Confirm the application route
We identify whether the submission concerns a course, provider or assessor and confirm the evidence needed for that specific review.
Start an application enquiryHow we review CPD evidence before approval.
You send the evidence. We review it against the right route, confirm any questions and record the decision clearly.
Evidence is only half the job.
Asking for evidence is only half the job. The other half, the part that protects the value of a CPD record, is what happens after that evidence arrives for review. This page explains what is checked, in what order and how decisions are normally handled for courses, providers and assessors.
Accreditation decisions are subject to human review and are not granted automatically from an application submission or payment. The depth and method of review may vary according to the evidence, subject area and risk of the programme.
After review, published records can be found in our provider, course and assessor directories. Use verification to check an exact approval ID or certificate code.
The same clear structure for every application.
Course, provider and assessor applications need different evidence, but each follows the same clear structure: confirm the route, review what was supplied and record the outcome.
Review and verify the evidence
A reviewer checks the relevant materials, records or professional information and follows up directly when something needs clarification.
See the evidence requirementsRecord a clear decision
The application is approved, returned with specific actions or declined with an explanation of what the supplied evidence did not support.
Understand the outcomesA review process that keeps every decision clear.
The application route, supporting evidence, reviewer questions and final outcome should connect as one record from first enquiry to approval.
The correct route is confirmed before detailed review begins, so the application is checked against the right requirements.
Questions and requested corrections are tied to the evidence, giving applicants a clear way to respond.
The final decision records what was approved, what scope applies and how the approval can be described.
How a course moves from submission to accreditation
These stages explain what we do with the evidence. Clarification and resubmission may lead back to an earlier review stage before a decision is reached.
Course submission
We receive the complete current course and supporting evidence: its specification, audience, entry requirements where applicable, outcomes, learning materials, assessments and marking guidance, competence evidence, relevant technical sources, evaluation arrangements and proposed certificate. A course outline, syllabus or marketing page alone is not sufficient.
Scope and evidence check
Before detailed assessment, we confirm the course title and version, intended audience, delivery method, stated learning duration, learning outcomes, assessment method and evidence available for review. Essential gaps are raised for clarification or additional evidence.
Course content review
We review the submitted learning experience, not only its description: structure, coherence, depth, learner materials and their relationship to the outcomes. We consider factual and technical content, supporting sources, currency and how the course is developed and maintained. Technical, regulated or safety-sensitive subjects may require additional technical evidence or specialist review.
Learning outcome and assessment review
We trace each stated learning outcome through the teaching material, assessment evidence and completion requirement. We consider whether the course supports what learners are expected to achieve and whether the assessment provides suitable evidence of that achievement.
- Learning outcome
- Learning / teaching evidence
- Assessment evidence
- Completion requirement
For example, if an outcome states that a learner will demonstrate a practical skill, a knowledge-only multiple-choice test may not by itself provide sufficient evidence of that outcome.
Competence and technical evidence review
Where relevant, we review the subject competence of authors, tutors, trainers or technical contributors through qualifications, professional registration, industry experience, professional practice or other appropriate evidence. This review relates to the submitted course and does not grant continuing individual accreditation to every trainer.
Findings and clarification
We record findings against the relevant requirement and evidence, identifying the course section or claim that needs attention. Findings distinguish mandatory corrections, requests for further evidence and optional improvements.
Corrective action / resubmission
Where action is required, the provider may submit revised documents, clarification or additional evidence. We review the response against the original finding and record whether it can be closed. The assessment history remains connected to the application so the progression to resolution is clear.
- Finding raised
- Provider response
- Revised/additional evidence
- Review
- Finding closed
Final review and decision
We consider the evidence and outstanding findings before recording an outcome: approved, revisions required or declined. Accreditation decisions are subject to human review; neither submitting an application nor making a payment guarantees approval.
Assessment report and accreditation record
We document the course, version, scope, evidence considered, findings and final status. Following successful accreditation, the approved course is connected to its accreditation reference and applicable certificate, mark-use and verification arrangements.
How assessment findings are described
Each finding explains the evidence considered and what, if anything, the provider needs to address. Optional improvements are distinguished from conditions of approval.
Major non-conformity
Action before approvalA significant applicable requirement has not been demonstrated and must be addressed before approval.
Minor non-conformity
Correction neededA requirement needs correction or improvement but does not necessarily undermine the programme as a whole. The finding identifies the action needed and how it affects the decision.
Further evidence required
Evidence neededThe available evidence is insufficient to reach a supported conclusion.
Observation / opportunity for improvement
Optional improvementAn improvement that may strengthen the programme but is not itself a mandatory condition of approval.
