Getting accredited
What to include in a CPD accreditation application
Published 2 October 2026 · 5 min read
The fastest way to slow down an accreditation is to send an incomplete application. At AssuredCPD, the five-working-day clock only starts once everything the assessor needs has arrived. Here's exactly what that is, and how to prepare each item so it doesn't come back with questions.
The short version: a complete AssuredCPD submission has six parts: a course outline, your learning outcomes, a representative sample of materials, your assessment method and pass criteria, your claimed CPD hours with a short justification, and your content review policy. The online form takes about ten minutes; preparing what goes into it is the real work.
Before you start: are you eligible?
Section 3 of the Standards Framework says a provider may apply if they own or are licensed to deliver the materials submitted, the course has defined learning outcomes and a defined audience, the course is lawful and doesn't promote harm, discrimination or misinformation, and the provider can supply the evidence below.
The six things to include
| Item | What the framework asks for | How to get it right |
|---|---|---|
| Course outline | Modules or lessons and approximate durations | Durations should add up to something consistent with your claimed CPD hours. |
| Learning outcomes | The stated, demonstrable outcomes | Use verbs an assessor can check — see writing outcomes that pass. |
| Sample of materials | Enough to judge quality — e.g. one full module, or slides plus a script | Send your strongest representative module, not a trailer. |
| Assessment method and pass criteria | How learning is checked and what counts as a pass | State the pass condition explicitly — see designing an assessment. |
| CPD hours with justification | The number and a short rationale | Show how you got there — see CPD hours explained. |
| Content review policy | How and when the course is kept current | Name a cadence (e.g. annual) and the triggers for an earlier review. |
What happens after you submit
We acknowledge your submission and confirm it's complete. Incomplete submissions come back with a list of what's missing, and the five-working-day clock starts only once everything has arrived. During review the assessor may ask one round of clarification questions; the clock pauses while you respond. You'll then get a written decision — Accredited, Conditional or Declined — with reasons.
Sector-specific extras
Some topics need one or two extra details to avoid a clarification round. Our sector guides spell them out: for example, which year's statutory guidance a safeguarding course follows, the certificate wording on a food hygiene course, which nations a fire safety course covers, and how practical skills are taught on a first aid course. See also our guides for health and safety and mental health.
A quick pre-submission check
- Do the module durations add up to roughly your claimed CPD hours?
- Does every learning outcome have a matching assessment item?
- Is your pass condition written down in one sentence?
- Does your sample show real content, not just marketing pages?
- Have you named a review date?
FAQ
What do I need to submit for CPD accreditation?
For AssuredCPD, a complete submission has six parts: a course outline with approximate durations, your learning outcomes, a representative sample of materials, your assessment method and pass criteria, your claimed CPD hours with a short justification, and your content review policy.
How long does the CPD application form take?
The AssuredCPD online application takes about ten minutes to complete. Preparing the materials that go into it is the main work, and a complete submission is what starts the five-working-day decision clock.
What happens if my CPD application is incomplete?
It is returned with a list of what is missing, and the five-working-day clock does not start until the submission is complete.