Once an individual has attended a CPD certified learning activity, the delegate can update their personal CPD record and attach the associated certificate of attendance. A CPD record is usually kept in the form of a portfolio, and should include development goals and objectives to help structure, reflect and make improvements to capabilities in the work environment. It is ultimately a record of what an individual experiences, learns and then applies.
Continuing Professional Development is something that most people will do on an ongoing basis and is an integral part of an individual’s overall professional career. To keep track of this learning, it is important to maintain a regular record of any learning, training and development activities. The value of keeping an up-to-date and accurate CPD record is that it creates the foundations and framework for progress. It provides an overview of achievements to date, and how far an individual has advanced in their career. A CPD record is a practical way to uncover gaps in knowledge, skills and capabilities, as well as demonstrating professionalism and commitment.
Keeping an accurate CPD record
Keeping an accurate CPD record will help to reflect on personal progression over time, and is also often necessary for many individuals to submit as evidence of completing their annual CPD obligations to their professional bodies, associations or employers. Although CPD records can be kept manually, it is usually a lot quicker and easier to record it on a computer, either using a spreadsheet or a purpose-built CPD recording tool such as the myCPD Portal.
myCPD Portal
The myCPD Portal is free to use and allows professionals to log and record their ongoing Continuing Professional Development training in one simple place. Users can set annual CPD targets and track learning progress throughout the year. The myCPD Portal helps to record learning outcomes and objectives of each training activity attended, as well as the name of each training provider and the number of CPD hours completed for each record. Individuals can analyse the different types of CPD they have attended throughout the year to understand their specific learning preferences. This makes it easier to reflect on knowledge and skills that have been obtained.