What it covers
A course is the most common thing we assess: a structured programme with stated learning outcomes, whether it runs for an hour or across several days.
Assessment is against the same Standards whatever the delivery method. What changes is the evidence we ask for, because proving that a learner met an outcome looks different in a room and on a platform.
What we assess
Assessment is against the CPD Accreditation Standards. For this format, the assessor looks specifically at:
- The learning outcomes, and whether they are specific enough for a learner to tell if they achieved them.
- The mapping from each outcome to an assessment activity, feedback point or reflective task.
- The stated CPD hours against the actual learning time, excluding breaks and promotional content.
- Evidence of subject competence for whoever delivers the course.
- The information learners receive before booking, including cost, format and what they receive on completion.
- For self paced delivery, whether the platform records progress in a form you can produce on request.
Credits
CPD credits for a course are stated in hours of learning time, to one decimal place where useful.
Credits reflect learning time, not elapsed time. That is why an accredited full day event often states fewer hours than the length of the day.
What you receive
- A public register entry with the course's own accreditation reference.
- A licence to display the accreditation mark on that course.
- Certificate wording that distinguishes achievement from completion.
- An assessment report against every domain of the Standards, in full.
What it does not cover
Accreditation covers the course as assessed. Materially change the outcomes, the delivery method or the assessment, and it has to be reported before the changed version runs.
How to apply
Register your organisation first, which is free, then submit this activity for assessment. See fees and timelines for what the assessment stage costs.