A Doctor’s Guide to CPD Points

How to Understand, Earn, and Reflect on CPD for GMC Revalidation and Career Growth

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is more than just a requirement for revalidation – it’s a vital part of a doctor’s professional life. From building your clinical expertise to strengthening your teaching, leadership, and communication skills, CPD underpins every aspect of modern medical practice..

Whether you’re an NHS consultant, a junior doctor in training, or working locum shifts across different Trusts, staying up to date through CPD ensures you can continue to provide safe, high-quality care – and demonstrate that commitment clearly to appraisers, employers, and patients alike.

This guide explains everything doctors in the UK need to know about CPD: what counts, how it’s measured, how to log and reflect on your learning, and which courses can offer the most value. We’ll also cover common questions about CPD points, including how they relate to GMC revalidation, portfolio building, and personal development planning.

Throughout, we’ll highlight how Medset’s CPD-accredited courses – designed by doctors, for doctors – can help you not only meet your requirements but genuinely develop skills that matter in everyday practice.

Contents

1. What Are CPD Points?
   
   
2. Why CPD Matters for Doctors
   
   
3. How CPD Fits Into GMC Revalidation
   
   
4. Types of CPD Activities
   
   
5. How CPD Points Are Calculated and Logged
   
   
6. How to Choose the Right CPD Courses
   
   
7. How to Reflect on CPD for Appraisal
   
   
8. Recommended CPD Courses from Medset
   
   
9. CPD Tips for Locum and Non-Training Doctors  in
   
   
10. FAQs About CPD for Doctors

1. What Are CPD Points?

CPD stands for Continuing Professional Development – a structured approach to learning which enables doctors to maintain and enhance their knowledge, skills, and performance throughout their careers. The term “CPD points” (also referred to as CPD hours or credits) is simply a way of quantifying the time spent on educational activities that count toward your development.

What Exactly Is a CPD Point?

Most professional bodies define one CPD point as equivalent to one hour of active learning. This could be anything from attending a seminar to completing an accredited online course, participating in a clinical audit, or even reflecting on a complex case. The key factor is that the activity must:

• Be relevant to your scope of practice
  
  
• Contribute to your professional development
  
  
• Involve measurable or reflective learning
  
  

While the General Medical Council (GMC) doesn’t demand a specific number of points for revalidation, many royal colleges and employers recommend a minimum of 50 CPD points per year, or 250 over a five-year revalidation cycle. Some specialties or roles may require more.

Note: The GMC emphasises quality over quantity. Rather than collecting hours for the sake of it, the focus is on engaging in meaningful CPD and demonstrating sincere reflection during your annual appraisal.

What Kinds of Activities Can Count Toward CPD Points?

CPD isn’t limited to formal teaching. You can gain CPD points through a broad range of activities, including:

• Online learning modules (e.g., Medset’s CPD-accredited courses)
  
  
• Attending lectures, conferences, and workshops
  
  
• Participating in simulation training or skills labs
  
  
• Giving presentations or teaching
  
  
• Reading journals or engaging in self-directed study
  
  
• Contributing to quality improvement or clinical governance projects
  
  
• Reflecting on patient cases, adverse events, or ethical dilemmas
  
  

Ultimately, if an activity helps you develop professionally and you can show evidence of participation and learning, it can likely be included in your CPD record.

CPD Is About Growth, Not Just Compliance

While CPD points are necessary for appraisals and revalidation, the true value lies in personal and professional growth. Good CPD not only strengthens your clinical competence—it boosts confidence, supports career progression, and ensures you continue to deliver safe, evidence-based care.

In the next section, we’ll look at why CPD matters, not just from a regulatory perspective, but as a foundation for thriving in today’s fast-changing healthcare landscape.

2. Why CPD Matters for Doctors

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is more than just a regulatory requirement—it is a vital part of being a safe, competent, and forward-thinking healthcare professional. In a field as dynamic and high-stakes as medicine, regular learning isn’t optional—it’s essential.

