CPD Accreditation Criteria and Assessment Standards
VeriCPD Course Accreditation Standards and Assessment Framework | Current Version – October 2026
VeriCPD assesses training courses against a structured framework of 31 CPD accreditation criteria, covering educational design, technical accuracy, learner assessment, accessibility, quality assurance and overall professional development value.
Our assessment standards provide training providers with a clear understanding of the evidence required to demonstrate that their courses are suitable for CPD accreditation.
This page explains the standards VeriCPD applies when evaluating courses and how assessment findings influence accreditation decisions.
If you are developing a course and want to understand the general characteristics of suitable CPD training, read our guide to what makes a course CPD compliant .
VeriCPD’s 31-Point Course Assessment Framework
The VeriCPD framework comprises 30 individual assessment criteria across six categories, followed by a final overall educational-quality judgement.
Each criterion is considered in relation to the course’s intended learners, educational purpose, complexity and method of delivery.
Criteria 1–5
1. Course Design
We examine whether the course has a defined purpose, appropriate learning objectives, an identified target audience, a logical structure and credible CPD hours.
Criteria 6–10
2. Educational Design
We evaluate the suitability of learning activities, instructional methods, learner engagement, inclusive teaching and opportunities to reinforce or apply professional learning.
Criteria 11–15
3. Assessment and Learning Evaluation
We consider how learning is evaluated, whether assessment arrangements match the stated outcomes, the quality of feedback and how completion or achievement is confirmed.
Criteria 16–20
4. Technical Quality
We assess factual accuracy, currency of information, relevant legislation and professional standards, supporting sources and appropriate subject expertise.
Criteria 21–25
5. Learner Experience
We examine the clarity of course materials, ease of use, accessibility, learner guidance, support arrangements and opportunities for feedback.
Criteria 26–30
6. Administration and Quality Assurance
We review learner records, certificate accuracy, course administration, quality assurance arrangements, accreditation claims and procedures for managing material course changes.
Criterion 31
7. Overall Educational Quality
The assessor makes a final evidence-based professional judgement about whether the course, considered as a whole, provides sufficient educational quality and identifiable CPD value to justify accreditation.
VeriCPD does not expect a short awareness webinar to demonstrate the same depth of assessment or documentation as an advanced professional training programme. Nevertheless, every course must satisfy all applicable core requirements.
What Evidence Do We Examine?
VeriCPD’s accreditation decisions are based on the training materials and supporting evidence submitted for assessment.
Depending on the course, we may request:
- Course specifications, outlines or syllabuses.
- Learning aims, objectives and intended outcomes.
- Training presentations, manuals and learner resources.
- Lesson plans, activities or online course access.
- Assessment questions, marking guidance or evaluation methods.
- Trainer qualifications, experience or technical-review evidence.
- Course duration and proposed CPD learning hours.
- Sample certificates and completion arrangements.
- Quality assurance and course-review procedures.
- Technical references and relevant professional guidance.
Evidence requirements are proportionate to the course and the claims made about learning or achievement. Newly developed courses may submit proposed procedures and certificate templates where historical records are not yet available.
Are Examinations Required for CPD Accreditation?
A formal examination is not mandatory for every course assessed by VeriCPD.
The appropriate method of evaluating learning depends on the course’s purpose, complexity, duration and intended learning outcomes.
Suitable approaches may include knowledge checks, assignments, practical demonstrations, case studies, professional discussion, structured reflection or verified participation.
Where a course claims that learners have demonstrated specific competence, the assessment evidence must adequately support that claim.
Accreditation of a course does not mean VeriCPD has independently assessed the occupational competence of every learner completing it.
How Are CPD Accreditation Criteria Graded?
Each applicable criterion is evaluated using one of three assessment outcomes.
Meets Standard
The submitted evidence satisfactorily demonstrates compliance with the criterion.
Meets Standard with Recommendation
The essential requirement has been satisfied, but opportunities for improvement have been identified.
Does Not Meet Standard
The evidence is insufficient or reveals a material deficiency that must be addressed before the requirement can be considered satisfied.
Where a criterion is genuinely inapplicable, the assessor records the reason rather than automatically treating the criterion as satisfied.
What Standard Must a Course Meet to Be Accredited?
VeriCPD does not approve courses solely because they achieve a particular numerical score or percentage of satisfactory criteria.
All applicable core criteria must meet the required standard before accreditation can be awarded.
This includes the final overall educational-quality judgement under Criterion 31.
Accreditation Approved
All applicable core requirements are satisfied. Recommendations may accompany approval where improvements are desirable but not essential.
Accreditation Deferred – Improvements Required
One or more applicable requirements have not been satisfied. The training provider is informed of the deficiencies and may submit revised materials or additional evidence.
Accreditation Declined
Accreditation may be declined where material deficiencies remain unresolved or the evidence demonstrates that approval would be inappropriate.
Courses containing materially inaccurate technical information, potentially dangerous advice or misleading regulatory claims cannot be approved until the relevant deficiencies are resolved.
How Does VeriCPD Maintain Accreditation Integrity?
Accreditation applies to the course and supporting evidence reviewed at the time of approval.
Providers are responsible for maintaining accurate course materials, appropriate learner records and truthful certification and accreditation claims.
Material changes to accredited training must be notified to VeriCPD where they may affect the basis of the original approval.
VeriCPD may review, suspend or withdraw accreditation where serious quality, safety or integrity concerns arise, subject to appropriate review procedures.
Further information is available in our accreditation terms and conditions .
Frequently Asked Questions About CPD Accreditation Criteria
What are the main CPD accreditation requirements?
VeriCPD evaluates course design, educational methods, learning evaluation, technical accuracy, learner experience, quality assurance and overall educational value against its 31-criterion framework.
Does every criterion have to be satisfied?
All applicable core criteria must meet the required standard. Recommendations may be issued where the essential requirement is satisfied but improvements would enhance the course.
Can online and workplace courses meet the criteria?
Yes. VeriCPD can assess online, classroom, workplace, distance-learning and blended courses. Requirements are applied proportionately to the delivery format and intended learning outcomes.
Does a CPD course need a formal examination?
No. Appropriate learning evaluation may include knowledge checks, discussion, reflection, practical activities or verified participation, depending on the nature of the course.
Can a newly developed course be accredited?
Yes. Newly developed courses may be considered where sufficient training materials and documented arrangements are available to demonstrate that the applicable standards have been met.
Can I obtain the detailed 31-point criteria?
Yes. Training providers may request the detailed VeriCPD Course Accreditation Standards and Assessment Framework to help them prepare their course submissions.
Is VeriCPD accreditation an Ofqual-regulated qualification?
No. VeriCPD accreditation is an independent evaluation of a course against VeriCPD’s CPD standards. It does not confer regulated qualification status or independently certify an individual learner’s occupational competence.
Request the Full VeriCPD Assessment Criteria
We believe training providers should understand the standards against which their courses are evaluated.
The detailed VeriCPD 31-criterion assessment framework is available to prospective applicants upon request.
Whether you are preparing a new course or seeking accreditation for established training, you can contact us for further information about our assessment requirements.
Alternatively, learn how the VeriCPD accreditation process works or read our guide explaining how to apply for CPD accreditation .