What is CPD?
CPD or Continuous Professional Development is the term that is applied to the ongoing training and development an individual undertakes during their working life. CPD can cover a multitude of training and development opportunities; these can include formal seminars and training courses, in-house and informal training, ‘tool-box talks’, the sharing of knowledge with team members, e-learning and webinars and other self-guided study such as reading.
Who has to do it and why does the AA require members to carry out CPD?
The AA requires all Technician, Professional and Fellow members to undertake a specified amount of CPD hours over three years as part of their ongoing commitment to their membership.
When you joined the AA we checked that you had level of knowledge and competency at a particular level to ensure you were suitable to represent the AA as a Technician, Professional or Fellow member. As time goes on we need to ensure that the level of knowledge you demonstrated when you applied is maintained and built upon as best practice is updated and the industry moves forwards. To verify this we randomly sample our members’ CPD every Autumn.
AA Registered Consultants must also complete annual CPD to maintain their status.
How much do I need to complete?
Technician members should complete
30 hours over 3 years or 10 hours per year.
Professional members should complete
40 hours over 3 years, which is approximately 13 hours per year.
Fellow members should aim to complete at least
50 hours over 3 years, which is approximately 16-17 hours per year.
Registered Consultants should complete must complete at least
25 hours of CPD per year.