable CPD

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is crucial for professionals across various industries, ensuring they remain competent and informed about new developments within their fields. This blog post explores the nuances of CPD, focusing on the distinction between verifiable and non-verifiable CPD. We delve into what qualifies as verifiable CPD, offer a practical checklist, and discuss non-verifiable CPD activities, including how to effectively record them. These insights aim to guide professionals in accurately documenting their learning activities. We’ll also touch on activities that do not count as CPD, helping to clarify where time and effort should be focused. Each section provides valuable guidance for maintaining a balanced and holistic approach to professional development.

When is CPD verifiable, when is it non-verifiable, and when is it not CPD at all?

Understanding the difference between verifiable and non-verifiable CPD is key to effectively structuring your professional development activities. Verifiable CPD is generally characterized by its ability to provide evidence of the learning achieved. This could include a certificate of attendance, assessment tests, or records of the learning activity completed. On the other hand, non-verifiable CPD constitutes learning that is more informal and personal, such as independent reading or reflection, which cannot be independently confirmed by a third party.

Non-verifiable CPD is still valuable, as it represents self-directed efforts to enhance skills and knowledge, but it may not meet the specific requirements set by a professional body for mandatory CPD hours. It’s important to recognize that not all learning activities qualify as CPD. For instance, tasks that form part of your daily routine or activities unrelated to your profession might not count towards your CPD obligations. Clarifying these distinctions can help professionals allocate their time and efforts more effectively.

What qualifies as verifiable CPD?

Verifiable CPD activities must satisfy specific criteria, primarily the availability of supporting documentation that proves the learning occurred. Such activities often include structured learning events like workshops, seminars, and conferences where attendance can be confirmed through registration logs. Additionally, online courses that offer assessments or certificates upon completion also qualify.

Another vital aspect of verifiable CPD is the engagement in peer-reviewed contributions or publications, where the professional’s input is scrutinized and validated by industry experts. Participation in formal assessments or exams, where a pass or completion certificate is awarded, also falls under the verifiable category. These activities must directly relate to the enhancement of skills or knowledge within the professional’s field, ensuring that they contribute tangibly towards competency and compliance with industry standards.

Verifiable CPD Checklist:

To ensure that your CPD activities can be classified as verifiable, consider the following checklist:

• Does the activity include documentation or certificates proving completion or attendance?
• Is the topic of the activity relevant to your field and contributes to your professional development?
• Can the learning be independently verified by a third party?
• Does the activity involve formal assessment or peer-reviewed contributions?

What counts as non-verifiable CPD?

Non-verifiable CPD encompasses a broad range of informal activities that contribute to one’s professional growth, though lacking formal evidence of completion. This can include self-guided study or reading professional journals and articles. While certificates or attendance logs are absent, the knowledge and insights gained can still significantly impact professional competence.

Networking events, mentorship experiences, and informal peer discussions also fall under this category. Although these experiences do not provide a tangible trail of evidence, they foster collaboration and insight sharing, which are crucial for career development. Understanding this category allows professionals to cultivate a balanced CPD portfolio that reflects formal and informal learning pursuits.

How to Record Non-verifiable CPD

Effective documentation of non-verifiable CPD is crucial to reflect the breadth of learning engaged throughout one’s professional journey. Professionals should maintain a detailed log, noting the activities, the amount of time spent, and any pertinent insights or skills obtained. This log can be instrumental during appraisals or when reflecting on one’s development over time.

Consider developing a personal CPD journal or diary, capturing reflections from each learning experience, ideas for application in your professional context, and any further learning needs identified. Additionally, gathering informal introductions or notes from peer discussions can help substantiate claims of non-verifiable learning.

Not CPD at All.

Identifying what does not constitute CPD is just as significant as cataloging valid activities. Tasks that are part of routine job responsibilities often do not qualify, as CPD should extend beyond daily functions to challenge and extend professional capabilities. Similarly, activities unrelated to your profession are not counted, even if they contribute to personal skill enhancement.

Spending time on distractions or informal social gatherings in a non-professional context should not be considered CPD, as they do not align with structured learning objectives typical of professional development. Recognizing these boundaries helps professionals focus their efforts where they have the most impact.

Final Thoughts