Step 1: Submit your training for review

The process starts when a training provider submits a course, workshop, webinar, seminar or other learning activity for assessment.

This usually involves providing core information such as the course title, delivery format, intended audience, learning objectives, course duration and supporting materials where relevant. The purpose of this stage is to give a clear picture of what the training is designed to achieve and how it is delivered.

For providers, this is an important first step because good CPD assessment depends on being able to see the structure, purpose and professional relevance of the learning being offered.

Step 2: Initial suitability review

Once the training is submitted, it is reviewed to confirm that it is suitable for CPD accreditation assessment.

At this stage, the focus is on whether the learning appears to be professionally relevant, structured and capable of meeting recognised CPD expectations. Not every activity will automatically be suitable. CPD accreditation is intended for learning that has a clear development purpose and genuine value to the intended audience.

If additional information is needed, it can be requested before the full assessment proceeds.

Step 3: Detailed assessment against CPD criteria

The next stage is the detailed review. This is where the training is assessed against key CPD principles.

The assessment looks at factors such as:

• clarity of learning objectives
• relevance of the content to the target audience
• logical course structure
• quality and consistency of delivery
• appropriateness of duration
• evidence of meaningful learning outcomes
• overall professional value of the activity

This stage matters because CPD accreditation should reflect real educational merit, not simply attendance or promotional content. A structured assessment helps distinguish credible professional learning from material that is too vague, too informal or insufficiently developed.

Before assessment, training should meet key CPD compliance principles to ensure it is suitable for accreditation.

Step 4: Reviewing duration and CPD value

A central part of CPD accreditation is deciding whether the time claimed for the learning activity is appropriate.

CPD hours should reflect the genuine educational value and realistic duration of the activity. This means considering not just the length of the session itself, but whether that time is structured, relevant and proportionate to the stated outcomes.

For training providers, this gives clarity about how many CPD hours can reasonably be attached to a course and helps ensure that certificates and promotional materials are accurate.

Step 5: Accreditation decision

Once the assessment has been completed, a decision is made on whether the training meets the required standard for CPD accreditation.

Where the course satisfies the criteria, it can be approved as CPD accredited. Where improvements are needed, feedback may be given so that the provider can strengthen the structure, clarity or evidence behind the learning activity.

This is one of the reasons independent CPD accreditation has value. The decision is based on review and judgement, not simply on a provider declaring its own training compliant.

Step 6: Certification and approved use

If approved, the provider can then promote the course as CPD accredited in accordance with the approval granted.

This helps training providers show learners, employers, organisations and prospective clients that their training has been independently assessed. It also supports the issue of CPD certificates with greater confidence, provided those certificates accurately reflect the approved learning and CPD hours.

For many providers, this stage is where accreditation starts to deliver commercial value. It strengthens trust, supports marketing and helps position training more credibly in a competitive market.

Why a structured process matters

A proper CPD accreditation process benefits both providers and learners.

For providers, it offers a clear pathway to recognised independent review. It can help improve course positioning, strengthen trust in certificates, and provide reassurance to buyers who want evidence of quality.

For learners and organisations, it provides confidence that the training has been reviewed against defined standards and that the CPD value claimed has a credible basis.

That is why the process should be structured, transparent and assessor-led.

What training providers should prepare

Providers seeking CPD accreditation will usually benefit from having the following ready:

• course overview and description
• learning objectives
• intended audience
• course agenda or structure
• session duration
• delivery method
• supporting materials where applicable

Clear documentation makes the review process smoother and helps the assessor understand how the course delivers professional learning value.

Frequently asked questions

What is the purpose of CPD accreditation?

CPD accreditation is used to confirm that a learning activity has been independently reviewed and found to meet recognised continuing professional development standards.

Can online courses be CPD accredited?

Yes. Online courses, webinars, digital learning programmes and blended training can all be suitable for CPD accreditation where they are structured, relevant and professionally valuable.

Does CPD accreditation guarantee course quality?

It indicates that the course has been independently assessed against CPD criteria, including structure, relevance and learning value. It is not simply a self-declared claim.

How are CPD hours decided?

CPD hours are based on the realistic duration and educational value of the learning activity, not just on a headline time estimate.

Can providers apply for one course or multiple courses?

Both are possible. Some providers seek accreditation for a single flagship course, while others want a wider portfolio reviewed over time.

Apply for CPD accreditation

If you provide professional learning and want a clear, assessor-led route to CPD accreditation, VeriCPD can help you take the next step.

Use the contact page to enquire about submitting your course, workshop, webinar or training programme for independent CPD assessment.

If you are ready to have your training assessed, you can return to our main CPD accreditation page or submit your course for review.