CPD – your guide to getting started
As an ICAS Member you have a requirement to undertake Continuing Professional Development (CPD). Here we’ll explain why it’s important, what’s involved and where you can find the information and resources to get you started.
What is Continuing Professional Development (CPD)?
You’re now a qualified CA but that doesn’t mean your time to learn and develop is over. As an ICAS Member you are required to undertake lifelong Continuing Professional Development.
Through this CPD activity you will be able to ensure that you always have the necessary skills and competencies to undertake your professional work.
What are the benefits?
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.
What are my requirements?
You are bound by a commitment to undertake lifelong professional development which is relevant, verifiable and measurable. You also have a mandatory requirement to undertake ethics CPD.
Each year during the membership renewal process you’ll be required to self-certify and complete a declaration that reaffirms your commitment to this undertaking.
How much CPD must I undertake?
There is no specific amount of time that you are required to spend undertaking CPD. Instead, you are asked to focus on the outcome of your CPD activities.
What CPD is right for me?
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.
What counts as CPD?
Whilst there are some Members that will have mandatory CPD to undertake, 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.
Planning and recording my CPD
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
Learn more about ICAS’ CPD requirements:
Where can I find additional CPD resources?
The Professional Development section of icas.com offers a range of education programmes and learning opportunities designed to help you strengthen your skills.
Learn about technology trends, leadership skills, career-development and personal effectiveness, and sharpen your technical knowledge.
Our flexible learning solutions include a range of virtual Online Classroom Live courses as well as pre-recorded self-paced course bundles, developed and presented by experts and industry leaders.
Everything you need to get started
At icas.com/newlyqualified you’ll find links to everything you need to get started, including ways to make new connections, a guide to our professional resources, plus information about your ethical obligations.