CISI CPD Scheme: Frequently Asked Questions

On this page you will find answers to some of the main questions concerning the CISI CPD scheme.

Q1 What is CPD?
Q2 What is the CISI CPD Scheme?
Q3 Is it compulsory?
Q4 How many hours do I have to log per year?
Q5 Is there a concessionary target?
Q6 From which date can I register onto the scheme?
Q7 What CPD tools does the CISI offer?
Q8 Does the CISI recognise CPD hours earned through other bodies?
Q9 What does 'Active learning' mean?
Q10 What does 'Reflective learning' mean?
Q11 What does 'Self-directed learning' mean?
Q12 What does 'Development of others' mean?
Q13 My firm already has a CPD scheme - will this be recognised?
Q14 How do I log my CPD?
Q15 Does the CISI check my CPD log?
Q16 What happens if I fail an audit?
Q17 I have another question



Q1. What is CPD?

A. CPD stands for Continuing Professional Development. It can be defined as: "The systematic maintenance, improvement and broadening of knowledge, experience and skills, and the development of personal qualities helpful in the execution of professional duties throughout a career." Increasingly in today's financial services industry, CPD is growing in importance, with firms (and regulators) investing more time and effort into it. For this reason, the CISI has introduced a CPD scheme for its members.

 


Q2. What is the CISI CPD Scheme?

A. The CISI CPD scheme builds on the CPD-focused professional benefits scheme the Institute runs. Whilst before, the CISI only provided its members with the means of practicing CPD, it now also prescribes a recommended amount of CPD to be performed by an individual over a one-year period. The CISI CPD Scheme stipulates a minimum of 35 hours of logged CPD per annum. A free logging tool, exclusive to CISI members, allows the recording of all CPD undertaken by a member. The use of any of the CISI's tools (CISI Infolink, CISI Professional Refresher, CPD events, CISI examinations etc) feeds automatically into the logging system, minimising the manual input needed. Use of non-CISI CPD tools (ie, reading industry journals, attending non-CISI events etc) can also be recorded on the logging system by the member. On completion of one year of successfully-logged CPD, the CISI awards a certificate, allowing the member to easily satisfy both his/her employer and the regulator that he/she is remaining competent and compliant. The CISI has categorised CPD into four key learning types, at least one hour of each must be logged in order to successfully log a year of CPD and obtain the certificate. Random audits of completed CPD logs are carried out to ensure that all CPD recorded is relevant to the industry.

 


Q3. Is it compulsory?

A. The CISI CPD scheme is not currently compulsory to members, but it is strongly recommended that all CISI members participate. Individually Chartered members need to successfully complete their CPD each year.




Q4. How many hours do I have to log per year?

A. The CISI CPD Scheme recommends 35 hours of CPD should be logged per year, on a rolling basis from the date at which the member signs up to use the scheme. Members are welcome to log more than the maximum for each of the learning types, but anything over the maximum will not count towards the final 35 hours. These hours should cover the four learning types ('Active', 'Reflective', 'Self-directed' and 'Development of others') cited in the CISI CPD scheme.

 


Q5. Is there a concessionary target?

A. Yes, the CISI has a policy of introducing concessionary CPD targets, on a case by case basis, for users of the CISI CPD Scheme in certain cases. Please see below for guidelines.

Members who are on maternity leave or off work for more than three months due to illness may request a reduced CPD target which will be based on number of months off work. The most the total CPD target can be reduced to is 15 hours.

Unemployed members and retired members who still wish to complete the scheme can request that the one hour requirement for Development of Others be reduced to zero, although it is still a requirement to complete 35 hours of CPD. The other minimum requirements will still need to be met to pass.

If the above applies to you and you would like to apply for a concessionary target, please email us at cpdscheme@cisi.org. Please note that concessionary targets need to be applied for each CPD year and before that year ends.



Q6. From which date can I register onto the scheme?

