Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is the descriptor for the learning activities in which professionals engage to maintain, develop, and enhance their skills. By undertaking CPD an individual ensures their skills and qualifications do not become out-dated or obsolete.  

CPD may be categorised in two main types

Active CPD

Active CPD involves interactive and participatory study. This type of CPD would include attendance at courses, conferences, workshops, seminars, lectures, and e-learning events. Examinations and assessment processes would also be considered active CPD.

Passive CPD

Passive CPD is sometimes described as reflective CPD and requires no interaction between the participant and the knowledge provider. This type of CPD may include reading, listening to, or viewing, relevant news articles, trade journals, research materials, and presentations.  podcasts & case studies.

Some self-directed CPD may derive value from both active and passive learning.

The Society of Naturopaths requires members to complete a minimum of 20 hours of appropriate CPD each year.  SoN provide advice, guidance, and recommendation on appropriate CPD to members.