CPD stands for Continuing Professional Development. It is the process in which you take responsibility for your own learning and development and apply it to extend and enhance your skills and, in the case of therapists, improve the service given to clients and contribute to the development of the profession. The term CPD is used to cover all relevant activities undertaken to maintain and develop existing knowledge and skills following the completion of your professional practitioners’ qualification. Many professional bodies operate a “point scheme”. To maintain your membership in the professional body you are usually required to achieve a minimum number of CPD points each year. These points can be accumulated in many ways including taking appropriate training courses, attending conferences, reflective study etc. Most professional bodies approve courses provided by experienced training providers, recommend them to their members, and award a number of CPD points on their successful completion. Courses approved by professional bodies, such as the Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT) have undergone a rigorous review to receive approval and this is undoubtedly a hallmark of quality. A course approved by one professional body will usually have some CPD value to another professional body too as long as the subject is appropriate. Please note. A CPD certificate is classed as a certificated course or course attendance. It is only when case studies or reflective practice is added to the course that a CPD course turns into a diploma or qualification. For information on the difference between a CPD Certificate and Diploma, please click here. If you require any help or advice regarding CPD, please don’t hesitate to call Anatomy and Physiology Online on 01273 974 954.