CPD Provider Criteria for the UK
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Regulatory Overview
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in the UK is overseen by statutory regulators and professional licensing bodies. It is mandatory across regulated sectors such as healthcare, law, education, accountancy, and engineering. Key authorities include the General Medical Council (GMC), Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), and Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).
Voluntary Employer-Led
Marketing professionals, business coaches, IT specialists, creatives, and private education providers.
Who Requires CPD in This Region?
Legal & Compliance Standards
Requirements vary by profession.
Course Delivery & Format Requirements
Accepted formats include in-person, online, hybrid, and self-directed learning. Both structured (lectures, assessments) and unstructured (mentoring, reading) activities are valid where outcomes are evidenced. Delivery must meet accessibility obligations under the Equality Act 2010.
Trainer & Provider Requirements
Trainers must hold recognised qualifications and professional registration where applicable. Providers must ensure all learning materials are current, evidence-based, and meet the standards set by UK regulators. International providers may be approved if their content aligns with UK compliance requirements.
CPD Certification & Records
Certificates must include the learner’s name, CPD hours, provider name, course title, and date. Providers must retain records securely for at least 5 years. Random or scheduled audits may be enforced by regulatory authorities.
Recognising Bodies & Endorsement Schemes
General Medical Council (GMC)
Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA)
Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC)
Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD)
Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
Engineering Council UK
CPD Global Standards Accreditation Pathway
CPD Global Standards offers UK-specific accreditation tailored to regulatory and industry expectations. Each application is reviewed against national compliance standards, course structure, trainer credentials, and learning outcomes. Accreditation decisions are typically issued within 14 working days of full submission.
Apply NowOur 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 the UK.
Yes, CPD is mandatory for most regulated professions in the UK. Doctors, nurses, solicitors, teachers, and other licensed professionals must complete CPD to retain their registration or practising status.
Requirements vary by profession. For example, doctors must complete 50 CPD credits per year, while ACCA accountants need 40 CPD units annually. Check with your industry regulator for exact requirements.
CPD standards are set by professional bodies such as the GMC (for doctors), SRA (for solicitors), and NMC (for nurses). These organisations define learning requirements, audit compliance, and monitor CPD quality.
Valid CPD includes structured learning (e.g. courses, workshops, webinars) and unstructured activities (e.g. reading, peer discussion), provided outcomes are documented and aligned with professional development goals
To gain CPD accreditation, training providers must demonstrate course quality, clear learning outcomes, and regulatory alignment. CPD Global Standards offers official UK-based accreditation within 14 working days.
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