IOSH
Your guide to a successful CPD record
Continuing professional development (CPD) is how you keep your health and safety skills fresh. A clear record proves your commitment, helps you learn better and supports career growth. Own your CPD journey. Track it, reflect on it and celebrate every step forward.
Why your CPD record matters
Your IOSH CPD record is proof of your commitment to health and safety professional development. By keeping it up to date, you:
- show your professional competence
- identify skill gaps and set learning goals
- showcase achievements when you apply for chartered status or a promotion.
How to approach CPD
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Plan with purpose
- Identify which parts of your role challenge you most.
- Set clear learning objectives that match your career goals.
- Choose a method you’ll enjoy. For example: workshops, webinars, podcasts or mentoring.
- Put realistic deadlines in your calendar.
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Make it happen
- Register for short courses, webinars or local in-person events.
- Arrange site visits or shadow experienced colleagues
- Read articles or listen to case-study podcasts.
- Note the date, provider and duration – this becomes your evidence.
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Record your progress
- Give each activity a clear title and brief description.
- Record intended versus actual learning outcomes.
- Log time invested in hours and minutes.
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Reflect honestly
- What surprised me about this activity?
- How will I apply this insight to my next work task?
- Which skill or behaviour do I feel stronger about now?
- Jot down your thoughts – bullet points work fine.
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Review and refresh
- Adjust your objectives as projects or responsibilities change.
- Share your record with a mentor or manager for feedback.
- Compile stand-out entries before formal submission.
- Every three months, we recommend you revisit your log and celebrate your progress.
Pedro Bertomeu
- Job role
- CertIOSH
“For me, CPD is more than a professional requirement – it is a way of life. Every new insight, skill or strategy I acquire contributes to my ability to lead safer, more efficient projects.”
Avoid common mistakes
| What can go wrong | Why it happens | Your fix |
|---|---|---|
| Entries piling up | Life gets busy | Consider setting a regular reminder |
| Vague reflections | You’re in a hurry | What? So what? Now what? |
| One-type learning | Sticking to your comfort zone | Plan a balanced mix of activities |
| Losing your proof | Files scattered |
Dedicated CPD folder on your computer or cloud storage |
| Forgetting your goals | They fade from view | We recommend you review and update every three months |
Ready to get started?
You record all your CPD activities in Blueprint, our professional development tool for members.
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First planning session
Block out some time in your diary.
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Log your first activity
It does not matter how small.
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Get some feedback
Share your record with a colleague or mentor and ask them for their thoughts.
“I find it very important to complete my Blueprint record straight away. Writing my reflection helps me to understand more of the information I have learnt. It takes a while to work things out, so I find this a second way of refreshing information.”
Jaci Stewart
- Job role
- TechIOSH
More info
- on-the-job training
- work shadowing
- secondment
- job rotation
- coaching
- writing reports
- project work
- peer feedback
- discussions with colleagues.
- mentoring (mentor and mentee)
- presenting
- joining professional bodies, committees or panels
- writing articles
- teaching
- attending exhibitions
- networking
- expert testimony.
- qualifications and academic programmes
- training courses
- e-learning (including non-assessed webinars)
- attending conferences
- attending seminars.
- reading
- online research
- informal networking (for example, on social media).
- volunteering
- public service
- learning not related to your work.
How often should I update my CPD record?
Aim for once a week. A quick five-minute session will keep your record fresh and accurate.
What counts as CPD?
Any learning that improves your competence.
We encourage you to engage in a mix of formal and informal learning to strengthen your professional skills.
Work-based learning
Gain experience through:
Professional activities
Build skills by:
Formal learning
Earn qualifications through:
Self-directed learning
Boost skills through:
Other activities
Develop transferable skills by:
