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What constitutes verifiable CPD?

Many ACCA members are keen to stick to their New Year's resolution of being more organised about their continuing professional development (CPD), which is why now is the ideal time to clarify what constitutes verifiable CPD.

Verifiable CPD need not be confined to technical accounting topics, or certifiable training courses. In fact, it could involve work-based learning, may cover computing or marketing skills, and might not require any financial outlay. The critical factor is relevance.

When considering potential activity, ask yourself the following three crucial questions:

1. Is it going to be relevant to my career?

• Will it help me provide a more effective service to clients?
• Will I be able to better help my employer; for instance, by creating efficiencies, saving money or helping to identify new revenue streams?
• Will it help me to become a more rounded professional?

2. How easy will it be for me to explain how I will apply what I’ve learned in the workplace?

• Will I be able to provide tangible examples of how my clients or employer have benefited?
• Can I identify ways to subsequently pass on my skills or knowledge to colleagues or subordinates through coaching or workshops?
• Can I demonstrate how I can perform my job better by undertaking this activity?

3. Will I be able to provide evidence that I undertook this activity?

• If I attend an internal training course, I will need to access records kept by HR/line managers; I could ensure my attendance (and satisfactory completion) is signed off; I might also ask relevant trainers to confirm my participation at a later date with ACCA's CPD team.
• If I'm going to receive coaching, I should keep copies of all records; for example, my diary dates (or my coach's), any notes I take, and correspondence with my coach before and after a session.
• If I plan to undertake my own independent research or study, I should take notes (including dates and sources such as websites or magazines), taking care to include relevance to job and subsequent application in the workplace
• If I'm going to attend a strategy meeting or get briefed by external or internal experts on an issue of potential future importance to my role, I should keep copies of the agenda, purpose and outcome, especially if I then take further action (for example, making a new hire, making a purchasing decision, merging, or closing a team or site).

Remember to avoid restricting yourself with misconceptions about what ACCA will find 'acceptable' as CPD.

For more resources and examples of CPD, visit www.accaglobal.com/members/cpd