CPD FAQs

Why should I undertake CPD?

As a professional, the question should be why would you not undertake CPD? To be successful in your career you need to be up to date with the changing world of project management and this includes maintaining, developing, and/or enhancing your knowledge and competence. The benefits of CPD include enhancing your status as a professional, helping you progress in your career, as well as providing you with tangible evidence of your skills and abilities.

How do I get started?

Completing the initial review of your professional portfolio will help you assess your current competence and skill levels and help you identify areas to look at and plan your CPD activities over the coming year.

For more detailed advice on undertaking CPD please download the APM Developing your Professional Portfolio booklet.

What counts as CPD?

CPD activities do not have to be work based or formal training; they can take the shape of a variety of different forms including: 

• professional, work based activities
• formal training and qualifications
• informal, self-directed learning and research 
• activities outside your direct workplace.

What is my CPD commitment/obligation?

APM states that project professionals are expected to undertake 35 hours of professional development every year. As a full member of APM, you should consider this part of your professional obligation to clients and your employer. 

How do I record my CPD activities?

APM has developed the Professional Portfolio Log which is a straightforward framework for planning, undertaking and recording your activities. It is simple to do and recognises a wide variety of development opportunities including on the job activities, structured training and more informal activities.

Click here to view a sample plan. 

What if my company has its own CPD scheme?

As a member of APM, you are required to undertake and record CPD activities using the APM scheme. If your organisation offers its own scheme, allowing you to review where you are, plan where you want to go and review where you have been, then the only additional requirement you will need to do to fulfil your obligation as a member of APM, is to record the activities/hours.

What happens if I change my job?

Under the APM CPD scheme, changing job will not be an issue as you take your CPD records with you. Your CPD objectives might change as you start a new job, so it would be worthwhile completing another review and ensuring you are still working on the right development areas. 

Will my portfolio be checked?

As a committed project management professional, you are responsible for your own CPD activities and you are expected to complete the required hours every year. APM will not check to ensure you do this, but it is in your own professional interests to demonstrate this commitment.   

How often should I review my CPD activities?

You should review your APM Professional Portfolio Log annually, if not more frequently, reflecting on what you have achieved. Revisit your initial review and decide which areas you would like to concentrate on in the next year. If you feel it would be beneficial, this is a good point to complete the initial review again.

Where can I find information on CPD related events?

APM offers members a wide range of events including local branch events, seminars and conferences, for further details on these please click here.

What happens if I don’t complete my CPD?

As a member of APM, you are expected to undertake CPD. APM assumes that you will work towards developing yourself as a project management professional and enhance your skills and competence. In doing this, you will meet this expectation.

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