The CPD Standards Office
CPD Certification
For Training Courses, Digital Learning, Events, Coaches, and more
Independent CPD Accreditation
The CPD Standards Office, based in the United Kingdom, is a world-leading CPD accreditation service, providing certification to educators across all industries and sectors.
Accreditation criteria is based on the largest ongoing CPD research project and guarantees contemporary certification process for training providers, as well as up-to-date learning experience for delegates.
Ultimate Guide to Becoming CPD Accredited
Benefits of CPD Accreditation
Consider the multiple benefits of becoming CPD certified.
Trust Mark
Gain your learners' trust by displaying a trusted accreditation with your training.
Increased Market Share
Gain a larger market share by demonstrating higher value for your customers.
Increased Reputation
Demonstrate your readiness and ability to pass a rigorous third-party assessment.
The CPD Standards Office
Founded in 2012, The CPD Standards Office is an independent CPD accreditation organisation, certifying training providers internationally with members in 72 countries.
Founded
First stage of the CPD Research Project is completed revealing a need for contemporary CPD accreditation that guarantees the educational quality of professional training.
150 Certified Providers
By 2013, The CPD Standards Office has accredited 150 training providers, enabling them to award CPD points/hours.
1000 Accredited Providers
By 2017, 1000 training providers and hundreds of thousands of courses have been accredited across 40 countries.
Expanded Accreditation Type
In 2019, The CPD Standards Office introduces new official standards for the CPD accreditation of different types of learning events (face-2-face courses, events, etc.)
1500+ Accredited Training Providers
By 2020, The CPD Standards Office has enabled over 1500 educators worldwide to improve their training delivery.
2000+ Certified Training Providers
Continuing its rapid growth, by 2023 The CPD Standards Office has accredited over 2000 training providers and over 500,000 training courses, events, webinars, and others.
MENA Branch
in 2023, The CPD Standards Office expanded to the Middle East and North Africa with its offices based in Dubai.
Independent Advisory Board
The criteria, methodology and processes used daily by the CPD Standards Office is overseen by an independent panel of experts, drawn from academics, employers and professional bodies.
The Expert Advisory Board provides the CPD Standards Office with a rich and diverse range of expertise, that reviews our activities, processes and criteria, thereby ensuring that our accreditation is authoritative. The Board assists us with:
- Keeping our thinking and processes up to date
- Ensuring our criteria and methodology align with industry and CPD requirements
- Giving diverse expertise on CPD accreditation and other related areas
- Ensuring full transparency of our activities.
CPD Research Project
The CPD Research, conducted initially over a course of 2 years was one of the largest academic studies into the field of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and adult skills development.
The CPD Standards Office continues its research today to maintain and update educational standards, and to ensure training providers are aligned with the changes in business and society.
Independent Advisory Board
The criteria, methodology and processes used daily by the CPD Standards Office is overseen by an independent panel of experts, drawn from academics, employers and professional bodies.
The Expert Advisory Board provides the CPD Standards Office with a rich and diverse range of expertise, that reviews our activities, processes and criteria, thereby ensuring that our accreditation is authoritative. The Board assists us with:
- Keeping our thinking and processes up to date
- Ensuring our criteria and methodology align with industry and CPD requirements
- Giving diverse expertise on CPD accreditation and other related areas
- Ensuring full transparency of our activities.
CPD Research Project
The CPD Research, conducted initially over a course of 2 years was one of the largest academic studies into the field of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and adult skills development.
The CPD Standards Office continues its research today to maintain and update educational standards, and to ensure training providers are aligned with the changes in business and society.
CPD for Professionals, Learners, Students
Resources for learners and professionals who use CPD to grow their careers
Grow with CPD
CPD (Continuing Professional Development) also known as CE (Continuing Education) is the intentional maintenance and development of the knowledge and skills needed to perform in a professional context.
Whether your have a mandatory commitment to CPD via your professional body or have decided to grow your career by becoming the most enhanced version of yourself, please review these resources.
