Frequently Asked Questions

Q. In my business, it is very difficult to find the time and money to attend external courses. To meet CPD requirements, do I have to attend such courses?
A. CPD covers a very wide range of activities - attending courses is useful, but certainly not essential.

Q. If CPD is not following a course of some kind, what exactly is it?
A. We know that for many, it is not possible to attend external courses and this is why the Institution has adopted a flexible approach to CPD. We ask you to think about the many ways in which you can develop knowledge and skills. For example, to become familiar with a new piece of technology or an area of management in which you have not been involved in before can constitute CPD. A balance of work based, self directed study and community activities is encouraged.

Q. I am doing a part time qualification, will this count?
A. Generally speaking, any relevant further or higher education study can be counted as CPD.

Q. I wish to transfer from Member to Fellow. What are the Institution requirements for CPD?
A. Applicants for transfer from Member to Fellow are required to demonstrate their active involvement in CPD over the preceding five years by completing the relevant forms.

Q. I belong to another professional institution which also requires me to undertake CPD. Will I have to take additional CPD to satisfy both institutions?
A. It is Institution policy to recognise relevant CPD activities carried out with other professional bodies.

Q. Now that I am retired, am I expected to carry out CPD?
A. Those members who are fully retired from practice but who have not or cannot as yet transfer to the Retired Role will receive an Annual Return. If you are no longer active in engineering you are requested to indicate this on your return. However, many members continue to work on a part - time consultancy basis. If this is the case for you, it would be advisable for you to continue to undertake CPD.

Q. I am taking a career break at the moment to bring up my family. Will my membership be in question if I do not keep a CPD record?
A. If it is your intention to return to work in engineering, you would be best advised to try and keep in touch with developments via structured reading, distance learning, use of the web etc. However, you contact us to advise us of your circumstances, which will be taken into account when assessing your return.

Q. Will I lose my membership of the Institution if I do not send in a CPD Return?
A. No. The Institution does not wish to introduce punitive measures against members who do not submit their Annual Returns. It would rather persuade members of the benefits to be found in undertaking CPD and encourage members to submit information. With your help, the Institution can show to the public that members of this Institution are at the forefront of development in the industry.