A. Members may choose their own start date according to their own needs. It is possible to back-date one's registration as far as 11 months prior to the present day in order to count previously-undertaken activities as CPD. Email cpdscheme@cisi.org if you need further assistance.

 


Q7. What CPD tools does the CISI offer?

A. The CISI's professional benefits scheme has been created as a means of instilling and maintaining knowledge. For a full list of all the ways we can help members undertake CPD, please see our CISI CPD tools page.

 


Q8. Does the CISI recognise CPD hours earned through other bodies?

A. Yes - while use of CISI CPD tools is fed automatically into our logging system, attendance at non-CISI events, the sitting of non-CISI exams, and the reading of non-CISI industry publications can all count towards the 35 CPD hours needed. These need to be manually entered by the member. For a list of all the bodies whose activities we recognise, please see our Other Recognised Bodies page.

 


Q9. What does 'Active learning' mean?

A. The 'Active learning' element categorises activities consisting of an interactive or participation-style format. Specifically, it is a proactive elearning element, with a maximum of 30 hours (and a minimum of 1) counting towards achievement of CPD for that year.




Q10. What does 'Reflective learning' mean?

A. The ''Reflective learning' element encompasses learning activities of a briefing nature rather than a participatory nature. Specifically, it is a more passive form of learning, with a maximum of 15 hours (and a minimum of 1) counting towards achievement of CPD for that year, although more hours can be logged by the individual for the purposes of maintaining a complete record if required.




Q11. What does 'Self-directed learning' mean?

A. The 'Self-directed learning' element includes all unaccompanied learning activities undertaken by the individual member. Specifically, it is a solitary learning element, with a maximum of 5 hours (and a minimum of 1) counting towards achievement of CPD for that year, although more hours can be logged by the individual for the purposes of maintaining a complete record if required.




Q12. What does 'Development of others' mean?

A. The 'Development of others' learning element concerns sharing a member’s knowledge and expertise for the benefit of others, in a variety of contexts, with a maximum of 20 hours (and a minimum of 1) counting towards achievement of CPD for that year.




Q13. My firm already has a CPD scheme - will this be recognised?

A. In addition to producing its own CPD scheme, the Institute also recognises good practice of learner support and development as practised by firms and other professional bodies. The CISI, therefore, has a policy to accredit practice that it feels meets the rigorous quality assurance requirements for the purpose of defining Continuing Professional Development. For information on this, please contact cpdscheme@cisi.org.




Q14. How do I log my CPD?

A. The CISI has created a logging system for the recording of CPD undertaken. Use of CISI tools (such as Infolink, CISI Professional Refresher, attendance at CISI events etc) is logged automatically, while other activities must be recorded by the member.




Q15. Does the CISI check my CPD log?

A. Any member participating in the CISI CPD scheme may subject to a random audit to confirm that all the hours being logged are relevant to the industry. If at the end of 12 months of logged CPD you receive an email from the CISI confirming you are to be audited, you will have four weeks to present all required supporting documentation for all non-CISI logged activities. Your logging record and supporting evidence for non-CISI CPD activities will be reviewed and summarised by an internal panel of CISI staff. The summary of the audit will be sent to the CISI's Membership Committee for review. The audit focuses on the: Satisfactory completion of CPD activities within the 4 categories, appropriateness of supporting evidence supplied for all non-CISI CPD activities. Members are informed of the outcome of the audit within one to three months of submitting their evidence.




Q16. What happens if I fail an audit?

A. Should you not pass an audit, you will be written to and informed of the Membership Committee's decision, and the reasons for this decision, and your CPD log will be amended to show the outcome of the audit. Members are welcome to appeal against the outcome of the audit. Reasons for the appeal and any additional supporting documentation must be provided to CISI in writing, no later than two weeks after their audit result has been released. Appeals will be considered by the Chair of the Committee and two other nominated Committee members.




Q17. I have another question...

A. If your query has not been answered here, please contact us at cpdscheme@cisi.org, or call us on 020 7645 0650.