Verifiable vs. Non-Verifiable
[CPD Category Table]
What Activities Count as Verifiable CPD?
In terms of CPD, "verifiable" is defined as an activity that can be objectively confirmed by a competent (third party) source.
Verifiable activities include the following:
- Attending seminars, formal in-house training sessions, non-credit courses (night school), special interest study groups and post-secondary courses
- Teaching courses or presenting seminars
- Developing courses or seminars published by a third-party
- Tutoring or marking assignments for post-secondary credit courses or distance education courses
- Participating in technology-based activities that provide a certificate of completion or an assessment process; for example, an online seminar
- Writing or reviewing articles, books or courses published by a third-party
What Are Examples of Supporting Documentation for Verifiable Activities?
Examples of evidence of verification include the following:
- Course outlines or teaching materials
- Attendance records, registration forms or confirmation of registration from providers
- Confirmation in writing by an instructor of participation
- Confirmation in writing by an employer of participation in an in-house program
- Independent assessment of learning outcomes and/or performance objectives achieved
- Certificates of completion
- Publication of professional articles.
Documentation must be retained for four years. In the case of online learning such as webinars or an online course, a certificate of completion or an assessment process must be retained in order to qualify for verifiable hours—otherwise the course or webinar would only be eligible for non-verifiable hours.
What Activities Count as Non-Verifiable CPD?
Non-verifiable activities include independent study using published learning materials without an assessment process and other self-directed learning, including the following:
- Technical reading or self-study of published materials
- Self-study courses that do not offer a certificate of completion or assessment process
- Learning new skills as a result of a major change in job responsibilities or substantial involvement in special projects
- New non-remunerative responsibilities as an officer or committee member of a professional or not-for-profit organization