The IET's CPD policy for mandatory CPD record monitoring is now live. Over the next few weeks, you may be requested to submit your CPD return for 2016. To help with this transition to the new policy, we have answered a few 'frequently asked questions'.
Why have you changed the CPD policy?
The IET have changed the policy to meet the Engineering Council’s aspirations.
As an IET Member you have already committed to keeping your knowledge and skills up-to-date, the only change is that you may be chosen to have your previous year’s CPD records reviewed.
How many hours CPD am I required to undertake per year?
Professionally active members: minimum of 30 hours.
Retired members who are acting as an IET volunteer: minimum of 30 hours.
Semi-retired or partially-active members: reduced target of 10 hours.
Members who are no longer professionally active need not undertake any CPD. This may be through retirement (without volunteering), unemployment, employment in a non-engineering capacity, long term illness, maternity leave etc.
What counts as CPD?
The IET does not have an exact list stating what does and does not count as CPD. The best person to decide this is you.
If you can justify how the activity relates to any of the UK-SPEC competence groups and explain what you gained from undertaking that activity, then it is suitable to record this as part of your CPD. See further guidance.
Do I have to use Career Manager to record my CPD activities?
We understand that you may have your own recording method and we don’t wish to create extra work for you, but there are several reasons why the IET recommends that you make use of Career Manager:
If all IET Members use Career Manager, we have a level playing-field for reviewing records.
Career Manager allows you to take your records with you if you change jobs and is designed with you in mind.
It is a quick way of recording CPD and includes UK-SPEC and a route for applying for professional registration for those who need it.
