If you’re working in a field that requires constant professional development to keep up with the latest trends, it’s essential to keep a good record of your CPD training. This can be something as simple as keeping copies of certificates or certificates of attendance from training events and conferences, or it might mean keeping all the reference material you receive at those events—slides and notes included! You never know when you’ll need to refer back to something that was covered during a particular course or class; this is especially true if you’re looking for promotion within your current employer.
Make a plan.
- Make a plan.
- Plan your CPD training in advance, so that you can make sure to have the time, money and energy to complete it. If you are self-employed or work in a job where taking time off is frowned upon, then this may be especially important for you.
Keep records for your professional development.
Informal learning is just as important as formal learning.
When you’re doing your training, it’s easy to forget that you might need evidence of your CPD later on. So, keep a record of any training you do. Make a record of the date, time and location of each session; who was there; what they talked about; what certificates or certificates of attendance were received (if any).
Record any CPD training you do with your employer’s permission.
If you’re taking CPD training that is related to the skills needed in your job, and it’s being offered by an accredited provider, record this learning and make sure that you have a reference number for it. Record any training on your own time. If there is no formal course structure or accreditation process but rather just some informal sessions run by colleagues or friends who share similar interests as yourself (for example: “how to start a blog”), then these can also be recorded as part of your CPD effort if they count towards meeting a particular learning objective or goal set out by your employer or regulatory body (such as meeting certain criteria before being able to apply for membership).
Keep any information you receive during training as well as certificates or certificates of attendance.
Keep any information you receive during training as well as certificates or certificates of attendance.
You should keep copies of all certificates you receive and keep your CPD records for at least 5 years. You may find it useful to store them electronically in case they are lost, damaged or destroyed.
Keep any reference material you receive at CPD training events or conferences.
Ensure you keep slides and notes, in case you need to refer back to them. You might be thinking, “I already have so much stuff on my desk.” But if you’re going to take the time to go through all those hours of training and learn something new, it’s worth keeping any reference material.you receive at training events or conferences, including slides and notes. These might help you later on if you need to refer back to them. Keeping reference materials digitally makes them easier to refer to and will take up a lot less space.
A good CPD record is essential when it comes to seeking promotion or new employment opportunities
A good CPD record is essential when it comes to seeking promotion or new employment opportunities. It shows that you are committed to your career, and will go the extra mile to further yourself in the workplace.
There are many benefits of having a good CPD record:
- You can gain recognition from colleagues and managers as someone who takes their job seriously
- You will demonstrate how rounded your skillset is by showing off some of the courses you have taken part in
- Your employer may offer financial support for these courses (which means they’re getting value for money)
With a good CPD record, you can show your employer or future employers that you are committed to professional development. You can show you have taken steps towards achieving your career goals. This will not only help them see how much effort has gone into your learning but also give them confidence in your ability to carry out tasks effectively.