What is CPD?
CPD (Continuing Professional Development) is any learning outside of undergraduate training that helps you maintain and improve performance, covering knowledge, skills, attitudes and behaviours across professional practice.
What is the RCPCH CPD scheme?
Our CPD scheme provides a framework to assess your educational needs, plan learning activities and demonstrate alignment with General Medical Council requirements for CPD and revalidation.
Participants in the scheme will have access to the RCPCH online CPD Diary (this is hosted on the same platform as ePortfolio). This provides a user friendly, intuitive way to maintain an up-to-date record of your CPD activities.
See more about CPD Diary and how to access
Who should use the scheme and is it free for members?
All career grade (not in training) paediatricians should participate in a CPD scheme. We recommend the RCPCH CPD scheme.
This is a member benefit. It is free to members in these membership types:
- Associate
- Ordinary (non-trainee)
- Senior members
- Senior Fellows
Members who are in paediatric training will instead use ePortfolio. They can join the CPD scheme once they have achieved their certification of completion of training (CCT) or equivalent.
Non-members may purchase an annual subscription - see below.
What are the key element of the scheme?
- Emphasis on flexibility, balance and self-accreditation – any activity that you learn from can be recorded as CPD
- Expectation that doctors should reflect on their learning, in line with GMC requirements
- Simple CPD categories of non clinical and clinical, subdivided into internal, external and personal CPD
- Reduced focus on CPD credits
What balance of CPD should I aim for?
Activities should fall under “clinical” or “non‑clinical,” and may be categorised as external, internal or personal CPD. A balanced mix across categories is expected.
What counts as evidence for CPD activities?
Evidence may include certificates, reflective notes, or documentation demonstrating participation.
Can I include activities not approved by RCPCH?
Yes. Any activity that provides educational benefit is eligible for CPD, even if not formally approved.
Do I need to do CPD if I’ve retired from the NHS or my national health service?
If you continue to undertake private, medico‑legal or advisory work, CPD remains essential.
What are the recommendations for CPD during parental leave, ill health or extended absence?
RCPCH provides flexible allowances and acknowledges reduced or adapted CPD activity during extenuating circumstances.
If I'm not a member, how can I access the scheme?
Doctors who are not RCPCH members can subscribe for an annual fee. This is currently £205.
You will need to have an RCPCH online account (see how to create your account).
Log in to the RCPCH website, go to My account and follow the links to subscribe to CPD Diary. Once you have paid by credit card or debit card, you'll be able to access CPD Diary via your RCPCH account.
You will also be able to renew each year.