What is a structured CPD?

A structured CPD (Continuing Professional Development) is a formal, planned learning activity with specific objectives and outcomes, often involving active participation and leading to a certificate, differing from informal learning like reading articles. Examples include attending workshops, seminars, accredited courses, or technical conferences, where you actively engage with content, instructors, and often undergo assessment, ensuring skills are updated in a methodical way.

What does structured CPD mean?

Structured CPD is classroom based: whether face to face or online. It will be taught by someone who gives you learning aims and outcomes. Informal learning. Informal learning is usually short and self-directed.

What is structured vs unstructured CPD?

Structured CPD refers to formal, planned activities such as courses, workshops, or conferences with clear objectives and measurable outcomes. In most regulated professions, these structured sessions meet official standards and often provide accreditation. Unstructured CPD, by contrast, is more flexible.

What are the three types of CPD?

There are three types of CPD that an individual can participate in, which includes (1) Structured CPD / Active Learning, (2) Reflective CPD / Passive Learning, and (3) Informal CPD / Self-Directed Learning.

What is structured CPD cisi?

CISI CPD Scheme is the CISI CPD recording system that enables members to record their CPD and maintain their records. Available to all members for free. Structured CPD is a planned activity undertaken for the express purpose of learning.

Structured vs Unstructured CPD: What’s the Difference – and Why It Matters More Than Ever

Is CISI certification worth it?

Taking a CISI professional qualification, either as a school leaver or apprentice will equip you with highly relevant and practical skills that are valued by employers.

What are the 4 stages of CPD?

The four key stages of the Continuous Professional Development (CPD) cycle are Identify (your needs), Plan (your learning), Act (engage in learning), and Reflect/Evaluate (review your progress and impact), forming a continuous loop that leads to identifying new needs and repeating the process for ongoing growth. 

What is an example of a CPD?

For example, reflecting on experiences at work, considering feedback from service users or being a member of a committee. Professional activity. For example, being involved in a professional body or giving a presentation at a conference. Formal education.

What are the 7 steps of CPD?

7 Stages of the CPD Cycle

• Identify. To begin the CPD Cycle, it is crucial to identify your knowledge gaps, strengths, and weaknesses. ...
• Plan. Once you identify what areas and skills need adjustments and improvements, the next step of the CPD Cycle is to plan.
• Act. ...
• Record. ...
• Reflect. ...
• Evaluate. ...
• Apply and Share.

Is a CPD a recognised certificate?

CPD is highly valued and recognised by employers across industries for its role in maintaining and demonstrating professional growth.

Do employers value CPD courses?

Within a saturated graduate market, CPD enables students to stand out from the crowd to employers when applying for jobs or positions on graduate schemes.

What is a formal structured CPD record?

'Structured' or 'formal' CPD involves validation of knowledge through discussion with others, or some form of assessment to test what you've learnt.

How to organize a CPD?

How to develop, monitor and evaluate a CPD programme

1. Identify the needs of your school and your staff.
2. Choose or design effective CPD to meet those needs.
3. Create a CPD action plan.
4. Discuss the plan with your staff.
5. Monitor progress and evaluate impact.
6. Capture and share your findings.
7. Record staff participation.

What is the difference between structured and unstructured CPD?

Preparation for training is structured, e.g. updating knowledge on subjects, attending courses on developing training skills. Delivery of training is unstructured - involves activity which does not have stated learning objectives, and supporting activity and assessments designed to reinforce these.

What is the 70 20 10 rule for training?

The 70-20-10 rule is a learning model suggesting people learn best through 70% on-the-job experience, 20% from interactions with others (mentors, peers), and 10% from formal training (courses, workshops). Developed by researchers at the Center for Creative Leadership (CCL), it emphasizes that most effective skill development happens through practical application, collaboration, and challenging assignments, not just traditional classroom learning, providing a framework for balanced, experience-driven development.
 

How to create a structured training plan?

How to create an employee training program in 6 steps

1. Identify knowledge & skills gaps. ...
2. Determine training objectives. ...
3. Choose the type of training. ...
4. Establish how to measure effectiveness. ...
5. Set your timeline. ...
6. Create & choose training materials.

What are the two types of CPD?

What are the different types of CPD? Almost anything which improves your knowledge and skills can be considered CPD, including “on the job” learning. At the IRM, we recognise two distinct types of CPD – formal and informal.

What does a CPD plan look like?

A CPD Plan provides a structured approach for individuals to maintain and enhance their skills, knowledge, and competencies throughout their career. Its purpose is to ensure ongoing learning and development in line with personal career goals, organisational objectives, and professional standards.

What are the 5 P's of professional development?

The 5 Ps of professional development offer a framework for career growth, commonly including Purpose, Personal Brand, People, Performance, and Plan, though specific terms can vary (like Possibility, Perspective, Persistence), focusing on understanding your 'why,' building your reputation, leveraging networks, evaluating skills, and creating a strategic roadmap for continuous improvement and success. 

What are examples of successful CPDs?

If you're keen to continue your professional development but are uncertain where to begin, here are five engaging examples of CPD activities to consider:

• 1) Involvement in a professional body. ...
• 2) Attending webinars. ...
• 3) Short courses. ...
• 4) Mentoring. ...
• 5) Certifications that add to your skills portfolio.

How to write a good CPD?

Your CPD should be personal to you and your own practice. It is important that your learning is relevant to your role and that it is about the application of your learning in practice. You should show how you have reflected on your learning and how the CPD has had a positive influence on your practice.

What is CPD in simple terms?

Continuing, or continuous, professional development (CPD), can be broadly defined as any type of learning you undertake which increases your knowledge, understanding and experiences of a subject area or role.

What makes CPD structured?

CPD activities are classified as either Structured or Unstructured. Structured activities are usually easy to identify. They are organised by associations, employers, training providers or other organisations, and they have stated learning outcomes.

What are the four pillars of CPD?

The order of the pillars and terms for each vary, but all have the essence of Clinical Practice, Education, Research and Leadership.

What is an example of a formal CPD?

Formal / educational examples: • Undertaking a program of learning or research for an academic qualification. Attending training courses. Attending conferences or scientific meetings. Undertaking distance learning or e-learning activities.