Staying Clinically Competent

At its core, CPD helps doctors maintain and sharpen their clinical knowledge and skills. Medicine evolves rapidly: new research, updated NICE guidelines, changes to legislation, advances in technology, and new treatments all shape clinical practice. Without structured CPD, doctors risk falling behind on developments that could directly impact patient care.

By engaging in regular, structured CPD, doctors ensure that they:

• Practice according to the latest evidence-based guidelines
  
  
• Remain competent across the full scope of their role
  
  
• Adapt effectively to changes in healthcare systems and patient expectations
  
  

As the General Medical Council (GMC) states, CPD must cover the entire scope of practice; including communication, leadership, ethical decision-making, and much more, not simply clinical tasks.

Supporting Professional Development and Career Growth

CPD is also a powerful tool for career progression. Whether you’re applying for a new role, aiming for a leadership position, or preparing for specialist training, your CPD record speaks volumes.

Benefits include:

• Strengthening your medical CV or portfolio
  
  
• Earning points or credits for specialty applications or consultant interviews
  
  
• Demonstrating commitment to lifelong learning and patient safety
  
  
• Building new capabilities in teaching, management, research or digital health
  
  

Courses like Medset’s Train the Trainers, Medical Leadership & Management, and the upcoming Advanced Communication module, are all specifically designed to enhance professional credibility and open doors to wider opportunities within and beyond clinical practice.

Enhancing Patient Safety and Outcomes

Numerous studies link regular, high-quality CPD with improved patient outcomes. Doctors who are up to date are better equipped to:

• Make accurate diagnoses
  
  
• Minimise errors
  
  
• Communicate effectively in high-pressure situations
  
  
• Offer compassionate, informed care that meets current standards
  
  

CPD is therefore an essential part of maintaining public trust in the medical profession. It reassures patients, colleagues, and regulators that doctors are committed to excellence in care and not the bare minimum.

Preventing Burnout and Encouraging Reflection

In an environment where clinicians often experience burnout d and can feel overwhelmed, CPD also offers a chance to step back and reflect—to re-engage with learning, connect with peers, and refocus on personal and professional goals.

It can:

• Prevent stagnation by encouraging curiosity and growth
  
  
• Improve wellbeing through structured time for self-development
  
  
• Build resilience by revisiting your “why” for working in medicine
  
  

Key Takeaway

CPD is not a tick-box exercise. Done well, it’s a meaningful and rewarding part of a doctor’s life. It builds your knowledge, safeguards your patients, strengthens your portfolio, and keeps your career moving forward.

Next, we’ll explore how CPD fits into GMC revalidation—and what you need to know to stay compliant and prepared.

3. How CPD Fits Into GMC Revalidation

For every doctor practising in the UK, revalidation is a formal process that demonstrates your ongoing fitness to practise. At the heart of this process is evidence of meaningful CPD. Understanding how CPD supports revalidation is essential – not only for compliance but for maintaining a high standard of care throughout your medical career.

What Is GMC Revalidation?

Revalidation is the GMC’s mechanism for ensuring doctors remain up to date and fit to practise. It happens every five years and requires input from an annual appraisal process. During this appraisal, you must reflect on key areas of your practice and present supporting evidence – including your CPD activity.

The purpose of revalidation is to:

• Confirm you are engaging in ongoing development relevant to your work
  
  
• Provide assurance to patients, colleagues, and regulators
  
  
• Encourage reflective practice and continuous improvement
  
  
• Support your personal and professional development plans
  
  

CPD as One of the Six Required Evidence Areas

To successfully revalidate, you must reflect on six types of supporting information across your revalidation cycle:

1. Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
   
   
2. Quality improvement activity
   
   
3. Significant events
   
   
4. Feedback from patients (or service users)
   
   
5. Feedback from colleagues
   
   
6. Compliments and complaints
   
   

CPD is the primary listing for a reason – it’s foundational. Without clear evidence of regular, structured CPD that covers the whole scope of your work, you may be at risk of a negative appraisal outcome, which in turn can affect your license to practise.

