CPD Points for Teachers: A Practical Guide to Professional Development

CPD Points for Teachers: What They Mean and How to Record Your Professional Development

Continuing professional development (CPD) helps teachers keep their knowledge and practice up to date throughout their careers. Courses and training may be advertised as offering “CPD points” or “CPD credits”, but there is no single points system that applies to every teacher or education provider across the UK. It is important to check what a course’s CPD claim means and whether it meets your school’s, employer’s or professional body’s requirements.

What are CPD points?

CPD points are a way some organisations describe the learning associated with a course, event or training activity. They are intended to help participants record their professional learning. The term is not used consistently: one provider may award points based on the length of a session, while another may use its own assessment or accreditation criteria.

For that reason, a CPD point should not automatically be treated as equivalent to a point awarded by another provider. Before enrolling, check how the points are calculated, what evidence you will receive and whether your employer recognises the activity.

Are CPD points compulsory for teachers in the UK?

There is no single UK-wide requirement for teachers to collect a set number of CPD points each year. Expectations and professional arrangements vary between the nations of the UK, as well as between employers, schools and roles. Some schools may ask staff to take part in specified training or to document professional learning, while particular career stages or responsibilities may involve additional requirements.

Teachers should check current guidance from the relevant education authority or professional body, and speak to their line manager or professional learning lead if they are unsure what applies to them. A provider’s statement that a course is “CPD accredited” does not, by itself, guarantee that it fulfils a particular employer’s requirements.

What activities can count as teacher CPD?

CPD can include much more than attending a formal course. Depending on the purpose and your employer’s guidance, it may include:

• training courses, conferences and webinars;
• subject-specific workshops and curriculum development;
• peer observation, mentoring and coaching;
• collaborative planning or professional learning communities;
• action research and reflective practice;
• reading and discussing relevant research or professional guidance; and
• training linked to safeguarding, inclusion, assessment or new responsibilities.

The value of an activity lies in how it supports your learning and practice, not simply in the number of points attached to it. A short, focused session may be highly useful if it addresses a clear need and leads to a change in your teaching.

How to choose a CPD course

Before booking, consider whether the activity is relevant to your role and professional goals. Check the course content, the provider’s experience, the time commitment and any follow-up support. If the course advertises CPD points or accreditation, ask:

• How are the points or credits calculated?
• Will you receive a certificate or other proof of participation?
• Is there an assessment or reflective task?
• Does your school or employer recognise this provider’s CPD?
• Can the learning be applied to your current development priorities?

How to keep a useful CPD record

A clear record can help you reflect on your development and discuss it with your manager. For each activity, note the date, title, provider, duration and any points or credits awarded. Add a short reflection describing what you learned, how it relates to your role and what you intend to do differently as a result.

Keep certificates, course materials and relevant notes together in a digital or paper portfolio. Follow your school’s policy on record-keeping and avoid relying on certificates alone: a brief account of the impact on your practice can make the record more meaningful.

Frequently asked questions

Is one CPD point always equal to one hour?

No. Some providers may use that convention, but there is no universal rule. Check the provider’s explanation and confirm whether your employer accepts its approach.

Do online courses count as CPD?

They may do, provided the learning is relevant and meets any requirements set by your employer or professional body. Keep evidence of completion and record how the learning informs your practice.

Do CPD points transfer between providers?

Not necessarily. Points and credits may be based on different systems, so they should not be assumed to be interchangeable. Ask the organisation that needs your record what forms of evidence it accepts.

Making CPD count

CPD points can provide a convenient way to describe participation, but they are only one part of professional learning. The most useful development is purposeful, relevant to your teaching and followed by reflection. Check local requirements, choose activities that address your learning needs and keep a record of what you have gained and how it has influenced your work.

 

Essential FAQs on CPD Points for Teachers: Availability, Requirements, and Earning Methods

1. What CPD is available for teachers?
2. What are the CPD points for teachers in 2026?
3. Do teachers need CPD points?
4. How many CPD points do I need as a teacher?
5. How to get 10 cpd points?

What CPD is available for teachers?

CPD for teachers is available in many formats, including courses, conferences, webinars, subject-specific workshops, safeguarding and inclusion training, and training for new responsibilities. Professional learning can also take place through mentoring, peer observation, collaborative planning, action research and reflective practice. The most suitable option depends on your role, development goals and employer’s requirements, so check the course content, any CPD points offered and whether your school or organisation recognises the activity.

What are the CPD points for teachers in 2026?

In 2026, there is no single UK-wide number of CPD points that teachers must earn each year. Requirements can vary by nation, employer, role and professional body, and CPD points are calculated differently by different providers. Check your school or employer’s current professional-development policy and confirm that any course or activity is recognised before relying on its points.

Do teachers need CPD points?

Teachers do not have to collect CPD points under one universal UK-wide scheme. However, they are generally expected to engage in ongoing professional development, and individual schools, employers or professional bodies may set their own requirements for training and record-keeping. Check the guidance that applies to your role, and remember that useful CPD can be recorded through reflection and evidence of learning, even when no points are awarded.

How many CPD points do I need as a teacher?

There is no single number of CPD points that all teachers in the UK must earn each year. Requirements can vary depending on where you teach, your employer, your role and any relevant professional or regulatory guidance. Check your school’s CPD policy and current guidance for your nation, and ask your line manager if you are unsure. If points are used to record your development, confirm how they are calculated and whether your employer recognises them; focus on the relevance and impact of your learning, not just the total.

How to get 10 cpd points?

To earn 10 CPD points, first check how your school, employer or training provider defines and recognises them, as there is no single points system for teachers across the UK. You may be able to reach the target through one course or by combining activities such as workshops, webinars, conferences and other relevant professional learning. Confirm the points awarded before taking part, keep certificates or other evidence, and record how each activity supports your teaching practice.