CPD encompasses a big range of self-directed learning. It entails a lot more than simply formal education. CPD allows you to maintain and build abilities that allow you to perform as efficiently as possible. It is a business requirement since it indicates that individuals are progressing and, as a result, the organisation has the knowledge and competence to surpass competitors.
But what exactly is CPD? What makes it a vital requisite? What are the top ten advantages of CPD? This blog post explains everything.
What is CPD?
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is a phrase that refers to professional learning activities that help someone develop and improve their skills. CPD might take the shape of in-house training, training that takes place outside of the company or even independent personal learning.
Many people focus on formal training, but CPD includes any type of activity that allows you to learn and grow. This can take the form of e-learning, case talks, and reading, but it can also take the form of just exchanging information and challenges with coworkers.
What are the benefits?
- Keeping up with other professionals
It is possible for professionals to improve their level of self-improvement as a result of a wide variety of factors; however, not everyone in the profession will improve at the same rate. Professionals can ensure that they keep up with others in their field who are also participating in CPD by making an investment in continuing professional development. For example, Members of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) are required to earn a minimum of 40 units of continuing professional development (CPD) throughout the course of each calendar year.
- Stay in touch with current trends within your industry.
Knowledge can be kept current and relevant through CPD. If you are unable to adapt your knowledge and skills to the rapid pace of change in the industry, you will find that your current knowledge and abilities become increasingly irrelevant. For example, the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) requires Chartered Marketers to provide evidence of having completed at least 35 units of continuing professional development each year.
- Increase productivity in the workplace.
You can improve your performance at work by gaining additional knowledge through continuing professional development. This helps you progress in your career and take you to positions in which you can lead, manage, and mentor other people. For example, every year, the Institute of Sales and Marketing Management encourages all of its members to participate in continuing professional development for at least 20 hours.
- You maintain an interest in the work that you do.
You can maintain your interest and involvement with your profession if you participate in CPD programmes. Indeed it will help you expand your knowledge and possibilities to not stay stuck in the same place forever. When you have more of an interest in something, you are better able to concentrate on it and therefore be more productive.
- Build the ability to contribute to the expansion of the existing body of knowledge and technology within your profession.
If you make an investment in continuing professional development (CPD), you will be able to keep up with the latest information and technology used in your profession and even contribute to its overall improvement.