GMC Requirements for CPD

While the GMC doesn’t mandate a specific number of CPD points or hours, it sets clear expectations:

• CPD must be annual: Doctors are expected to engage in CPD activities every year, not just during revalidation years.
  
  
• It should be relevant: Your CPD should align with your current scope of work and any evolving roles or responsibilities.
  
  
• It must be reflective: You need to show how the CPD activity impacted your practice, not just that it happened.
  
  
• It should be documented: You must keep a clear record of activities, reflections, learning outcomes, and supporting evidence (e.g. certificates or notes).
  
  

Your CPD should also feed into your Personal Development Plan (PDP), which outlines your goals for the year ahead and provides structure for ongoing growth.

CPD for Different Scopes of Practice

Doctors work in a wide range of settings: clinical, academic, managerial, educational, or a blend of several. Your CPD needs to reflect your unique scope of practice, whether you are:

• A consultant managing complex surgical cases
  
  
• A GP balancing clinical and community roles
  
  
• A locum working across multiple NHS Trusts
  
  
• A doctor in education or leadership roles
  
  

Each of these paths require targeted CPD that enhances the skills, knowledge, and behaviours relevant to that context.

Appraisal and CPD: What’s Expected?

At your annual appraisal, you will need to:

• Present a summary of CPD activities undertaken in the past year
  
  
• Provide evidence of learning, such as CPD certificates, reflective notes, or completion screenshots
  
  
• Reflect on what was most useful or impactful and why
  
  
• Demonstrate alignment between your CPD, PDP, and feedback
  
  

This reflection is often more important than the number of hours completed. Appraisers want to see depth and relevance, not just quantity.

What Happens If You Don’t Engage?

Doctors who fail to provide sufficient CPD evidence as part of revalidation risk:

• Having their revalidation recommendation delayed or deferred
  
  
• Entering a non-engagement process with the GMC
  
  
• Losing their license to practise
  
  

According to data from the GMC, thousands of doctors have had their licenses withdrawn for not meeting revalidation standards—often due to lack of CPD documentation or appraisal participation.

Key Takeaway

CPD is a cornerstone of your revalidation journey. It’s not enough to collect certificates—you must engage meaningfully, reflect thoughtfully, and document your development across all areas of your practice. When done well, CPD strengthens your appraisal, safeguards your GMC license, and enhances your professional identity.

Next, we’ll explore the many types of CPD activities you can include in your portfolio—far beyond traditional courses or lectures.

4. How CPD Points Are Calculated and Logged

When it comes to Continuing Professional Development, many doctors wonder: how many CPD points do I actually need? How are they counted? And what’s the best way to track them for my appraisal?

While the GMC doesn’t impose a fixed number of hours or points, most professional bodies and appraisers recommend a structured and consistent approach to CPD logging. Understanding how points are calculated – and how to document them properly – will help you stay organised, meet appraisal requirements, and build a strong portfolio that reflects your commitment to high-quality patient care.

What Are CPD Points?

CPD points are a way of quantifying learning. Most organisations, including the CPD Certification Service, define one CPD point as equivalent to one hour of active learning. This applies whether you’re attending a webinar, completing an online course, participating in a QI project, or reading an academic journal with reflection.

Examples:

• A 2-hour Medset online course = 2 CPD points
  
  
• Attending a full-day (6-hour) teaching session = 6 CPD points
  
  
• Reading a medical article followed by a written reflection = typically 0.5 – 1 CPD point, depending on depth
  
  

The key is that the activity must be relevant to your practice, contribute to your development, and ideally be reflected on.

How Many CPD Points Do Doctors Need?

• GMC Requirements: There is no mandated number of points. Instead, CPD must:
  
  
  • Be undertaken every year
    
    
  • Reflect the full scope of your medical practice
    
    
  • Align with your personal development plan (PDP)
    
    
  • Be discussed and reflected on at annual appraisal
    
    
• Royal Colleges and Employers: Most recommend a minimum of 50 CPD points per year, equating to 250 points over a 5-year revalidation cycle
  
  
• Appraisers typically look for a variety of activities and evidence that CPD has had an impact on your practice – not just a list of hours completed
  
  

How to Log Your CPD Points

To maintain an effective CPD record:

1. Create a CPD Log or Portfolio
   
   Use a simple spreadsheet, a professional portfolio platform, or your Trust’s appraisal system.
   
