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Why CPD training is your shortcut to success

Written by: RICS Recruit
Published on: 7 Apr 2021

cpd training

To many surveyors, completing CPD or extra training may just seem like one more on the to-do list. Perhaps you leave your CPD to the last minute or struggle to complete all of the hours.

This guide will help you to see the benefits of completing CPD. It will help you find an approach that works for you.

 

What is CPD and how much do I need to do? 

For RICS qualified surveyors, Continual Personal Development (CPD) is now a requirement to renew your membership. Members must complete and record a minimum of 20 hours of CPD activity within each calendar year.

It's a required part of membership that RICS surveyors are up to date with changes in the industry. But it also is a great opportunity to widen your knowledge and expertise. There are three types of CPD:

  • Formal CPD – structured learning with clear objectives and outcomes. This includes professional courses, structured online training, technical authorship, learning which includes an assessment measure or self-managed learning that can be assessed by an expert third party. You must complete at least 10 hours of this activity.
  • Informal CPD – self-managed learning that must be relevant or related to your professional role. This includes private study, on-the-job training, attending informal seminars or events where the focus is knowledge sharing. You must complete at least 10 hours of this activity.
  • As well as the above, there is a requirement to maintain a current understanding of RICS professional and ethical standards during a rolling three-year period. This learning counts towards your formal CPD.

Once you’ve completed any activities that count towards your CPD requirements, it’s vital that you record them. CPD records can be kept up to date on www.rics.org/cpd by logging in using your member details or via the RICS CPD app.

 

What doesn't count as CPD? 

 Any activity that does not have a clear learning objective relating to your role and specialism will not be considered as appropriate CPD. For instance, networking, social events, informal team building, involvement on boards, committees or clubs that have little or no relevance to your professional role. However, you may wish to consider keeping a separate record of these activities to help you monitor your own personal development.

 

How can I get my CPD? 

There are a variety of ways that you can complete your CPD every year. Thinking carefully at the beginning of every year about what you’d like to achieve. Planning your CPD around these objectives will help you to reach the required 20 hours in a way that suits you best.

Some of the options you can consider for completing your CPD hours include:

  • Work-based activities – these include mentoring others, special project work, secondments and more. Professional meetings, panels and working groups are also great ways to grow your CPD hours. Making presentations and writing in publications also count as work-based CPD
  • Informal learning – private study or structured reading is an efficient way to broaden your knowledge. As well as the standard sources of information such as books, journals, lectures and seminars, you can find lots of information on isurv.com
  • Personal activities – these include skills developed outside of the workplace. For example, voluntary work, being a school governor or a member of a Parish council or involvement in local groups or business communities
  • Training courses and seminars – these can be delivered in-house or externally on any topic relevant to your professional/personal development. Long-term qualifications are also a great way to fulfil CPD, including full or part-time study, distance learning, and contributions to original research.

 

Can I ask my employer for CPD or extra training? 

Although your employer has no obligation to offer you extra training, most of them will be keen to help you out if you approach them in the right way. There are a few things that you can keep in mind when asking your employer for extra training or CPD support:

  • Research and present options – rather than just looking up one particular provider and course, look up a few different options in terms of training delivery and costs for your employer to consider. For example, is there an option where they could deliver the training in-house rather than externally?
  • Could a mentor be the answer? There are many advantages to having the right mentor
  • Think about the benefits – colleagues often have to prove the ROI of any extra training they’re requesting. If you can present the benefits and return on investment that they’ll gain straight away, it’ll be more likely to be approved quickly.

RICS provides comprehensive training and events opportunities for all Members.