Continuing Professional Development (CPD) - everything you need to know
As an ICAS Member you are required to maintain and develop your skills and knowledge through a process called Continuing Professional Development – or CPD. Here we’ll explain what’s involved, why it’s important and where you can find the information and resources you need.
Looking for something specific? Jump to:
- What is CPD?
- What are my CPD requirements?
- What counts as CPD activity?
- How to plan and record my CPD activity
- Where to find CPD courses and qualifications
- Where to find CPD support and advice
- Get the latest CPD news and updates
What is CPD?
As an ICAS Member you are required to maintain and develop your skills and knowledge through a process called Continuing Professional Development or CPD. Through this learning and CPD activity you will be able to ensure that you always have the necessary skills and competencies to perform your day-to-day job, as well as support your career development and enhance your employability for the future.
The benefits of CPD
In an ever-changing world, maintaining your CPD will help you to remain relevant, boost your confidence and your capability. CPD can also help you to progress your career, move into new roles and grasp opportunities.
And through your CPD undertaking you will be able to provide reassurance to the public and employers that you are committed to upholding the highest standards. Learn more about the benefits of CPD.
What are my CPD requirements?
You are bound by a commitment to undertake lifelong professional development which is relevant, verifiable and measurable, and you also have a mandatory requirement to undertake ethics CPD. Each year you should identify areas for development and do CPD that helps you meet your development needs, to ensure your skills and knowledge are up to date. Keep a record, as each year you need to demonstrate what CPD you have done. We call this your annual CPD declaration.
How much CPD must I undertake?
There is no specific amount of time that you are required to spend undertaking CPD each year. Instead, you are asked to focus on the outcome of your CPD activities.
Ethics CPD
You will need to be able to demonstrate a recognition of the importance of ethics to your profession, by noting what you have done in the year to maintain your knowledge and awareness of ethics-related matters.
Self-certification
Each year during the membership renewal process you’ll be required to self-certify and complete a declaration that reaffirms your commitment to your CPD undertaking.
Learn more about your CPD requirements
What counts as CPD activity?
Whilst some Members in Practice may have mandatory CPD to undertake depending on their roles and firm responsibilities, for most, CPD doesn’t involve compulsory attendance at specific courses or the purchase of material. It may simply be reading an article on icas.com or elsewhere, attending a training course of your choice, watching a webinar or researching an issue that relates to a particular client.
How to choose CPD that’s right for you
Choosing your CPD activities is dependent upon your individual role and what you identify as your training and development needs. Consideration can also be given to your future career options and goals. For example, you might to seek to maintain or improve technical, business or people-management skills.
How to plan and record my CPD activity
You can use the ICAS CPD record template to plan and document your CPD activities (use your own or follow the format that’s maintained by your employer). Then, at the end of the year, take some time to reflect upon how the process has helped you to fulfil your role and note these reflections in the record.
The annual CPD sample
Each year ICAS selects a sample of Members and asks them to submit their CPD records. If selected for monitoring, you will be asked to show that you have complied with the requirements and provide a copy of your CPD record.
Learn more about planning and recording your CPD activity
Where to find CPD support and advice
In our CPD support and advice section, you’ll find more detailed information on your CPD requirement, how to record your CPD activity and a range of features and support guides that will inform, inspire and progress your continuing professional development.
Learn more about CPD support and advice
Where to find CPD courses and qualifications
In our CPD courses and qualifications section, you’ll find a wide range of online and classroom-based CPD courses, including many free courses, designed to help advance your technical, specialist and soft skills.
Learn more about CPD courses and qualifications
Where to find Online Learning and resources
In our Online Learning and resources section, you’ll find a selection of online courses and resources to help you can maintain your CPD no matter where you are in the world. You’ll find online-live virtual courses alongside self-directed online modules that you can take at a time that suits you.
And our online resources aren’t just time-efficient, they’re cost effective too, with a selection of free and discounted courses, webinars, videos and resources too.
Learn more about Online Learning and resources
Get the latest CPD news and updates
Visit CPD news and updates for the latest ICAS updates on your CPD requirements, links to new courses and offers, and to stay informed about the latest CPD trends and opinion.
Learn more about CPD news and updates
Where to find Careers support and mentoring
In our Careers support and mentoring section you’ll find more information about our new Career Connections career mentoring programme, our CA jobs area highlighting current job vacancies that are suitable for CAs from our CA recruitment partners, as well as general career advice and articles.
Learn more about Careers support and mentoring