What is CPD?
CPD is essentially the process of continuous learning through the life long acquisition of knowledge and skills. CPD has three components: knowledge, skills and professional attributes. Individually, we are responsible for identifying our needs in terms of these three components.
How will CPD help me?
CPD will help you to identify your what new or improved skills you need to maintain your professional competence. As part of an accredited CPD scheme you will have evidence of acquisition or updating of skills that is required for example to remain a registered toxicologist.
Who does CPD apply to?
All professional toxicologists. This provides a means of recording the updating of your professional skills.
What kinds of activities accrue credits?
Attendance at relevant conferences and meetings, teaching your subject, presenting on your research area, preparing new teaching and presentation material. Examining in your subject area, publishing refereed material, attending examined higher education courses, membership of industry or governmental committees, editing scientific publications. In short, anything which expands and updates your knowledgein your subject and related subjects but which is not considered to be part of your everyday job.
Who is responsible for CPD?
You. We are each responsible for maintaining our own CPD records. This can be done as part of a formal, accredited CPD scheme (such as the one run by the Royal College of Pathologists) or simply as a person record. One of the key parts of CPD is providing the evidence of participation in an activity that accrues credit(s).