The Institute of CPD
The Institute of CPD is a membership organisation for those committed to professional excellence through CPD. The CPD Standards Office partners
with the Institute popularise CPD and support modern-day professionals.
CPD Across Industries
Largest Information Source on CP
Over the past decade, the CPD Standards Office has created an independent resource that provides a concise overview of all the key institutes, societies and regulators that have a CPD policy and may also provide CPD for a range of professions, industries and sectors. We are currently working with MemberWise to help QA this comprehensive list to ensure all the correct institutions are listed, present, and accurate.
This Project Is Developed And Delivered By:
&
* MemberWise is an independent professional network that provides practical help and support to circa 8,000+ membership and association professionals based in the UK and overseas.
Join A Prestigious, Global Community Of Experienced, CPD Verified Course Creators, Coaches, Educators & Speakers
Upon joining us as an official CPD provider you become part of our CPD Standards Community, along with over 1,000 other accredited providers. This community is growing stronger every day, with its huge range of connections to membership organisations, employers and universities.
Our community is also supported by the on-going work of the CPD Research Project. This means that just as your clients and delegates can be sure that your training, learning or coaching activities are independently assessed to the highest standard, you too can be sure that other members of the CPD Standards Community have also been assessed the exact same way. This gives you peace of mind as you exchange best practice and network with other providers, professional bodies, universities and authorities.
CPDSO Member Testimonials
"Having our courses independently evaluated and quality assured, has given our clients that extra confidence in knowing that what they are paying for is a quality service."
Anita Devi
Team ADL
"I was looking for a professional organisation to support my coaching offerings. There’s a lot to choose from in a crowded market, but I ended up selecting the CPDSO because they really care about their customers, their products and their services."
Simon Rickman
Development Coach
"CPD has not only enhanced my presence and reputation as a speaker, but it's also developed new opportunities that enable me to engage with audiences at a broader range of events."
Dale Howarth
Accredited CPD Speaker
Benefits Of Becoming CPD Accredited With The CPD Standards Office
Get ahead of your competitors and gain a HUGE market share
Becoming CPD accredited helps you to stand out in an already overcrowded marketplace and turns your learning experience into an authority
Issue formal CPD certificates for your accredited training portfolio
Add your CPD badge to your own certificate design or utilise your CPDSO templates to issue formal certificates.
Stay 'in the loop' with relevant market updates and meaningful insights
CPDSO is also home to the CPD research project, so you'll receive cutting edge insights, recent CPD trends and news on a weekly basis
Build your brand's reputation and be known as a premier provider
Having the mark of accreditation from The CPD Standards Office means you'll be known as a premier provider of high quality CPD training materials
Attract more professionals and organisations that need CPD training
Get your foot in the door with some of the best known corporations and companies who need CPD accredited courses and training programs
Join a network of successful providers committed to being the best
Attend online and offline events with our constantly growing CPD community to network and share knowledge with each other
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Frequently Asked Questions:
How long will the membership be valid for?
Your membership commitment with The CPD Standards Office is for a minimum of two years. After the first two years, you are then contracted on a one year rolling basis.
When is payment required?
You will pay your first year's membership fee upon application. The second year will be billed at renewal (13.5 months later) and annually after that. Members receive a discount of 15% on their second year as part of our loyalty scheme.
Are there any payment plan arrangements available?
We are flexible in our approach to accreditation costs, for further information on the payment plans available please contact our CPD advisors.
What happens if we don't meet your criteria?
Our "no pass or fail" concept implies that we will collaborate with you and provide you with the help and direction you require throughout the accreditation process.
How long will it take to get accredited?
Routine - It can take up to 45 days (6 weeks) from the day of full submission to obtain your accreditation.
Swift/Fast Track - For an additional fee, you can select the fast
track option, which will prioritise the application and offer approved status within 14 days. Full submission is still required with this option. For further information on the fast track assessment, contact your Advisor.
How much does it cost to be approved for a CPD Accredited status?
Our accreditation prices vary depending on the type of certification you select and the number of activities (courses) you are looking to accredit.
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