   Record each activity with:
   
   
   • Date
     
     
   • Activity type and title
     
     
   • Provider (e.g. Medset)
     
     
   • Number of hours (points)
     
     
   • Description of learning
     
     
   • Reflection on its impact
     
     
2. Link to Your Personal Development Plan (PDP)
   
   Good CPD logs tie back to PDP objectives or specific areas you’ve identified for growth. This shows intentional, goal-oriented learning.
   
   
3. Store Certificates and Evidence
   
   For structured CPD, always download and file certificates.
   
   For informal or self-directed learning, write a brief reflection and keep a copy of any related materials (e.g. article links, notes).
   
   
4. Reflect, Reflect, Reflect
   
   Reflection is not just a tick-box. Appraisers look for insights into how your learning has affected your thinking, decision-making, or clinical practice.
   
   

Using Medset CPD Courses in Your Log

Medset’s accredited CPD courses are clearly labelled with the number of CPD points they award, and each one includes:

• A certificate of completion with hours stated
  
  
• Built-in reflection prompts
  
  
• Relevance to core NHS and GMC competencies (e.g. teaching, leadership, communication)
  
  

When adding Medset courses to your CPD log, you can easily map them to your PDP and include reflections based on scenarios discussed in the modules.

Key Takeaways:

• 1 CPD point = 1 hour of active, relevant learning
  
  
• While the GMC doesn’t set a number, 50 points per year is a common benchmark
  
  
• Good CPD logs are structured, reflective, and aligned to your professional goals
  
  
• Medset’s CPD courses provide accredited hours, certificates, and meaningful learning that’s easy to log and appraise
  
  

5. Free and Paid Ways to Get CPD Points

For doctors balancing clinical responsibilities, tight schedules, and personal commitments, finding flexible and accessible CPD options is essential. The good news? There’s a wide range of both free and paid CPD resources available, allowing you to build a high-quality portfolio without necessarily breaking the bank.

This section outlines the most practical ways to earn CPD points, from online learning and webinars to more in-depth accredited courses like those offered by Medset.

Free CPD Opportunities

There are many high-quality CPD resources available at no cost. These are particularly useful for locum doctors, non-training grades, or clinicians working outside of structured educational programmes.

1. NHS Trust Resources

If you’re working in the NHS, you likely have access to CPD through your Trust:

• Grand Rounds
  
  
• Weekly teaching sessions
  
  
• Online portals with recorded content
  
  
• Internal training modules (often CPD-accredited)
  
  

2. Health Education England e-Learning for Healthcare (eLFH)

Offers hundreds of free e-learning modules, many with certificates and estimated CPD hours.

Examples: Frailty, Consent, MECC (Making Every Contact Count), End-of-Life Care.

3. Doctors.net.uk

Free CPD modules across a wide range of topics. Upon completion, certificates are available.

4. GMC Learning Modules

Ethics- and professionalism-focused scenarios. These are not CPD-accredited, but with a reflection and screenshot, some appraisers accept them.

5. MedAll, Mind the Bleep, and Don’t Forget the Bubbles

Regular free webinars, especially popular among junior doctors. Some offer certificates with completed feedback forms.

6. Journals and Self-Directed Learning

Reading and reflecting on academic articles, NICE guidelines, or Medico-legal blogs can count – just ensure you document it in your portfolio.

Paid CPD Opportunities

While free CPD is valuable, paid options often offer more structured, accredited learning with tangible outputs such as certificates, course materials, and portfolio alignment. They are especially useful when you want to:

• Build your teaching or leadership credentials
  
  
• Score points for interviews or consultant applications
  
  
• Meet specific PDP goals or training gaps
  
  

Medset CPD Courses

Designed by doctors for doctors, Medset’s courses are fully CPD-accredited and recognised by NHS Trusts, deaneries, and appraisers.

