CPD.me.uk Accreditation Methodology

The Complete CPD.me.uk Accreditation Scoring Framework Explained

CPD.me.uk uses a clear 100-point accreditation scoring framework to assess the quality, structure, evidence, learner value and professional development impact of CPD activities submitted for review.

Each CPD activity is assessed across 10 core criteria. Each criterion is worth 10 points, creating a total possible score of 100 points.

10 Core criteria

10 Points per criterion

100 Total possible score

60% Minimum developing threshold

CPD.me.uk Grade Bands

Grade	Score	Meaning
Outstanding	90%+	Exceptional CPD activity with excellent evidence, structure, assessment, learner value and professional development impact.
Excellent	80%+	Strong CPD activity with clear learning value, professional relevance and well-developed supporting materials.
Good	70%+	Good standard with clear educational value, although some areas may benefit from further refinement.
Developing	60%+	Meets a developing level of CPD suitability but may require improvement to strengthen quality and learner outcomes.
Improvement Required	Below 60%	Does not yet demonstrate sufficient quality, structure, evidence or professional development value for approval without improvement.

The 10 CPD.me.uk Accreditation Criteria

The CPD.me.uk framework is designed to assess the full learning experience, not just the appearance of a course. Professionally designed videos, graphics and workbooks can improve learner experience, but the core focus of accreditation is the quality of the theory, lesson plans, learning outcomes, structure, assessment methods, evidence, case studies and CPD value.

C01 Learning Outcomes & Objectives

This criterion assesses whether the activity has clear, measurable and professionally relevant learning outcomes.

Points	What earns this score
1	No meaningful learning outcomes are provided.
2	Very limited aims are included but they are vague or not measurable.
3	Basic objectives are present but lack clarity or professional relevance.
4	Some learning outcomes are included but are inconsistent or incomplete.
5	Learning outcomes are adequate but could be more specific and measurable.
6	Clear outcomes are provided and broadly align with the course content.
7	Good measurable outcomes are included and clearly support learner development.
8	Strong outcomes are specific, measurable, relevant and well aligned to lessons and assessment.
9	Excellent outcomes demonstrate clear progression, professional relevance and measurable learner achievement.
10	Exceptional outcomes are precise, measurable, sector-relevant, fully integrated and clearly evidence CPD impact.

C02 Content Quality & Accuracy

This criterion assesses the accuracy, depth, currency and professional reliability of the course content.

Points	What earns this score
1	Content is missing, unsafe, inaccurate or unsuitable for professional learning.
2	Content is extremely limited with major gaps or accuracy concerns.
3	Basic content is provided but lacks depth, clarity or sufficient professional substance.
4	Some useful content is present, but important areas are underdeveloped.
5	Content is adequate for basic learning but would benefit from expansion or refinement.
6	Content is generally accurate and relevant with reasonable professional value.
7	Content is good quality, accurate, relevant and suitable for the target learners.
8	Content is strong, well-developed, accurate, current and professionally useful.
9	Content is excellent, detailed, credible and clearly demonstrates subject expertise.
10	Content is exceptional, comprehensive, accurate, up to date, expertly written and highly valuable for professional development.

C03 Course Structure & Learning Flow

This criterion assesses whether the course is organised logically and supports a clear learning journey.

Points	What earns this score
1	No clear structure or learning pathway is provided.
2	Structure is confusing, fragmented or very difficult to follow.
3	Basic sections are present but sequencing is weak or unclear.
4	Some structure exists but the learning journey is inconsistent.
5	Adequate structure is present but transitions, pacing or module flow need improvement.
6	The course follows a reasonable order and supports basic learner progression.
7	Good structure with logical sequencing and clear learner progression.
8	Strong learning flow with well-organised modules, lessons and progression points.
9	Excellent structure with clear scaffolding, pacing and a coherent learning journey.
10	Exceptional structure with seamless learning flow, strong sequencing and a highly professional learner journey.

C04 Assessment & Knowledge Checking

This criterion assesses how effectively the course checks learner understanding and achievement.

Points	What earns this score
1	No assessment or knowledge checking is included.
2	Assessment is minimal, unclear or unrelated to the learning outcomes.
3	Basic questions are included but do not sufficiently test understanding.
4	Some assessment is present but coverage is limited or inconsistent.
5	Adequate knowledge checks are included but could be more robust.
6	Assessment broadly aligns with learning outcomes and checks key understanding.
7	Good assessment methods test knowledge, application and learner progress.
8	Strong assessment is well aligned, varied and suitable for the activity level.
9	Excellent assessment clearly measures learner achievement and practical understanding.
10	Exceptional assessment is comprehensive, fair, outcome-linked, professionally relevant and supports reliable evidence of learning.

C05 Evidence, Referencing & Source Attribution

This criterion assesses whether claims, theory and professional guidance are supported with appropriate evidence and attribution.

Points	What earns this score
1	No evidence, references or attribution are provided where needed.
2	Very limited attribution with significant unsupported claims.
3	Some sources are mentioned but referencing is incomplete or unclear.
4	Basic referencing is present but important claims still lack support.
5	Adequate source attribution is included but consistency needs improvement.
6	Relevant sources are used and most key claims are supported.
7	Good referencing with credible sources and clear attribution throughout.
8	Strong evidence base with consistent referencing and appropriate source quality.
9	Excellent evidence, credible references and clear distinction between theory, guidance and opinion.
10	Exceptional evidence base with high-quality sources, consistent attribution and strong academic or professional integrity.

