Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPD?
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is a personal commitment to keeping your professional knowledge and skills up-to-date.
If it’s not mandatory, why should I record CPD?
As a professional, you have a responsibility to keep your skills and knowledge up to date. At least once a year, we recommend you review your CPD over the previous twelve months, and set your development objectives for the coming year. Reflecting on the past and planning for the future in this way makes your development more effective and easier to measure. If you are an employee, this is a particularly useful exercise prior to your annual appraisal. If you are an owner or manager, it should be part of planning for your business.
What are the benefits of keeping a CPD record?
CPD is an investment that you make in yourself. It is a way of planning your development that links learning directly to practice. CPD can help you keep your skills up to date, and prepare you for greater responsibilities. It can boost your confidence, strengthen your professional credibility and help you become more creative in tackling new challenges. CPD makes your working life more interesting and can significantly increase your job satisfaction. It can accelerate your career development and may play an important part in moving to a higher grade of IRI membership.
How does the IRI recognize and reward CPD?
The IRI wants to recognise and reward members who demonstrate their commitment to investing in and recording their CPD. The IRI is currently reviewing a number of possible incentives, including a CPD Certificate system that would allow members to request a CPD Certificate at the end of the year, stating that they have met or exceeded the recommended CPD requirements. Further details will follow. Members’ feedback on this matter is very welcome.