RICS defines Continuing Professional Development (CPD) as any learning activity that helps you maintain and improve your knowledge, skills, and competence in your professional field.

Qualifying CPD Activities

To qualify as CPD under the RICS framework, activities must meet three criteria:

  • Be relevant to your professional practice — they should relate to your current or prospective job role and enhance your expertise within the surveying and valuation industry.
  • Contribute to your learning — activities should involve active learning and reflection, not just passive consumption of information.
  • Provide evidence of learning — you should be able to document your participation and learning outcomes using certificates, attendance records, or personal reflections.

RICS Monitoring of CPD Compliance

RICS monitors CPD compliance through a two-pronged approach.

APC Interview Scenario

You are nearing the end of your APC journey and during your final assessment interview, the assessor asks you to explain your approach to recording Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activities. Discuss the key principles you follow to ensure your CPD record is accurate, effective, and demonstrates professional commitment.

Key Principles for Recording CPD

My approach to recording CPD is guided by three key principles: accuracy, effectiveness, and commitment.

Accuracy

Effectiveness

Commitment

By consistently adhering to these principles, I have built a comprehensive and accurate CPD record that showcases my commitment to professional development and my dedication to upholding the high standards of the RICS profession.