What is CPD Accreditation?
Elevate Your Training with CPD Accreditation: Ensuring Quality, Relevance, and Impact
Last updated: 14 July 2026
Key facts
CPD accreditation is independent, third-party recognition that a training course or activity meets a recognised continuing professional development standard. When a course is CPD accredited, an independent body such as the CPD Standards Office has assessed its educational value, so it can award a CPD certificate and a trustmark that learners and professional bodies recognise: proof the training was independently checked, not self-declared
- CPD accreditation is independent, third-party recognition that a training course meets a recognised CPD standard
- 'CPD accredited', 'CPD certified' and 'CPD approved' are used interchangeably: all mean independently assessed, not self-declared
- CPD is recognised and required by professional bodies and regulators (for example the HCPC) and CPDSO accreditation is recognised in 72 countries
- CPD accreditation is independent quality recognition, not a regulated qualification: it carries no Ofqual or RQF status
- To get accredited: book a free consultation, submit your materials, receive a 30-day assessment, then a certificate and trustmark
What does CPD accredited mean?
When a course is described as CPD accredited, it means an independent body has assessed and approved it against a recognised continuing professional development standard, rather than the provider simply declaring it themselves. CPD accreditation gives training independent, third-party recognition Get Your Course Accredited
Once assessed, the course receives CPD-approved status, a certificate and a trustmark to display, and a listing in the CPD Directory. The terms 'CPD accredited', 'CPD certified' and 'CPD approved' are used interchangeably across the market; the common thread is that the learning has been independently checked for quality, so the hours it provides can count towards a professional's CPD.
Is CPD accreditation recognised?
Yes. CPD is recognised and required by professional bodies and regulators across many sectors. For example, the Health and Care Professions Council requires the professionals it registers to undertake continuing professional development ([HCPC](https://www.hcpc-uk.org/cpd/)). CPDSO-accredited training is recognised internationally, with members in 72 countries. Get Your Course Accredited.
It is worth being precise about what that recognition is. CPD accreditation is independent quality recognition, not a regulated qualification, so it does not carry Ofqual or RQF status. What it does is give learners, employers and professional bodies independent assurance that the training meets a recognised standard.
How is CPD Regulated?
CPD itself is not governed by a single statutory regulator. Instead, individual professional bodies and regulators set the CPD requirements their own members must meet, including how many hours or points they need each year HCPC.
Independent standards bodies such as the CPD Standards Office set and assess the quality standard that accredited training is measured against, so that a CPD-accredited course meets a consistent, externally checked benchmark rather than each provider setting its own.
What Does CPD Accreditation Mean?
CPD accreditation serves as a quality mark that guarantees the content, delivery, and outcomes of a training course or other professional education. Accredited programmes are reviewed and assessed for structure, relevance, and quality of delivery before being recognised as valuable for professional development.
Key Points about CPD Accreditation
Quality Assurance: CPD accreditation confirms that training meets high standards, ensuring participants gain relevant and valuable knowledge or skills.
Relevance: The accredited activity is recognised as pertinent to the professional’s field and contributes significantly to their ongoing development.
Structured Learning: Accredited CPD programs are well-organised with clear learning outcomes, helping professionals achieve specific competencies.
Professional Recognition: Completing CPD-accredited courses can enhance a professional’s credibility, often required for maintaining licenses or certifications in certain industries.
Record Keeping: Accredited CPD activities typically provide certificates or records, demonstrating a commitment to continuous learning.
Why CPD Accreditation Matters?
In today’s competitive market, CPD accreditation sets education apart, ensuring it meets the highest standards and delivers measurable learning outcomes. Accredited training is perceived as more attractive to professionals and employers, enhancing credibility and marketability.
Key Benefits:
- Trust and Credibility: Gain recognition as a trusted provider of high-quality training that meets industry standards.
- Competitive Edge: Stand out from non-accredited programs, attracting more learners and clients.
- Global Reach: Enhance your marketability and expand your audience by offering internationally recognised CPD-accredited courses.
For learners, CPD accreditation is a signal of quality: it shows the training has been independently assessed, so the time and money they invest counts towards recognised professional development.
For training providers, accreditation gives your courses independent credibility, a trustmark to display, and a listing in the CPD Directory where learners can find you find you in the CPD Directory. Assessment is quick, up to 30 days from a full submission, and the initial consultation is free [Become Accredited.
