Question 1

What is CPD accreditation?

Accepted Answer

CPD accreditation is an independent review of an educational activity against published educational standards. It tells learners that the activity has been assessed by someone other than the organisation selling it, and it gives them a recommended CPD credit value to record in their portfolio.

Question 2

Is CPD England accreditation recognised by the GMC?

Accepted Answer

The GMC does not appoint or endorse a single commercial CPD accreditation organisation. Doctors remain responsible for ensuring that their CPD is relevant to their scope of practice and supports their professional development, and for recording it for appraisal and revalidation. CPD England accreditation is independent evidence that an activity has been reviewed against published educational standards; it is not a GMC approval and we do not describe it as one.

Question 3

Who can apply?

Accepted Answer

Medical education companies, course providers, training organisations, conference organisers, healthcare training businesses, online education providers, NHS and university departments, and independent clinicians who provide education.

Question 4

How many CPD credits can my activity receive?

Accepted Answer

As a general principle one hour of active educational participation corresponds to one CPD credit, excluding breaks, registration and purely social time. The reviewer considers the educational content rather than assigning credits by duration alone. Our full approach is set out in the CPD credit methodology.

Question 5

How long does accreditation take?

Accepted Answer

Most complete applications receive a decision within ten working days. Applications where further information is required take longer, because the clock effectively restarts when the additional material arrives.

Question 6

How long does accreditation last?

Accepted Answer

Twelve months from the issue date, provided the activity is delivered substantially as described in the application.

Question 7

Can online courses be accredited?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Asynchronous online courses, webinars and blended programmes are all eligible. For online activities we look closely at how participation and completion are evidenced.

Question 8

Can international organisations apply?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We review the educational activity rather than the country of the provider. Applicants outside the UK should note that recognition of CPD credits is ultimately a matter for the learner's own regulator or professional body.

Question 9

Can conferences be accredited?

Accepted Answer

Yes. For conferences we assess the programme as a whole and assign credits to educational sessions, excluding breaks, exhibition time and social programme.

Question 10

What happens if my application doesn't meet the standards?

Accepted Answer

You receive written reasons referenced to the specific standards. Most applications that fall short are issued as 'accredited subject to minor changes' or 'further information required' rather than refused outright. A refusal can be appealed under the appeals policy.

Question 11

Can I use the CPD England logo?

Accepted Answer

Yes, for the specific accredited activity and while the accreditation is valid. The logo usage policy sets out the permitted wording, the requirement to display the accreditation number, and what must not be implied.

Question 12

Can learners verify accreditation?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Anyone can search the public register by accreditation number, activity or provider and see the status, credit value and validity dates. No account is needed.

Question 13

What happens if course content changes?

Accepted Answer

Minor updates such as refreshed references or a new faculty member do not require re-review; tell us at renewal. A material change to duration, format, audience or learning outcomes requires notification, and may require re-review before the accreditation continues to apply.

Question 14

Can accreditation be withdrawn?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Accreditation can be withdrawn where an activity is materially different from the application, where the logo or wording is misused, or where an upheld complaint indicates the standards are no longer met. Withdrawn entries are marked as such in the register.