VeriCPD supports training providers delivering online learning who want to strengthen credibility, build trust and present their courses more professionally.

If you are new to the process, you can also explore our main CPD accreditation page, understand how CPD accreditation works, and learn what makes a course CPD compliant.

Can online courses be CPD accredited?

Yes. Online courses, webinars and digital learning programmes can all be CPD accredited if they meet recognised continuing professional development standards.

The format of delivery does not prevent accreditation. What matters is whether the learning is structured, relevant and professionally valuable.

This means that eLearning, recorded courses, live virtual sessions and blended learning can all be suitable, provided they demonstrate clear learning objectives, defined outcomes and appropriate content.

For many providers, this is an important shift. CPD is no longer limited to classroom-based training. Digital learning is now a core part of professional development across many industries.

What makes an online course suitable for CPD accreditation?

Online courses need to meet the same underlying principles as any other CPD learning activity.

This includes having a clear structure, defined purpose and meaningful outcomes for learners.

• Clear learning objectives and defined aims
• Relevant and up-to-date subject matter
• Logical structure and progression
• Defined learning outcomes
• Professional relevance for the intended audience
• Appropriate duration and depth
• Supporting materials where needed

If you want a deeper breakdown, see our guide to what makes a course CPD compliant.

Online delivery does not reduce the need for structure. In many cases, it increases the importance of clear design, as learners are engaging without direct in-person guidance.

Why CPD accreditation matters for online learning

Online learning is now widely available, which makes it harder for learners and organisations to judge quality.

CPD accreditation helps solve this problem by providing independent confirmation that a course has been reviewed and meets recognised standards.

This can be particularly valuable for newer providers or those offering digital-first training, where trust needs to be established quickly.

• Build trust in online courses and programmes
• Improve credibility in a crowded digital market
• Show that learning has been independently reviewed
• Strengthen the value of course completion certificates
• Support buyers comparing multiple online options
• Improve confidence for employers and organisations

For many providers, CPD accreditation becomes a key differentiator when marketing online learning.

Types of online learning that can be CPD accredited

CPD accreditation can apply to a wide range of digital learning formats.

• Self-paced online courses
• Structured eLearning programmes
• Live webinars and virtual workshops
• Recorded training sessions
• Blended learning programmes
• Membership-based learning platforms

The key factor is not the format itself, but whether the learning delivers structured, relevant and professionally useful content.

If your training is designed to support professional development and includes clear outcomes, it may be suitable for accreditation.

How CPD accreditation works for online courses

The accreditation process for online learning follows the same structured approach used for other training formats.

To see the full process, visit how CPD accreditation works.

Submit your course

Provide details about your online training, including its content, objectives, format and intended audience.

Assessment review

The course is reviewed against CPD criteria, including structure, relevance and learning outcomes.

Accreditation decision

A decision is made based on whether the course meets recognised CPD standards.

Certification issued

Approved courses can be presented as CPD accredited, with supporting recognition where applicable.

Common challenges with online course accreditation

Online training can sometimes be more difficult to assess than face-to-face learning, particularly if the structure is unclear or the content lacks defined outcomes.

Common issues include courses that are too informal, lack clear objectives or are designed primarily for marketing rather than learning.

Providers can improve their chances of accreditation by ensuring that their course is designed as a genuine learning experience rather than a collection of content.

This means focusing on structure, clarity and professional relevance rather than simply delivering information.

How VeriCPD supports online training providers

VeriCPD works with training providers delivering online courses, webinars and digital learning programmes across a wide range of sectors.

We understand that modern learning is flexible and often delivered remotely, so our approach reflects the realities of digital education.

Our structured review process is designed to assess online training fairly and consistently, while still focusing on what matters most — professional value and learner outcomes.

This helps providers present their online courses with greater confidence and credibility.

Frequently asked questions

Can online courses be CPD accredited?

Yes, provided they meet recognised CPD standards and demonstrate clear structure, relevance and learning outcomes.

Are webinars eligible for CPD accreditation?

Yes. Live webinars and virtual workshops can be accredited if they deliver structured professional learning.

Do self-paced courses qualify?

Self-paced courses can be accredited if they are well structured and provide clear learning objectives and outcomes.

Is online learning treated differently?

The format is different, but the core assessment criteria remain the same. The focus is always on learning quality and professional value.

How do I know if my course is suitable?

If your course is structured, relevant and designed to deliver professional learning, it is likely to be suitable for CPD accreditation.

Ready to get your online course CPD accredited?

If you deliver online training and want to strengthen trust in your courses, webinars or digital programmes, VeriCPD can help.

Explore our CPD accreditation page, learn how the process works, or contact us to take the next step.