Examples include:

• Train the Trainers Course (12 CPD points)
  
  Gain practical teaching skills and meet requirements for clinical educator roles.
  
  
• Medical Leadership & Management Course (12 CPD points)
  
  Perfect for doctors looking to step into leadership, QI, or service development roles.
  
  
• Advanced Communication Course
  
  Ideal for enhancing patient interactions, handling difficult conversations, and improving MDT dynamics.
  
  

Each course includes:

• On-demand access
  
  
• Certificate of CPD hours
  
  
• Practical frameworks
  
  
• Reflection prompts aligned with appraisal requirements
  
  

Other Paid Platforms

Doctors may also explore paid CPD from:

• Royal Colleges (RCGP, RCP, RCS, etc.)
  
  
• BMJ Masterclasses (virtual events and face-to-face sessions)
  
  

However, Medset’s flexibility, clarity, and medical CV impact make it a trusted choice for many professionals.

Key Takeaways:

• Free CPD is widely available and often sufficient with proper reflection and evidence
  
  
• Paid CPD offers structure, certification, and strategic alignment with your PDP and interviews
  
  
• Medset provides high-quality, accredited, and portfolio-friendly CPD tailored to UK doctors
  
  

6. How to Reflect on CPD for Appraisal

Collecting CPD certificates is not enough. To meet GMC requirements—and to truly benefit from professional development—doctors must actively reflect on their CPD activities. Reflection transforms passive learning into meaningful growth, helping you improve your clinical practice and articulate your learning clearly during appraisal and revalidation.

This section explores how to reflect effectively and what appraisers are looking for.

Why Reflection Matters

Reflection is not just a formality. The General Medical Council (GMC) encourages doctors to focus on the outcomes of learning—not just attendance or completion. During appraisal, you are expected to discuss:

• What you learned
  
  
• How it has impacted your practice
  
  
• Whether it met your learning needs
  
  
• What you will do differently as a result
  
  

Reflection also demonstrates insight, self-awareness, and a commitment to safe, high-quality care—all key themes in Good Medical Practice.

What to Reflect On

When reviewing your CPD activities, consider reflecting on:

• Courses, webinars, or training modules
  
  
• Clinical case discussions or audits
  
  
• Journal reading or guidelines updates
  
  
• Teaching sessions you attended or delivered
  
  
• Situations that challenged your clinical judgment or communication skills
  
  

Not every CPD activity needs deep reflection. Choose the ones that were most valuable, relevant, or surprising to you.

How to Structure Your Reflection

Use a simple framework to structure your reflections. Two commonly used formats include:

GMC Reflection Template:

1. Description: What did you do?
   
   
2. Learning: What did you learn?
   
   
3. Impact: How will it affect your practice?
   
   
4. Next Steps: What actions will you take?
   
   

Gibbs Reflective Cycle (for deeper reflection):

• Description
  
  
• Feelings
  
  
• Evaluation
  
  
• Analysis
  
  
• Conclusion
  
  
• Action Plan
  
  

Whichever method you use, keep your reflections:

• Concise: Bullet points are fine
  
  
• Relevant: Link back to your role, specialty, or PDP
  
  
• Evidence-based: Refer to guidelines or key takeaways when possible
  
  
• Forward-looking: Highlight how this will change your approach or thinking
  
  

Recording and Presenting Reflection

Reflections should be saved in your CPD portfolio. You might record them:

• Directly within your learning platform (e.g. Medset’s reflection prompts)
  
  
• In a CPD logbook
  
  
• Using NHS appraisal software (e.g. PReP, SARD, MAG)
  
  
• As a Word or PDF document stored alongside certificates
  
  

During appraisal, your appraiser will expect to see not just what you’ve done, but how it helped you grow as a clinician. Well-written reflections show that you are not just ticking boxes—but thinking critically about your development.

