01 Step one
What we accredit
We accredit structured learning that helps professionals keep their knowledge and skills current. Any organisation or individual delivering such learning can apply, in any country.
We can accredit
- Classroom and virtual training courses
- Workshops and masterclasses
- eLearning modules and online courses
- Live and recorded webinars
- Conferences, seminars and events
- Podcasts and publications with clear learning outcomes
- Blended and multi-part programmes
We do not accredit
- Sales presentations or product demonstrations
- Activities with no defined learning outcomes
- Regulated qualifications or degrees
- Content that is misleading, unsafe or discriminatory
02 Step two
What to prepare
A complete submission is the quickest route to a decision. Your ten working days begin once we have everything here.
Before you submit, work through our self-assessment checklist. It follows the standard criterion by criterion.
For every activity
0 of 8 readyTick off what you already have.
By format, also include
Courses and workshops. Slides, handouts and any activities used.
eLearning. Reviewer access to the module or a SCORM package.
Webinars. Slides, or the recording for recorded webinars.
Conferences and events. The programme, with session timings and speakers.
Podcasts and publications. The episodes or text, with learning outcomes.
03 Step three
The review
An experienced assessor reviews your activity against each criterion of our published standard. No assessor reviews an activity where they have a conflict of interest.
You receive a decision within ten working days of a complete submission, or five working days with fast-track review.
- Day 0
Submission complete
We confirm receipt and give you your guaranteed decision date.
- Days 1 to 8
Assessment
Your assessor reviews the materials. If anything small is missing, they contact you directly.
- By day 10
Decision
You receive the outcome in writing, with feedback on each criterion.
04 Step four
The three possible outcomes
Your activity is accredited
You receive your accreditation number, the Bureau mark and your certificate template, and your activity is listed in our Find CPD directory with its own course page.
Close, with some changes
We explain exactly what to change. Resubmit within 30 days at no extra cost and we review only the changes, within five working days.
Not suitable at this time
We explain why. You can submit a substantially revised activity later, or appeal the decision if you believe it was wrong.
05 Step five
After approval
Approval lasts twelve months from the decision date. During that time you can promote and deliver your activity as accredited by The CPD Accreditation Bureau.
Accreditation number
Show it alongside the mark wherever you promote the activity.
The Bureau mark
Use it only on the approved activity, unaltered, following our brand guidelines.
Learner certificates
Issue a numbered certificate with a QR code to every learner who completes the activity.
Find CPD listing
Your organisation gets a profile and your activity its own course page, seen by professionals looking for accredited CPD.
06 Step six
Renewal and changes
Accreditation is renewed each year as part of your membership. Renewed activities do not use your plan allowance, which is for new activities only.
- A
Before your renewal date
We remind you in advance and ask you to confirm each activity is still current. A short renewal check follows.
- B
If you change an activity
Tell us about significant changes to content, outcomes, hours or delivery. Large changes are reviewed as a new submission.
- C
If you do not renew
Accreditation lapses. The mark and new certificates can no longer be used, and the activity leaves the directory and shows as expired when its number is checked. Certificates already issued remain valid.
Keeping standards high
Oversight and fairness
Accreditation only means something if it is protected. These safeguards apply to every provider equally.
Spot checks
We may review a sample of accredited activities during the year, including attending or accessing them.
Suspension and withdrawal
If an activity no longer meets the standard, or the mark is misused, we may suspend or withdraw accreditation after giving you the chance to respond.
Appeals
You can appeal any decision within 20 working days. Appeals are heard by members of our independent advisory panel who were not involved in the original decision. See our complaints and appeals procedure.
Concerns from the public
Learners and employers can report concerns about an accredited activity or certificate, and we investigate every report.
Ready to begin?
Choose a plan and pay securely, and we will email you a link to sign in to your dashboard and submit your first activity. Questions first? Ask us.