CPD Guide
What are CPD Points and how do you earn them?
CPD points (Continuing Professional Development points) are the unit regulators use to track structured learning across your career. One CPD point typically represents one hour of verifiable learning — though every regulator counts them slightly differently. This guide covers what counts, how many you need, and how to earn CPD points online with an AI-verified certificate.
In short
1 CPD point ≈ 1 hour of structured learning. Most UK regulators require 35–100 hours over 1–5 years, plus a short reflective note per activity. CPD points are the UK term; CME credits are the US equivalent.
How many CPD points do you need?
CPD requirements vary by regulator and profession. The table below covers the major UK healthcare and allied-health regulators.
| Regulator | Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| GMC (Doctors, UK) | 50 CPD credits/year | 1 credit ≈ 1 hour of learning |
| NMC (Nurses & Midwives, UK) | 35 hours over 3 years | 20 hours must be participatory |
| GPhC (Pharmacists, UK) | Min. 4 CPD records/year | Reflective entries |
| GDC (Dentists, UK) | 100 hours over 5 years | Dental nurses: 50 hours |
| HCPC (Allied Health, UK) | Continuous over 2 years | Audited on renewal |
What counts as 1 CPD point?
Across most UK frameworks, 1 CPD point = 1 hour of structured learning. "Structured" means there is a defined learning outcome and some form of evidence — a certificate, assessment, or attendance record.
Hour-counting alone has a known flaw: a 1-hour video and a 1-hour interactive case study can deliver wildly different amounts of learning. AiCE addresses this with Effective Learning Words (ELW), a content-density measure where 1 AICE Point = 4,000 ELW or 1 practical hour — whichever produces the more conservative result. See our published study on CPD credit discrepancies for the evidence base.
How to earn CPD points online
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Frequently asked questions
How many CPD points do I need each year?
It depends on your regulator. UK doctors need 50 CPD credits/year (GMC); UK nurses need 35 hours over 3 years (NMC); UK dentists need 100 hours over 5 years (GDC). See the table above for your profession.
Are CPD points the same as CME credits?
They are equivalents. CPD (Continuing Professional Development) is the UK/Commonwealth term; CME (Continuing Medical Education) is the US term. One CPD point/credit/hour typically maps 1:1 to one CME credit when the activity is comparable.
How do I earn CPD points online?
Complete an accredited online course, pass any associated assessment, and download a CPD-style certificate showing the hours/points awarded. AiCE generates AICE Points with a CPD/CME equivalence reference, accepted by most reflective-practice systems.
What counts as 1 CPD point?
In most UK frameworks, 1 CPD point equals 1 hour of structured learning. AiCE measures learning time more precisely using Effective Learning Words (ELW): 1 AICE Point = 4,000 ELW or 1 practical hour.
Are AICE Points accepted as CPD credits?
AICE Points represent verified learning time and complexity. They are not CPD/CME/CE credits directly — equivalence hours are provided for reference only.* Acceptance depends on your regulator or employer. Most reflective-practice systems accept any verifiable learning record.
Do I need to submit a reflection with my CPD points?
Most UK regulators (GMC, NMC, GPhC, GDC, HCPC) require a short reflective note alongside each CPD entry. AiCE certificates include a topic summary you can paste directly into your reflective log.
How do I track my CPD points?
AiCE keeps an immutable ledger of every assessment you pass, with date, topic, hours, AICE Points, and CPD/CME equivalence. Export at any time from your dashboard for your regulator audit.
What happens if I don't get enough CPD points?
Failure to meet your regulator's CPD requirement can affect revalidation, registration, or licensure. Most regulators publish a grace period and remediation pathway — contact your regulatory body directly.
*AICE Points represent verified learning time and complexity. CPD/CME equivalence is provided for reference only. Acceptance depends on your regulator or employer.