HCPC CPD Requirements 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does HCPC require registrants to demonstrate through continuing professional development?
- That they are maintaining and developing their competence and knowledge relevant to their current scope of practice (Correct answer)
- That they have attended a minimum number of courses per year
- That they have passed annual written examinations
- That they have read the BNF quarterly
Correct answer: That they are maintaining and developing their competence and knowledge relevant to their current scope of practice
HCPC requires CPD to be relevant to current practice, contribute to maintaining/improving competence, and benefit service users. There is no minimum number of hours specified — quality and relevance matter.
Question 2: How many CPD entries does HCPC recommend a registrant maintains in their portfolio?
- At least 24 entries over 2 years, with a mix of types and at least one demonstrating benefit to service users (Correct answer)
- Exactly 10 entries per year
- A minimum of 100 hours per year
- No specific number — any amount is acceptable
Correct answer: At least 24 entries over 2 years, with a mix of types and at least one demonstrating benefit to service users
HCPC guidance recommends at least 24 CPD entries over the two-year registration period, including various learning activities, with at least one entry demonstrating benefit to service users.
Question 3: Which types of activities count as CPD under HCPC standards?
- Any learning activity relevant to professional practice — formal courses, reading, reflection, peer review, supervision, conferences (Correct answer)
- Only accredited formal courses
- Only activities providing certificates of completion
- Only NHS-approved training events
Correct answer: Any learning activity relevant to professional practice — formal courses, reading, reflection, peer review, supervision, conferences
HCPC takes a broad view of CPD. Any learning activity that maintains or develops professional competence and can be evidenced is acceptable — including self-directed learning, reflection, peer discussion, and informal learning.
Question 4: What must a registrant do with their CPD portfolio?
- Maintain it throughout their career and produce it on request if selected for HCPC CPD audit (Correct answer)
- Submit it to HCPC every year
- Share it publicly with patients
- Destroy it after each renewal period
Correct answer: Maintain it throughout their career and produce it on request if selected for HCPC CPD audit
Registrants must maintain an up-to-date CPD profile and be able to present it to HCPC if selected for CPD audit during renewal. It does not need to be submitted unless audited.
Question 5: What is the HCPC's approach to CPD for registrants who have had a career break?
- Registrants returning from a break should address any gaps in competence through CPD before practising independently (Correct answer)
- Career breaks exempt registrants from CPD requirements permanently
- All CPD is reset to zero after a career break
- A career break triggers automatic suspension
Correct answer: Registrants returning from a break should address any gaps in competence through CPD before practising independently
Returning registrants should reflect on how the break affects their competence and undertake relevant CPD to address any gaps before resuming full independent practice in their scope.
Question 6: Can a registrant be removed from the HCPC register for failing to meet CPD requirements?
- Yes — failure to engage with CPD requirements when audited can result in removal from the register (Correct answer)
- No — CPD failure only results in a letter of reprimand
- Only if they have also committed misconduct
- Only private sector practitioners face CPD-related removal
Correct answer: Yes — failure to engage with CPD requirements when audited can result in removal from the register
Failing to meet HCPC CPD standards when audited (including failure to maintain an adequate portfolio) can result in removal from the register, as CPD is a statutory registration requirement.
HCPC CPD Requirements 1
What does HCPC require registrants to demonstrate through continuing professional development?