CPD: what activities count for nurses’ revalidation?

CPD: Why it’s about more than just training courses

Continuing professional development is a requirement for NMC revalidation, but it’s not restricted to training courses. Find out what else counts for your CPD hours

Taking part in continuing professional development (CPD) is a core part of the revalidation process all nurses have to follow to remain on the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) register.

Nurses are required to undertake 35 hours of CPD relevant to their scope of practice, 20 of which must have included participatory learning.

The common assumption is that this involves completing training courses, but there are many more activities that count towards CPD. There is a fair degree of flexibility as the NMC does not provide detailed or prescriptive lists of what activities should be undertaken.

Attending events, such as RCNi nursing careers and jobs fairs, can count towards CPD as the seminar programme is CPD-accredited. Sessions include how to prepare for and succeed at interview, developing your leadership skills, and how to overcome career challenges.

‘As nurses we have the flexibility to decide what activities are most useful for CPD and how it relates to our scope of practice,’ says NMC assistant director for professional practice Anne Trotter.

‘It may involve looking into new and emerging evidence or participation and learning through audit or carrying out research.

‘Planning is beneficial, and you can always ask your employer or fellow professionals for help. It’s essential we keep our knowledge and skills up to date for the benefit of people who use services.’

This is an abridged version of the article CPD: what activities count for nurses’ revalidation? which was first published in Nursing Standard. Read the full article to find out what activities count towards CPD, top tips for completing CPD, and how to plan your CPD activities.

Expand your knowledge, enhance your skills and advance your career with RCNi's comprehensive range of CPD materials and platforms, designed specifically for nurses.

Our programme of nursing events provides opportunities to network with others, gain CPD hours and enhance your career. Take a look at our event calendar.

The RCNi Portfolio is an online revalidation tool designed specifically to help nurses navigate and comply with the Nursing and Midwifery Council’s (NMC) requirements for revalidation. Find out more about the RCNi Portfolio.