Introduction to CPD

Structural engineers need to keep up with developments in the profession and the construction industry. The pace of change is such that it is no longer enough to rely on the results of initial education, however good, or the training leading to membership. There is a need for continuing commitment to enhancing skills and capability during the whole of a professional career. It is the responsibility of each individual engineer to take on this form of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for his or her own benefit.

Before defining CPD it is worth stating that Professional Development can now be split into two areas:

• Initial Professional Development (IPD) - which bridges the gap between the educational base and attaining professional qualifications,
• and CPD which applies post professional qualification.

Needless to say, many of the activities undertaken during an individual's period of IPD can be considered as appropriate CPD. Indeed, one of the requirements of IPD is that candidates show evidence of CPD and a commitment to future professional development.