Key Takeaways

• Reflection is required for revalidation and valued by appraisers
  
  
• Focus on impact and future action—not just describing the activity
  
  
• Use frameworks like GMC’s or Gibbs’ to keep reflections clear and purposeful
  
  
• Medset’s CPD courses include built-in reflection tools to make this easier
  
  

7. Recommended CPD Courses from Medset

Medset offers a growing suite of CPD-accredited courses designed specifically for doctors and healthcare professionals. Created by experts in clinical education, these courses go beyond theory—providing practical frameworks, interview points, and reflective learning to help you improve your practice and progress your career.

Whether you’re building a stronger portfolio, preparing for appraisal, or aiming to meet GMC requirements with confidence, Medset’s courses are high-impact, flexible, and designed to fit around a busy clinical schedule.

1. Train the Trainers (12 CPD Points)

This flagship course is ideal for doctors looking to develop their teaching and mentoring skills. Whether you supervise medical students, lead simulation sessions, or mentor peers, this course equips you with the tools to teach effectively in both virtual and in-person settings.

You’ll learn:

• Models of adult learning and different teaching styles
  
  
• How to plan and deliver effective sessions
  
  
• Strategies for giving feedback and assessing learning
  
  
• How to adapt teaching for small groups, large groups, and online delivery
  
  

Recognised for CCT, portfolio enhancement, and job interviews.

Learn more: Train the Trainers Course

2. Medical Leadership & Management (12 CPD Points)

For doctors stepping into leadership roles or looking to improve their team management and decision-making, this course covers essential skills for thriving in today’s NHS.

You’ll learn:

• NHS leadership structures and values-based leadership
  
  
• How to build and manage effective teams
  
  
• Emotional intelligence and communication in complex situations
  
  
• Conflict resolution, leading change, and decision-making under pressure
  
  

Practical, reflective, and highly rated across NHS specialties.

Learn more: Medical Leadership & Management Course

3. Advanced Communication (12 CPD Points) 

In high-stakes clinical environments, communication is everything. This course dives deeper than the basics, exploring how to communicate with empathy, clarity, and confidence in emotionally charged, cross-cultural, or ethically complex scenarios.

You’ll learn:

• How to build trust, manage conflict, and negotiate sensitive conversations
  
  
• The role of emotional intelligence in clinical leadership
  
  
• Techniques for handling difficult discussions with patients, families, and colleagues
  
  
• How to adapt communication styles to different audiences and settings

Especially valuable for clinicians in high-communication specialties or leadership roles.

Learn more:: Advanced Communication Course

Why Choose Medset?

• Fully CPD accredited by the CPD Certification Service
  
  
• Recognised for revalidation, appraisals, job applications, and specialist training
  
  
• Designed by doctors with real NHS experience
  
  
• Reflection prompts and certificates provided
  
  
• Instant access and mobile-friendly
  
  

Key Takeaways

• Medset’s CPD courses are created for NHS doctors by NHS doctors
  
  
• Each course is CPD-certified, portfolio-ready, and includes reflection tools
  
  
• Topics include teaching, leadership, and communication—core to clinical practice
  
  
• Courses are trusted by trainees, consultants, and appraisers alike
  
  

8. CPD Tips for Locum and Non-Training Doctors

For doctors working in locum, freelance, or non-training roles, staying on top of CPD can feel like a juggling act. Without access to a structured training programme or a built-in educational supervisor, the responsibility to plan, complete, and evidence CPD rests entirely on the individual. But while it may seem challenging, it’s absolutely achievable—and with the right approach, it can become a strategic advantage in your career.

Here are some practical tips to make CPD work for you:

1. Build CPD Into Your Weekly Routine

One of the biggest hurdles for locums is finding time for CPD between shifts. Treat it like any other clinical commitment—block out protected time each week or month. Even 1–2 hours of focused CPD every week adds up significantly over the year.

2. Use E-Learning to Stay Flexible

Online CPD platforms are ideal for locums and SAS doctors who need flexibility. On-demand courses such as those available through Medset allow you to complete modules in your own time, at your own pace, and still receive CPD certification.

