What Are CPD Hours and How Do They Work?
CPD hours — sometimes called CPD points or credits — are a way to measure the time someone spends on structured learning as part of their professional development. But not all CPD is created equal, and understanding how CPD hours work can help you deliver training that is both impactful and recognised.
CPD hours represent time spent learning, not just time spent attending
One CPD hour is typically equivalent to one hour of active learning. That could include training sessions, online courses, workshops, or even assessed reading — as long as there is a clear learning purpose and outcome.
Unlike attendance-only certificates, CPD hours focus on the intent and structure of the learning. This is what makes them meaningful to employers and professional bodies.
Are CPD hours the same as CPD points or credits?
Most of the time, yes. Different industries and countries may use slightly different terms, but they all aim to reflect the same thing: structured, purposeful development.
Some organisations may award points based on assessment outcomes or weighted activities, but for general training and events, CPD hours, points, and credits can usually be treated as equivalent.
What counts towards CPD hours?
To count as CPD, your activity should have:
Clear aims and outcomes
A measurable duration
Relevance to professional learning
Some form of evidence or reflection
At Open CPD, we help providers structure their training to meet these standards. Whether you’re offering webinars, workshops, or in-house courses, we support you to confidently allocate and issue CPD hours — backed by a verifiable certificate.
onsistency and evidence make CPD hours meaningful
Awarding CPD hours isn’t just about getting the number right — it’s about showing that the training had structure and value. That’s why consistency matters. If two providers offer similar courses but award different numbers of CPD hours, it can cause confusion and reduce the perceived credibility of both.
At Open CPD, we support providers in using a clear framework so learners — and those reviewing their certificates — can trust that a CPD hour from your organisation reflects genuine learning.
It’s also important to keep a record of what was delivered. Good CPD certification includes:
A brief course outline
Learning outcomes or objectives
Evidence of attendance or completion
The number of CPD hours awarded
Our platform automatically generates verifiable certificates with these details built in. You can also upload supporting documents for your own records or share them with learners if needed.
CPD hours and global recognition
While CPD is not regulated by a single global authority, the concept of CPD hours is widely recognised — especially when supported by clear learning outcomes and a transparent process. Many professionals around the world are required to submit proof of CPD as part of licensing or revalidation.
By using a consistent, structured approach to CPD hours, you make it easier for your learners to demonstrate their development across borders. Whether you’re training nurses in Nigeria, accountants in the UK, or engineers in India, CPD hours give your courses added legitimacy.
Open CPD certificates are accepted globally for what they represent — structured professional development delivered by a real provider using a verifiable system.
Flexible for any type of training
Not all training fits neatly into formal courses. You might be running:
In-house coaching sessions
Online webinars or drop-ins
Self-paced courses with reading and reflection
Hands-on workshops or masterclasses
Open CPD is flexible enough to handle them all. You decide what counts, and we help you document it clearly. Whether your training is short and focused or long and in-depth, CPD hours help capture its value.
How does Open CPD support this?
Open CPD makes it easy for training providers to:
Set and structure CPD hours properly
Issue verifiable certificates with the correct number of hours
Align training with professional development goals
Use a system that works globally, without expensive gatekeepers
Our platform is flexible — you decide how many CPD hours a course is worth. We help you get the structure right and issue certificates or digital badges that reflect it.
CPD hours help your learners demonstrate value
When training includes CPD hours and a clear purpose, it becomes more than just a session — it becomes something learners can add to a CV, show to employers, or include in compliance records.
That’s why getting the hours right — and having a credible way to document them — is essential.
Ready to issue CPD hours for your training?
Open CPD is the low-cost, flexible solution for training providers who want to issue CPD hours without jumping through hoops. Whether you’re just starting or already delivering sessions, we can help you offer credible, verifiable recognition for your learners.
Try Open CPD for free or book a Q&A session to get practical advice.
