Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is a must for anyone looking to stay relevant and up-to-date in their field, but also to consistently develop their skills and offer the best service to their clients. Yet, while many of us engage in CPD regularly, how many of us actually track it in a structured way?


Reflecting on My Own CPD Journey

Recently, I was helping a client put together a personal development plan - a roadmap outlining where they currently stand and where they want to go in their career. Not long after, I assisted an accountant in creating a CPD tracker to help them document their professional growth. These experiences got me reflecting on my own journey and, more specifically, on how I have approached CPD in the past.

I love planning and organising, but if you were to ask me how many CPD hours I completed in 2024 or what I specifically learnt and focused on, I wouldn’t be able to give you a clear answer. I’ve always prioritised personal and professional growth, but my approach has been far from structured.

That got me thinking… If I want to make the most of my CPD efforts, I need a simple yet effective way to document them.


My CPD Tracker

To keep things straightforward, I’ve decided to create a simple CPD tracker that includes the following details:

  • Name of the course/session: This could be anything from a formal course to a webinar or conference.

  • Description: A brief summary of what the course covers.

  • Delivered by: Who facilitated or led the session.

  • Date: When I attended or completed the session.

  • Duration: How long it lasted.

  • Cost: Any expenses incurred.

  • Reflection Notes: My thoughts on what I learnt and how I might apply it (and also what other resources may complement this course - book or software)?

This approach doesn’t need to be overly complicated. Some professions may require more detailed records, but if you’re in one of those fields, you likely already have a formal CPD tracker.


My Personal Development Goals

Reflecting on my own skills, I realised I want to improve my public speaking and video presentation abilities this year. While I’m confident in delivering content, I don’t feel as comfortable on camera (and speaking in public) as I’d like to be. So, I’ve started researching courses focused on public speaking and delivering impactful videos. Documenting these plans as part of my CPD will help me stay accountable and track my progress.


Last Thoughts

Whatever you choose to focus on this year, having a structured CPD plan will help you stay on top of your goals. I think the key is to stay proactive and book it in the diary (because if it is not in there, it is unlikely to happen). So, take a moment to think about what you’d like to focus on this year and start tracking your journey.

What will your next development milestone be?