What are CPD points and why do they matter? In today’s fast-changing working world, keeping your skills sharp is important. Whether you’re advancing your career or maintaining a professional designation, continuing professional development (CPD) plays a crucial role.
What Are CPD Points?
CPD is the ongoing process of building professional skills, knowledge, and experience beyond your basic qualifications or day-to-day work.
CPD points are a measurable way of showing this growth. Most industries use a simple rule: one hour of structured learning equals one CPD point. Some sectors may use different scales, but the purpose is the same: to track and prove your commitment to continuous learning.
By earning CPD points, you demonstrate to employers, clients, and professional bodies that you’re actively maintaining your competence.
Types of CPD Activities
CPD refers to the ongoing process of developing professional skills, knowledge, and experience beyond initial qualifications or day-to-day work duties. It ensures that individuals remain competent and competitive in their professions.
CPD activities are typically divided into three categories:
- Formal CPD:
Structured learning such as online courses (like SafetyCloud’s SAIOSH-verified training), workshops, seminars, and lectures. - Informal CPD:
Unstructured activities such as reading industry publications, listening to relevant podcasts, or reviewing case studies. - Non-formal CPD:
Includes reflective practices like participating in online discussion forums, mentoring others, or engaging in project-based learning.
In South Africa, professional bodies such as SAIOSH, ECSA, and HPCSA often set the standards for what counts as valid CPD, so choosing accredited activities is very important.
How CPD Points Boost Your Career
CPD points are not just about compliance, they’re career currency. They can:
- Strengthen your CV and make you stand out in competitive job markets
- Help you qualify for promotions or salary increases
- Show clients or employers your credibility and professionalism
- Prepare you for career changes in industries being reshaped by technology
In short, CPD points prove that you’re serious about your profession and future-ready.
H2: Why Employers Value CPD
When businesses support CPD, they gain more than just compliance:
- A workforce with up-to-date skills and adaptable mindsets
- Stronger compliance with industry and legal requirements
- Higher staff retention and engagement
- Better operational performance and safety culture
- Easier preparation for inspections or regulator visits
Employers who encourage CPD also position themselves as forward-thinking, helping them attract top talent in a competitive market.
H2: What Is a CPD Plan, and Why Should You Have One?
A CPD plan is a personal or organisational tool that helps define learning goals, track progress, and structure activities. It includes:
- Self-assessment of current skills and competencies
- Identification of learning needs or knowledge gaps
- A timeline of training and development goals
- Reflection on progress and outcomes
For employers, CPD plans help align employee growth with business objectives, making it easier to support performance management and career pathing.
Who Needs CPD in South Africa?
In South Africa, CPD is required or strongly encouraged across most professional industries. It is particularly relevant for:
- Members of professional bodies (e.g. SAIOSH, ECSA, HPCSA)
- Employees in regulated sectors like construction, finance, medicine, and law
- Managers, supervisors, and compliance officers
- Anyone seeking career advancement or formal recognition
Both individuals and businesses are responsible for staying informed about industry-specific CPD requirements, and for ensuring that development activities meet the standards of recognised accrediting bodies.
Frequently Asked Questions About CPD Points
How many CPD points do I need each year?
This depends on your industry. For example, some professional bodies require 20 points annually, while others follow a two-year cycle.
Do online courses count towards CPD points?
Yes. Accredited online training is a widely accepted way to earn CPD points in South Africa.
Who approves CPD points?
Professional bodies such as SAIOSH, ECSA, or HPCSA set the standards and recognise accredited training providers.
Can CPD points be used internationally?
Some are recognised globally, particularly when accredited by well-known bodies. Always confirm with your industry.
Turning CPD Points Into Career Growth
CPD is more than a regulatory requirement. By earning CPD points, you not only stay compliant but also build a stronger career profile, improve employability, and show that you’re serious about professional growth.
The points you collect today can shape the opportunities you have tomorrow. That’s why structured, accredited CPD training should be part of every professional’s journey.
SafetyCloud offers a wide range of SAIOSH-verified CPD courses that are recognised across South Africa. Whether you’re building your own skillset or supporting an entire team, our CPD-compliant training helps you meet regulatory obligations and prove your ongoing competence.