Independent CPD accreditation · members in 72 countries
How the CPD Accreditation Process Works
Give your training independent, third-party recognition. Book a free consultation, submit your materials, and receive a CPD assessment within 30 days.
Book a free consultation callCPD accreditation gives your course independent, third-party recognition. To get your course CPD accredited, book a free consultation call with a CPD adviser, submit your training materials to the Assessments Team, and your content is then assessed within 30 days. Once your content meets the criteria, you receive CPD certified status and a trustmark to display on your course.
- Free consultation call with a CPD adviser
- Submit your training portfolio and materials
- 30-day assessment by a CPDSO assessor
- CPD-approved status, certificate and trustmark
- Listing in the CPD Directory
The four steps to accreditation
Book a free consultation call
Start by booking a free consultation call with a CPD adviser. On the call your adviser talks through the assessment criteria and how the process works, along with the accreditation options available, so you can see how an independent assessment would apply to your training. Together you decide which option best suits your organisation and your training offering. From there your adviser guides you through the application and registration process, so you know exactly what to prepare.
Submit your training portfolio and materials
Next, submit your training activities directly to the Assessments Team. This is where you provide the content you want assessed, whether a course, conference or webinar, along with the materials that support it. The assessment begins once your completed submission and materials are received. Our assessment team is on hand to help and guide you at any point during the process.
Your content is assessed within 30 days
A CPDSO assessor evaluates the educational value of your content against the criteria and standards set, working with you collaboratively throughout. Our no-pass-or-fail approach means we work collaboratively with you and give you the help and direction you need throughout the assessment. The assessment process takes up to 30 days from the date your completed submission is received. While your material is under review you can use a CPD digital community badge. This shows learners that your training is undergoing an independent, third-party assessment with CPDSO, so you can keep engaging your audience in the meantime.
Receive your CPD-approved status and trustmark
Once your content meets the criteria, you become a CPD certified trainer and receive a CPD Certified certificate of achievement and an authenticating trustmark. The trustmark is unique to your organisation and carries your own membership number, and it can be displayed on your accredited training materials, website, social media and other CPD documents. Your organisation and accredited activities are also listed in the CPD Directory on the CPDSO website, with detail about your learning portfolio.
What CPD accreditation gives your course and learners
CPD accreditation gives your course independent, third-party recognition, with a trustmark you can display and a listing in the CPD Directory. It is sector agnostic, so it applies whether you run training courses, workshops, events, conferences or coaching. Many of your learners will be working towards the CPD requirements their professional body sets, and an independent trustmark shows them your course has been assessed against a recognised standard.
To begin, book a free consultation call with a CPD adviser, who will talk you through the assessment criteria and the options for your organisation. Learn more about what CPD accreditation is.
What our members say
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 DeviTeam ADL
I was looking for a professional organisation to support my coaching offerings, and I selected the CPDSO because they really care.
Simon RickmanDevelopment Coach
CPD has not only enhanced my presence and reputation as a speaker, it has also developed new opportunities.
Dale HowarthAccredited CPD Speaker
Frequently asked questions
How long does CPD accreditation take?
CPD accreditation takes up to 30 days. The assessment begins once the Assessments Team receives your completed submission and materials, and it can take up to 30 days from that date to receive your accreditation.
What do you submit for CPD accreditation?
You submit your training activities and the materials that support them, for example a course, conference or webinar, directly to the Assessments Team. A CPDSO assessor reviews and evaluates the educational value of that content against the criteria and standards set.
How do you start CPD accreditation for a course?
You start by booking a free consultation call with a CPD adviser. Your adviser talks through the assessment criteria and the accreditation options, helps you choose the option that suits your organisation, and then guides you through the application and registration process.
How much does CPD accreditation cost?
Prices vary by the type of certification and the number of activities, or courses, you want assessed. Your adviser confirms the cost on your free consultation call, and payment plans are available.
Is there a faster option?
Yes. A 14-day Fast Track assessment is available for an additional fee, compared with the standard timeline of up to 30 days.
How long is the membership and how is it paid?
Membership runs for a minimum of two years and then continues on a one-year rolling basis. You pay the first year on application and the second at renewal, 13 months later, with a 15% discount on the second year.
Related guides
Ready to get your course CPD accredited?
Talk to a CPD adviser about the assessment criteria, the options available and the next steps for your organisation.
Book a free consultation call