Need help with CPD accreditation? Browse our frequently asked questions for guidance on issuing certificates, calculating CPD points, and using the Open CPD platform
CPD self-accreditation allows training providers to issue CPD-accredited certificates independently, without relying on third-party accreditation bodies. Open CPD’s platform makes this process simple, giving you full control over course accreditation, certificate issuance, and compliance with CPD standards. You can create professional, tamper-proof certificates quickly and easily
Yes! Open CPD is designed to be accessible to all training providers, regardless of size or industry. Whether you’re a solo provider or a large organisation, you can use Open CPD to create cost-effective and credible CPD certificates with ease.
Yes! Open CPD is designed to be accessible to all training providers, regardless of size or industry. Whether you’re a solo provider or a large organisation, you can use Open CPD to create cost-effective and credible CPD certificates with ease.
If you’ve had a great experience and want other training providers to use Open CPD:
Self-accreditation gives you control over your courses and removes the need to pay for external approval for every course. Open CPD charges only for certificates issued, not for each course you create. Traditional CPD providers often require upfront payments and reviews for each new course, making the process slower and more expensive.
A course or event is suitable for CPD accreditation if it provides valuable learning, meets professional development objectives, and has clear learning outcomes. Open CPD offers guidance on structuring your training to ensure it meets these criteria—our free guide: “Crafting an Accreditation-Ready Course” can help you get started.
As an Open CPD member, you’ll receive a membership certificate that demonstrates your organisation’s commitment to providing accredited CPD. This can be shared online and displayed to build credibility with clients and learners.
You’ll also receive a media pack that includes logos, templates, and digital badges to help you promote your CPD-accredited training. This makes it easy to showcase your accreditation status across your website, emails, and social media.
CPD points are typically calculated based on the time spent on structured learning activities. As a general guideline, one CPD point is awarded for one hour of active learning. However, you should also factor in the course’s complexity, practical application, and the time required for reflection.
With Open CPD, you have the flexibility to assign points that align with your learning objectives and outcomes. If you’re unsure, our guide “How to Create an Accreditation-Ready Course” offers step-by-step instructions.
Learning outcomes describe what participants should be able to achieve or understand by the end of your training. They play a crucial role in demonstrating the value of the course and ensuring that it meets professional development standards.
Effective learning outcomes are:
By defining clear outcomes, you make it easier for participants and employers to assess the impact of the training.
Yes, definitely. Open CPD supports accreditation for various training formats, including live webinars, in-person workshops, and large conferences. Whether it’s a one-hour virtual session or a multi-day event, you can issue CPD-accredited certificates for any learning experience.
Our platform allows you to create verifiable certificates tailored to the format of your session, making it simple to demonstrate the value of your training.
To structure your course for CPD accreditation, focus on these key elements:
Open CPD provides resources to guide you through this process, ensuring your course meets CPD standards and maximises its impact.
If your course includes independent activities like reading or practical exercises, you can include this time in the overall CPD hours if:
Getting started with Open CPD is quick and straightforward. Once you create an account, you can begin setting up your courses immediately. The platform is designed to be intuitive, with a step-by-step process for adding course details, assigning CPD points, and issuing certificates.
Many training providers issue their first CPD-accredited certificates within a single day. Our support resources, including video tutorials and guides, can help you get up and running even faster.
No, Open CPD is designed to be user-friendly and doesn’t require any technical expertise. The platform guides you through every step, from structuring your training to issuing certificates.
If you’re familiar with basic online forms and uploading documents, you’ll have no trouble navigating the system. And if you need extra help, our support team and instructional videos are available to assist you.
With Open CPD, you can issue in single transaction both these items:
Yes, Open CPD allows you to issue certificates for both ongoing courses and one-off events. No need to take on a long terms commitment, you can simply add top-up credits if you have a major event.
Whether you’re hosting a single webinar, workshop, or conference, you can generate and issue CPD-accredited certificates quickly.
There’s no need to reconfigure the system for one-off events—it’s built to handle a wide range of learning formats seamlessly.
If you’ve had a great experience and want other training providers to use Open CPD:
Yes, Open CPD’s certificates are trusted and recognised due to their unique verification system.
This video captures this: Is Open CPD universally accepted? – YouTube
Each certificate includes a unique ID and tamper-proof verification link, allowing employers to verify its authenticity in seconds.
This provides peace of mind for employers and adds credibility to the participant’s professional development record.
Yes. You can start with a simple upload, or use automation tools like Zapier or direct API access.
Learn more about LMS integration
No – all certificates must be issued by Open CPD to be verifiable.
However, we can install your existing certificate design and badge so that everything still fits perfectly with your branding.
Open CPD offers a 7-day free trial so you can explore the platform without any upfront commitment. After the trial, you can choose a plan that suits your needs, with options to top up credits as required. There’s no long-term contract, and credits are valid for 12 months, giving you complete flexibility.
For more information, visit our Pricing Page.
No, Open CPD does not charge for adding or editing courses or events. You only pay for the certificates you issue. This allows you to create as many courses as you like and issue certificates based on demand without worrying about upfront costs for new courses.
Yes! Open CPD offers a 7-day free trial, giving you access to the platform so you can explore its features before making a commitment. We also run special promotions, such as bonus credits when you sign up during specific periods.
For example, UK-registered charities can take advantage of a special matching credits offer, doubling their initial certificate credits.
Open CPD offers a flexible, no-contract model with Pay-as-you-Go credits. This means you’re not tied into a subscription—just top up your certificate credits when needed. This makes it easy to start small and scale as your training grows.
If you’d prefer a package with more benefits or discounts, you can upgrade to larger plans at any time.
Yes, you can estimate your credits based on the number of participants you expect for your courses or events. For example, if you plan to issue certificates to 50 participants every quarter, a 100-credit package would cover your needs for six months.
We’re happy to help you assess your requirements—feel free to contact our team if you need guidance.
Open CPD provides extensive support to help you at every stage of the process.
We’re here to make sure your experience is seamless from start to finish.
Open CPD makes certificate customisation easy and professional. Here’s what you can do:
Whether you choose a standard or bespoke design, Open CPD ensures your certificates look polished and professional.
Yes, Open CPD allows you to add your client’s or partner’s name and logo to the certificates. This is especially useful if you’re delivering training or hosting events on behalf of a prestigious organisation or collaborating with a partner.
The platform makes it easy to incorporate these details alongside your branding, ensuring the certificate reflects the full collaboration. This feature helps strengthen your client relationships and adds credibility for participants.
es, your data is fully secure on Open CPD. Our platform uses Web3 technology for tamper-proof verification, ensuring that your certificates cannot be altered or falsified.
Additionally, we use industry-standard encryption to protect your data and ensure that only authorised users have access. Our unique verification system gives your participants and their employers peace of mind when validating certificates.
Yes, Open CPD supports bulk certificate issuance for large events, conferences, and multi-session courses. You can upload participant details in batches and issue multiple certificates at once. This feature saves time and ensures that all participants receive their certificates quickly and accurately.
