CPD
3 synonyms for CPD, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — Continuing professional development: the training, courses and structured learning that people in a regulated profession must undertake to keep their skills and registration current.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
professional development
in-service training
continuing education
How to use CPD
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
CPD hours
CPD points
accredited CPD
CPD requirements
CPD log
Standard in British, Irish and Commonwealth professional life; North American bodies more often say continuing education, or CE credits.
Etymology
An initialism of continuing professional development.
Full origin of CPD →Frequently asked questions
What does CPD mean?
Continuing professional development — the learning that qualified professionals such as nurses, teachers, engineers, solicitors and accountants must keep doing after they qualify. Most regulators set a minimum number of hours or points per year.
What is the difference between CPD and CME?
CME, continuing medical education, is the doctors' version and focuses on clinical knowledge. CPD is broader, covering any profession and including non-clinical skills such as leadership, ethics and communication.
What counts as CPD?
Formal courses, conferences, webinars and qualifications usually count, and many regulators also accept structured reading, mentoring, peer review and reflective writing. What matters is that it relates to your role and that you can evidence it.
