CPD Global Standards

Recognised Worldwide. Respected by Industry.

CPD Provider Criteria for the EU

Built for International Credibility.

Understanding international standards, recognition, and regional compliance.

Regulatory Overview

CPD in the European Union is regulated at the national level, guided by EU frameworks such as the Bologna Process and the European Qualifications Framework (EQF). Each country defines its own legal and professional CPD requirements, but CPD is mandatory across regulated professions, including medicine, law, education, engineering, and finance. Oversight is provided by national ministries and sector-specific councils, with mutual recognition often facilitated under EU mobility directives.

Legal & Compliance Standards

Requirements vary by profession.

Physicians
Structured CPD is required via the European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS)
Accountants
40 CPD hours annually (ACCA standard) Documentation may include attendance logs, certificates, learning statements, and performance reviews. All providers must comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) for data protection and privacy.

Course Delivery & Format Requirements

Structured and unstructured learning formats are accepted, including face-to-face, e-learning, hybrid, mentoring, and peer review. Programmes must align with national occupational standards and, where applicable, meet the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) requirements. Accessibility and multilingual delivery are encouraged.

Trainer & Provider Requirements

Trainers must be qualified and recognised within their profession. Providers must demonstrate content quality, learning outcomes, and alignment with national and EU frameworks. International providers are accepted if course material meets national licensing and recognition standards.

CPD Certification & Records

Certificates must include participant name, course title, provider name, CPD hours/credits, learning outcomes, and completion date. Record retention ranges from 5 to 10 years, depending on the national authority. Audits may be conducted by national councils or licensing bodies.

Recognising Bodies & Endorsement Schemes

  • European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS)
  • ACCA and CIMA
  • National bar associations and law societies
  • Engineering, teaching, and healthcare regulators (national level)

CPD Global Standards Accreditation Pathway

 

CPD Global Standards supports EU-based providers by offering accreditation aligned with national legislation and EU policy standards. We assess content structure, delivery method, trainer qualifications, and regulatory alignment. Certification is granted within 14 working days upon submission of complete documentation.

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Our Most Frequently Asked Questions

You ask, We answer

At CPD Global Standards, we believe in making the CPD accreditation process clear, accessible, and fully supported. Here you’ll find answers to the most common questions about becoming an accredited CPD provider in Africa.

While the EU promotes frameworks like the European Qualifications Framework (EQF), CPD requirements are set by individual member states and can vary significantly.

Mutual recognition agreements exist for certain professions, facilitating the recognition of CPD activities across borders, especially within regulated professions.

Valid activities include formal education, workshops, seminars, e-learning, and self-directed learning, provided they contribute to professional development.

CPD is mandatory for many regulated professions, such as healthcare and law, but may be voluntary in others, depending on national regulations.

Professionals are typically required to maintain records, including certificates and reflective logs, to demonstrate compliance during audits or renewals.

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