The window for all registered occupational therapists to renew their registration is open.
Renewal happens every two years and to stay on the register you need to sign a declaration that you continue to meet the Health & Care Professional Council (HCPC) standards, including Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
When renewing, 2.5% of all professional occupational therapists will be asked to submit a CPD profile to demonstrate that they continue to meet the standards - known as an audit. It is important to maintain a CPD record for this.
The key requirements of the CPD standards set by the HCPC are to:
- Maintain a continuous, up-to-date, and accurate record of CPD activities.
- Demonstrate that CPD activities are a mixture of learning activities relevant to current or future practice.
- Ensure that CPD contributes to the quality of practice and service delivery.
- Ensure that CPD benefits the person accessing services.
- Present a written profile containing evidence of CPD upon request.
Research in Practice is providing guidance, resources and support for occupational therapists with their renewal and CPD.
The window is open from 1 August until 31 October 2025.
There are three steps to renewal:
- Log into your HCPC account.
- Complete your renewal information. You must make a professional declaration every time you renew and confirm you meet the standards as this confirms your eligibility.
- Pay your renewal fee.
All occupational therapists should regularly update and maintain their CPD record.
When you renew your registration, you will be asked to sign a form to confirm that you continue to meet HCPC standards. This includes CPD so it is imperative you maintain your record.
If you are chosen as one of the 2.5% you will need to complete a CPD audit.
A CPD activity is any activity from which you learn or develop professionally. Professional development can range from attending a course to reflecting on a piece of research, listening to a podcast or reading case law – anything that has had a positive impact upon practice.It can include:
- Reflecting on contact at the end of the day.
- Discussing and reviewing activities with colleagues.
- Observing how others operate in your workplace.
- Adapting your own methods of working.
There are four sections to complete your CPD profile for the audit.
- Summary of recent work or practice (up to 500 words). This is to evidence whether your CPD is relevant to your current or future practice.
- A dated list of your CPD activities.
- A personal statement (up to 1,500 words). It is recommended this focuses on how your CPD activities improve the quality of your work and the benefits.
- Supporting evidence of your CPD. You need to upload what you have done.
You can submit your CPD profile through your HCPC account.
Recording your CPD on the Research in Practice website
Anyone with a Research in Practice account is able to keep a record of their CPD. You can reflect and record your thoughts using the CPD button on each page, as well as bookmarking and sharing resources with colleagues. Review your reflections in ‘Your CPD’, which you can use to help you when recording your CPD on the Social Work England website.
Our video provides a short overview of how you can record your CPD on our website.
