Top tips for completing your CIPR CPD cycle before 31st March

By Samantha Crowe, CIPR NW Committee Member

The CIPR CPD cycle closes on 31 March. If panic has set in, then fear not. We’ve summarised what you need to know and do to help you crack the challenge in time.

A quick recap on what’s required
• The CIPR CPD cycle runs from 1 April to 31 March. To complete your CPD cycle you must log 60 CPD points. These points are recorded online, visible on your dashboard, and tailored to your membership status.

• Learning is logged across two streams: 1. Developing yourself and 2: Supporting others.

• You can earn points in both streams, but there are minimum requirements depending on your membership level.

• ‘Starting Out’ members need to earn at least 40 points in stream 1, and minimum of 5 ethics points. The remaining points can be logged in either or both streams. 

• ‘Accredited members’ must earn at least 20 points in stream 1 and a minimum of 5 ethics points. The remaining points can be logged in either or both streams. 

• ‘Chartered Practitioners’ or ‘Fellows’ must record a minimum 5 ethics points, and the remaining points can be logged in either or both streams. 

Top tip! Ethics points are mandatory for everyone, so if you haven’t logged these yet, make this your priority.

How many points can you get for different types of learning?
5 CPD points can be earned by attending a CIPR or other industry event, taking part in a coaching or mentoring session, reading a short publication or guide, completing a webinar or e-learning session, listening to a relevant podcast. 

10 CPD points are awarded for reading a relevant book, attending a one-day training course, or spending seven hours on a research or learning project. 

20 CPD points are reserved for tasks that span days. For example, you might spend two days on a research project, join and actively take part in a CIPR committee, or use your PR skills in a voluntary role or by being a CIPR mentor. 

How to build your CPD points quickly
CPD is designed to fit around your working life, so you may find you can log points for things you’ve already done. 

Run back through the diary and look for quick wins. These could be relevant events you’ve been to, time you’ve spend coaching or mentoring, articles you’ve read in PR Week, or podcasts you’ve listened to. 

Get organised
We’ll be running two online CPD sessions so NW members can come together and spend an hour focussing on their CPD. Just join the call and quietly get on with it - no need to interact!  It’s simply a way of helping you commit to getting an hour of CPD done.  Look out for session dates on our socials. 

Use the dashboard and get recommendations
The CPD dashboard regularly shows latest additions to the CPD library. These are often topical and relevant to debates going on so take your cue from them. 

Also, ask your colleagues and peers what’s stood out for them. Our February newsletter will include things our committee would recommend people read, watch or listen to.

Break it down
Check your dashboard now to see exactly how many points you need and in which streams. Prioritise your ethics points if they’re outstanding as these are mandatory no matter what. Then work out what type of learning will get you over the line the quickest. If you’re strapped for time through the week then finding time to fit in a couple of 5 point exercises might be better than trying to fit in a 10 point one. 

Remember that your learning doesn’t have to always be formal. Everyday professional development counts so don’t dismiss the hours you’ve put into research how your organisation can use AI or is ready to handle an incident. 

You can read more detailed information about completing your CPD in the CPD Handbook which can be downloaded here  (scroll to bottom of the page). 

Good luck!