Continuing professional development
Continuing professional development is ongoing learning that maintains and develops competence for present and future responsibilities. It involves identifying learning needs, undertaking suitable activities, applying learning and evaluating its effect. Relevant practical learning can matter as well as formal courses; evidence and specific requirements depend on the professional body or role.
Worked example
A finance manager identifies a gap in system-control knowledge, completes relevant training, applies it during a system review and records what changed in their work. Attendance alone would not demonstrate that the gap was addressed.
Common mistake
Counting any event as development regardless of relevance, or assuming professional competence is permanently secured by passing an initial qualification.
Where it appears in your exams
| Qualification | Exam | Relationship | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACCA | BT | Direct | September 2026–June 2027 |
| ACCA | SBL | Direct | September 2026–June 2027 |
| FIA | FBT | Direct | September 2026–June 2027 |