C06 Learner Resources & Supporting Materials

This criterion assesses the quality and usefulness of learner handouts, workbooks, templates, guides and supporting materials.

Points	What earns this score
1	No learner resources or supporting materials are supplied.
2	Resources are minimal, unclear or not useful to learners.
3	Basic resources are provided but lack depth or practical value.
4	Some supporting materials exist but are inconsistent or incomplete.
5	Adequate resources support the course but could be clearer or more useful.
6	Resources are relevant and support learner understanding.
7	Good resources are clear, relevant and helpful for consolidation.
8	Strong materials support learning, reflection, application and review.
9	Excellent resources are well-designed, practical, accessible and highly supportive.
10	Exceptional learner resources are comprehensive, engaging, professionally designed and significantly enhance learner achievement.

C07 Trainer Competence & Credentials

This criterion assesses whether the trainer or provider has suitable expertise, qualifications, experience and professional credibility.

Points	What earns this score
1	No trainer competence, qualifications or experience evidence is provided.
2	Very limited evidence of competence or subject knowledge.
3	Some experience is claimed but evidence is weak or incomplete.
4	Basic competence is shown but credentials require clarification.
5	Adequate experience or qualifications are provided for basic delivery.
6	Trainer competence is generally suitable for the activity level.
7	Good evidence of qualifications, experience and relevant subject expertise.
8	Strong trainer credentials with clear experience and professional credibility.
9	Excellent credentials, teaching competence and sector-specific expertise are demonstrated.
10	Exceptional trainer competence with verified expertise, strong professional background and clear authority to deliver the activity.

C08 Professional Standards, Safety & Compliance

This criterion assesses whether the course addresses relevant safety, ethics, professional boundaries, compliance and risk considerations.

Points	What earns this score
1	Professional standards, safety or compliance are absent despite being required.
2	Major safety, ethical or compliance gaps are present.
3	Basic safety or standards content is included but is insufficient.
4	Some relevant guidance is included but important risks or responsibilities are missing.
5	Adequate coverage of basic professional standards and safety considerations.
6	Relevant standards, safety and compliance topics are generally addressed.
7	Good coverage of professional responsibilities, safety and appropriate practice.
8	Strong standards framework with clear safety, ethics and compliance guidance.
9	Excellent professional standards coverage with clear risk management and learner guidance.
10	Exceptional integration of professional standards, safety, ethics, scope of practice, compliance and responsible delivery.

C09 Learner Engagement & Practical Application

This criterion assesses whether learners are encouraged to engage, reflect and apply learning in real professional contexts.

Points	What earns this score
1	No learner engagement or practical application is included.
2	Very limited engagement with little opportunity to apply learning.
3	Basic interaction is present but practical application is weak.
4	Some learner activities are included but they are limited or generic.
5	Adequate engagement exists but could better support practical implementation.
6	Learners are encouraged to reflect and apply key concepts.
7	Good use of activities, case studies or exercises to support application.
8	Strong engagement with practical tasks, reflection and real-world relevance.
9	Excellent learner engagement with meaningful application, reflection and professional context.
10	Exceptional engagement design with highly practical, interactive, reflective and professionally relevant learner application.

C10 CPD Value & Professional Development Impact

This criterion assesses the overall CPD value and professional development impact of the activity.

Points	What earns this score
1	The activity does not demonstrate meaningful CPD value.
2	Very limited professional development relevance is shown.
3	Some CPD relevance exists but impact is unclear or weak.
4	Basic CPD value is present but professional impact is limited.
5	Adequate CPD value with some relevance to learner development.
6	Clear CPD value and reasonable professional development benefit.
7	Good professional development value with clear learner benefit.
8	Strong CPD impact with clear relevance, application and progression.
9	Excellent CPD value with measurable professional impact and strong sector relevance.
10	Exceptional CPD impact, demonstrating measurable learner growth, professional advancement and outstanding development value.

What We Look For Overall

The CPD.me.uk framework is designed to identify whether a CPD activity provides meaningful, structured and professionally relevant learning. A course does not need to have every video, graphic or final design asset completed before it can be reviewed. However, the educational foundation must be strong.

Clear learning outcomes and learner objectives.
Accurate, relevant and well-developed theory.
Logical lesson plans and learning flow.
Appropriate assessment and knowledge checking.
Evidence, referencing and source attribution where needed.
Useful learner resources and supporting materials.
Trainer competence and suitable credentials.
Professional standards, safety and compliance considerations.
Learner engagement, reflection and practical application.
Clear CPD value and professional development impact.

Ready to Submit Your CPD Activity?

CPD.me.uk reviews training activities using a clear 100-point framework designed to assess educational quality, learner value and professional development impact.

View Accreditation Levels

The Complete CPD.ME.UK Accreditation Scoring Framework Explained

The Complete CPD.me.uk Accreditation Scoring Framework Explained

CPD.me.uk Grade Bands

The 10 CPD.me.uk Accreditation Criteria

C01 Learning Outcomes & Objectives

C02 Content Quality & Accuracy

C03 Course Structure & Learning Flow

C04 Assessment & Knowledge Checking

C05 Evidence, Referencing & Source Attribution

C06 Learner Resources & Supporting Materials

C07 Trainer Competence & Credentials

C08 Professional Standards, Safety & Compliance

C09 Learner Engagement & Practical Application

C10 CPD Value & Professional Development Impact

What We Look For Overall

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Next Steps

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