You don’t need to travel or secure study leave—just a quiet space and an internet connection.

3. Keep a Live CPD Log

Maintain a simple spreadsheet or use an app like CPDme to track all your CPD activities. For each entry, include:

• Date and duration
  
  
• Type of activity (e.g., webinar, course, reflection)
  
  
• Key learning points
  
  
• Impact on your clinical practice
  
  

Being organised with this log can make annual appraisals far less stressful.

4. Ask for Certificates and Reflect Promptly

If you attend webinars, trust-led training sessions, or conferences, request a certificate and write your reflection within 48 hours. Reflections are a critical part of CPD appraisal and can often carry more weight than the certificate itself.

5. Leverage Your Trust Bank

Many NHS Trusts offer free virtual Grand Rounds or teaching sessions to staff bank members. Make sure you’re signed up for internal communications and actively look for these CPD opportunities. They often include hot-topic teaching or updates relevant to your clinical area.

6. Choose CPD That Builds Your Brand

Think strategically about how CPD fits into your longer-term goals. For example:

• Train the Trainers is excellent if you’re mentoring juniors
  
  
• Leadership courses are valued for senior or management roles
  
  
• Communication modules enhance both clinical safety and patient satisfaction
  
  

By curating your CPD with intent, you can enhance your CV, stand out for future roles, and build a well-rounded professional profile.

Key Takeaways

• Locum and non-training doctors must take a proactive approach to CPD
  
  
• Online platforms like Medset offer flexible, portfolio-friendly options
  
  
• Keeping a real-time CPD log with reflections is essential for appraisal
  
  
• Strategic course selection can support long-term career progression
  
  

9. FAQs About CPD for Doctors

How many CPD points do I need each year?

There is no fixed number mandated by the GMC. However, many professional bodies recommend an average of 50 CPD points (or hours) per year, equating to 250 over a five-year revalidation cycle. The emphasis is on relevance, reflection, and outcomes—not just quantity.

What counts as CPD?

CPD includes any learning activity that develops your professional knowledge or skills. This could be formal courses, online learning, conferences, journal reading, peer discussions, clinical audits, or even reflective practice. The key is to record and reflect on what you’ve learned.

How do I log my CPD activities?

You can keep a simple spreadsheet, use a portfolio platform like FourteenFish or CPDme, or include them directly in your PDP. Make sure each entry records:

• Date and duration
  
  
• Type of activity
  
  
• Learning points
  
  
• Reflection or impact on your work
  
  
• Certificate or supporting evidence (if available)
  
  

Do I need certificates for every CPD activity?

Not necessarily. While certificates are helpful, they’re not always required. A well-documented reflection can be just as valuable. Appraisers are looking for meaningful engagement, not just proof of attendance.

Can I count self-directed learning like reading or podcasts?

Yes, if it’s relevant to your practice and you reflect on it. For example, reading a BMJ article on managing sepsis could count as CPD if you document what you learned and how it might change your practice.

What’s the best way to choose which CPD to do?

Start with your personal development plan. Focus on areas where you want to grow—clinical updates, teaching, leadership, or communication. Choose  CPD that aligns with your goals and the demands of your role.

What if I miss a year or don’t hit 50 hours?

It’s not about hitting a target every single year. The GMC expects consistency and evidence of meaningful engagement across your full revalidation cycle. If you’ve had a gap (e.g. maternity leave, career break), note it and explain how you plan to catch up.

Can Medset’s courses count towards CPD?

Absolutely. Medset’s Train the Trainers, Medical Leadership, and Advanced Communication courses are fully CPD-certified, come with downloadable certificates, and are designed to meet the reflection and appraisal requirements set out by the GMC and NHS Trusts.

Key Takeaways

• Focus on quality and relevance of CPD, not just point collection
  
  
• Reflection and documentation are as important as certificates
  
  
• CPD includes a wide variety of learning activities—including self-directed ones
  
  
• Medset courses are fully CPD-accredited and appraisal-ready