What Counts as CPD?

Created by Colette Kelly, Modified on Wed, 15 Apr at 1:47 PM by Colette Kelly

At a Glance

CPD (Continued Professional Development) covers the ongoing learning activities that counsellors undertake throughout their careers to keep their skills sharp, stay up to date with developments in the field, and practise safely and ethically. There is a wide range of activities that qualify — more than many people realise.

What Does CPD Stand For?

CPD stands for Continued Professional Development. It refers to any structured learning activity that enhances your knowledge, skills, or practice as a counsellor or psychotherapist.

Engaging in regular CPD is a requirement of most professional bodies and helps ensure you are practising within your evolving scope of competence.

What Activities Count as CPD?

CPD does not have to mean sitting in a classroom. A wide variety of activities can count, including:

Attending conferences or symposiums
Completing e-learning modules or online courses
Watching lectures, attending seminars, or participating in workshops
Reading books, academic journals, or professional articles
Listening to podcasts — including the Counselling Tutor Podcast — where the content is enhancing your practice

The key principle is that the activity should be relevant to your professional development and contribute meaningfully to your practice.

CPD on Your Membership

All lectures come with a CPD certificate for members. This means you can build your CPD record while you are completing your qualification or continuing your professional development — a great way to get ahead and demonstrate your commitment to ongoing learning.

What Should My CPD Record Look Like?

Most professional bodies recommend a mix of different learning activities rather than relying on a single type. That said, you can and should focus on activities that are most relevant to your current development needs and client work.

BACP Guidance on CPD

If you are a BACP member or working towards BACP registration, the BACP provides a comprehensive guide to CPD requirements: BACP Guide to CPD

Still Need Help?

If you have questions about CPD requirements or how to record your learning, our support team is here to help.

Email us at support@counsellingtutor.com and we will be happy to assist.