We verify the business, then the process behind it.
Provider review confirms the organisation first, then looks at whether its training process is real, repeatable and supported by working evidence. Individual course accreditation remains a separate review and fee.
Organisation verification
We start by confirming the organisation or sole trader identity, current trading details and the people responsible for the application. For established providers with clear records, this usually moves quickly.
Training process review
Once the business itself is confirmed, we review how the organisation builds and runs training. We go through the process described, including how course content is identified, developed, reviewed and kept current, and how learners are supported once enrolled. The evidence should show a process that is real and repeatable.
Comparison with submitted courses
Where a provider has courses already in the pipeline, we look at whether those submissions reflect the training process described. Individual course accreditation is a separate review and fee where named courses need approved CPD wording, course logo use or learner certificates.
Providers with an established training operation often already hold much of the evidence needed. When questions arise, we normally ask for a practical example of the process working rather than more general description.
We verify assessor standing confidentially.
Your assessor evidence stays confidential
Assessor review is focused and confidential. The central question is whether the applicant has the background to judge CPD evidence in the specific field requested.
Field-specific expertise
We review the qualifications, professional history or industry standing submitted against the field the applicant is applying to assess. A strong background in a related field is not automatically sufficient; the assessor scope should be supported by relevant subject evidence.
Direct verification
Where possible, we verify credentials directly with the issuing body, employer, or professional register, rather than relying solely on the documents provided. This step exists to protect the integrity of every assessment this person will later carry out.
Confidential handling
Private personal and professional evidence is restricted to the people and services needed to complete verification. It is not published or shared with providers and learners as public profile information. If approved, only the agreed assessor details and subject scope can be listed.
Once expertise is confirmed, assessor approval is limited to the relevant field. If something needs clarifying, such as a qualification that cannot be independently verified, we ask directly and confidentially before a decision is made.
Approved, revisions required or declined.
A review records one of three outcomes; revisions required means the application needs further work before approval. The aim is to make the decision clear enough that the applicant understands the record and any next step.
Approved
Approval means the course, provider status or assessor scope has met the relevant review requirements and can be recorded against the confirmed approval route.
Revisions required
Further action or evidence is required before accreditation can be granted. The applicant receives specific findings, questions or documents to address before the review can be completed.
Declined
Declined is used where the evidence does not support the claim being made, such as an unverified credential, an organisation that cannot be confirmed or content that does not meet the required standard. The reason is explained, and resubmission can be considered when the issue has been addressed.
What you receive after assessment
The documents and permissions depend on the assessment outcome and approved scope. A report records the review; a certificate and permission to use an accredited course mark follow successful accreditation.
Course Accreditation Assessment Report
Identifies the course, version and scope assessed, evidence considered, assessment outcome, findings or actions where applicable, and final status.
Course Accreditation Certificate
Issued following successful accreditation, with the accreditation reference and applicable validity details.
Accreditation reference
An identifiable reference connects the accredited course to its approval record.
Accredited course mark
Use is subject to the approved scope and the CPD Qualifications™ logo use guidelines.
Public verification
Approved records can be checked through our verification facilities where applicable.
Read about certificates, verification and logo use guidelines.
What we record about an assessment
This allows an accreditation decision to be understood in context, rather than existing only as a certificate or accreditation mark.
The assessment record connects the evidence reviewed to the outcome reached. Its contents reflect the route and scope of the application.
| Record | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Provider and course identity | Identifies what was assessed |
| Course version | Identifies the version submitted |
| Submission date | Establishes the assessment timeline |
| Evidence register | Identifies material considered |
| Learning outcomes | Records intended learner outcomes |
| Assessment arrangements | Records how achievement is determined |
| Assessment findings | Records issues identified |
| Evidence requests | Records further evidence requested |
| Provider responses | Records responses and corrective action |
| Revised submissions | Records relevant changes |
| Technical review | Records additional review where applicable |
| Final assessment outcome | Records the result |
| Accreditation reference | Connects the approved course to its record |
When an accredited course changes
Accreditation relates to the version assessed
Accreditation is based on the course version and evidence reviewed by CPD Qualifications™. Providers should notify us of material changes that could affect that basis.
Examples include changes to learning outcomes, core content, assessment methodology, delivery method, learning duration, technical or regulatory content, and certification arrangements.
Depending on the significance of the change, we may record the update with no further action, request updated evidence, review affected elements or require reassessment. Minor editorial changes do not necessarily require reassessment.
Know what to expect before you submit.
The clearer the evidence is at the start, the smoother the review usually is. Courses, providers and assessors each have different requirements, so it is worth checking the evidence list before sending an application enquiry.
View evidence requirements