AI and Continuing Professional Development
CPD Standards Office (CPDSO) recognises that AI is developing at a rapid pace and is an evolving topic. Training activities can now be created using Artificial Intelligence (AI), which are efficient, engaging, and tailored to the needs of learners.
Developing a training course with AI involves several key steps and tools that leverage the power of machine learning, natural language processing, and predictive analytics. The assessment of CPD activities for accreditation developed by AI seeks to understand and assure the aspects of needs analysis, content creation; personalisation; adaptive learning; use of real-time feedback; analytics and reporting; and the collaboration and knowledge sharing.
CPDSO is closely monitoring the role and influence of AI in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) from the perspective of both the learner and the provider. Ongoing work will ensure that rigorous CPD standards are set and maintained, whilst AI presents an exciting opportunity to support and enhance these standards.
How to get your course CPD accredited in a few steps
Getting your training CPD accredited takes a few steps here is the the four-step accreditation process.
Step 1
Book a free CPD adviser appointment & tell us about your training
Choose a date and time that works best for you and provide us with a quick insight into your business and services.
Step 2
Submit your training for assessment,
CPDSO assessor can evaluate its educational value against the standard; assessment takes up to 30 days from a full submission Become Accredited.
Step 3
Your training is assessed within 30 days
An assessor will evaluates your training and standards set, working with you collaboratively throughout.
Step 4
Receive your CPD accreditation
Receive your CPD accreditation certificate and trustmark, and display them across your materials.
When you are ready, see how to get your course CPD accredited for the full process.
Frequently asked questions
What is CPD accreditation?
CPD accreditation is independent, third-party recognition that a training course, workshop or activity meets a recognised continuing professional development standard. An independent body such as the CPD Standards Office assesses the educational value of the content, and once it meets the standard the training can award a CPD certificate and display a trustmark that learners and their professional bodies recognise. (Source: How to Get Your Course CPD Accredited in 30 Days)
What does CPD accredited mean?
A course being CPD accredited means it has been independently assessed and approved as meeting a recognised CPD standard, so the learning hours it provides count towards a professional's continuing professional development. In practice it means the course carries a CPD certificate and trustmark from an independent body, giving learners confidence the training is good quality. (Source: How to Get Your Course CPD Accredited in 30 Days)
What is the difference between CPD certified and CPD accredited?
In everyday use they mean the same thing: both describe training that an independent body has assessed and approved against a recognised CPD standard. You will see "CPD accredited", "CPD certified" and "CPD approved" used interchangeably; the important point is that the training has been independently checked, not self-declared. (Source: How to Get Your Course CPD Accredited in 30 Days)
Is CPD accreditation recognised?
Yes. CPD is recognised and required by professional bodies and regulators across many sectors, for example the Health and Care Professions Council requires its registrants to undertake CPD, and CPDSO-accredited training is recognised internationally, with members in 72 countries. CPD accreditation is independent quality recognition rather than a regulated qualification, so it does not carry Ofqual or RQF status. (Source: Continuing professional development - Health and Care Professions Council, How to Get Your Course CPD Accredited in 30 Days)
How much does CPD accreditation cost?
There is no single fixed price: the cost depends on the type of certification you choose and the number of activities you want assessed, and your adviser confirms the exact figure on a free consultation call. Our dedicated cost page explains what drives the price and the published UK market range. (Source: How to Get Your Course CPD Accredited in 30 Days)
How do I get my course CPD accredited?
Book a free consultation call with a CPD adviser, submit your training materials to the Assessments Team, and a CPDSO assessor evaluates them within 30 days. Once your content meets the standard you receive CPD-approved status, a certificate and a trustmark, plus a listing in the CPD Directory. (Source: How to Get Your Course CPD Accredited in 30 Days)
Is CPD regulated?
CPD itself is not governed by a single statutory regulator. Instead, individual professional bodies and regulators, such as the Health and Care Professions Council, set the CPD requirements their members must meet, and independent standards bodies such as the CPD Standards Office set and assess the quality standard that accredited training is measured against. (Source: Continuing professional development - Health and Care Professions Council)
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
Related guides
Ready to have your own training independently assessed? These pages walk through the process.
- To have your own training assessed and get your course CPD accredited, book a free consultation and submit your materials for a 30-day assessment.
- For the full timeline from application to certificate, see how the accreditation process works.