CPD (Continuing Professional Development) is not considered a qualification. However, CPD provides a fantastic opportunity to learn and grow beyond the limitations of our degrees.
Though considered a great opportunity, learners might confuse Continuing Professional Development (CPD) with a qualification.
While both paths empower individuals to excel in their careers, it’s important to understand that CPD, on its own, doesn’t equate to a formal qualification.
Therefore, we aim to clarify any ambiguity or confusion between the two. By the end of this blog, we assure you that you will be well-informed regarding why CPD is not considered a qualification and how it differs from one.
Why CPD is not considered a Qualification?
Continuing Professional Development is an ongoing process of developing and improving your professional skills. It is all about looking for new learning opportunities, improving, growing and keeping oneself up to date with the latest trends and developments in the industry.
CPDs are designed and developed by an organisation or an individual and are never part of an official qualification framework. It only refers to the continuing development of one’s skills therefore must never be seen as a replacement for a qualification.
From attending educational events, seminars, webinars, taking a course, or even reading a publication everything is considered a CPD. These CPD activities can help and lead you to achieve a degree or qualification but CPD isn’t itself a qualification.
What are the Key Differences of CPD and Qualifications?
Since CPD is a continual process unlike any regulated qualification, vocational certification or degree. Following are the key differences between CPD and qualifications:
Regulated Qualifications
Regulated qualifications in England are organised into the 9 levels of the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF), which have been approved by a specialised governmental body to ensure consistent standards.
For instance, the UK’s OfQual is a regulated body that oversees these qualifications, demonstrating that the skills and knowledge needed for one’s chosen field.
If you want to have a solid base for your future career in your relevant and preferred field, starting with regulated qualifications might be a good idea.
CPD, on the other hand, is a lifelong learning that helps improve skills and keeps track of your actions. CPD can supplement and enhance your skills throughout your career, whether formally or informally.
Compared to regulated qualification, it is designed by an individual or organisation which is outside of the qualification framework hence not a qualification.
Vocational Qualification
A vocational qualification is also a formal certification specifically designed to prepare individuals with the required practical skills for specific job areas such as plumbing, hairdressing and so on.
Technical Education allows learners to obtain hands-on experience and develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability skills required for a workplace.
Earning a vocational qualification means that it complies with the National Occupational Standards (NOS) for a particular sector.
In addition to that, all of the vocational qualifications have different levels, each level contains units which has a credit value to track your progress within a qualification
On the contrary, CPD courses have CPD credits or points; each point is equivalent to one hour of learning, emphasising only continuous learning and skill enhancement. This is a great way to measure how many CPDs you have completed within a specific time frame.
Foundation Degree
For those who are unsure and not ready to commit to completing a Bachelor’s Degree but still want to train in a professional setting, a foundation degree is suitable. It is an amalgamation of academic learning with work-based skills.
Foundation degrees are equal to 2 years at university; once completed, you will receive a formal degree certificate; you can either study further or instantly go into a relevant career.
In opposition to that, the outcome of CPD is not a degree but a process of ongoing development for those already in the workforce.
Conclusion
To sum up, Continuing Professional Development is not a qualification, but simply a way to polish your skills and excel in your personal or professional growth.
It can be described as a workshop, training programme, or informal learning, but should not be described as a qualification.
It does not result in acquiring a professional degree or certification it is proof of continuous learning and commitment to staying relevant in your field.
