Continuing Professional Development (CPD) involves planning, undertaking, tracking, and documenting the skills, knowledge, and experience you gain both formally and informally throughout your career. The College offers a CPD portfolio service where members can record their CPD activities and monitor their overall participation.  

The CPD year at the College runs from 1 April to 31 March of the following year. Members are encouraged to complete their CPD activity records each year, known as CPD returns. The CPD portfolio tool allows members to download an annual statement of their CPD activities based on their returns, which may be useful for your appraisal and validation. 

The College advises members to finalise their CPD returns within six months after the CPD year ends, and so you should submit your annual CPD return between 1 April and 30 September for the CPD year just completed. 

To do this: 

  • ensure that you have entered all of your CPD activities 

  • click the tab on the horizontal menu ‘Submit CPD return’ 

  • check that the totals are correct 

  • click 'Submit’ for the relevant year.                                                

A statement of participation will be sent to you by email within 5 working days of your submission.  If you do not receive this within 5 working days, please contact the CPD team. 

  • Appraisal and revalidation

    Revalidation is a process where all licensed doctors have to demonstrate to the GMC that they are up-to-date and fit to practise.