CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Evolving expectations: RICS’ updated approach to CPD

Donna Best

Donna is Profession Support & Assurance Specialist (Valuation), RICS, supporting and regulating Registered Valuers to uphold RICS professional standards, championing high-quality, compliant valuation practice across the profession.

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Donna kindly offered to write this introduction to the changes to CPD for practicing surveyors. It includes useful links to relevant RICS documents. Note those changes are already in place. 

RICS has introduced a shift in its Continuing Professional Development (CPD) framework, effective January 2026. The updated requirements move beyond traditional hour‑counting and places a stronger emphasis on reflective, purposeful learning aligned with professional growth. 

A more intentional model of professional learning 

Under the new framework, CPD is no longer seen merely as a compliance activity. Instead, it encourages members to identify their learning needs, plan relevant activities, and briefly reflect on what they gained from each experience. This means shifting from “I attended a webinar” to “here’s what I learned, and here’s how it will help me in practice.” 

Hours, structure, and mandatory topics 

Although the annual requirement remains at 20 hours - of which at least 10 must be structured learning - the terminology has been refined. ‘Structured’ and ‘unstructured’ learning now replace the previous ‘formal’ and ‘informal’ categories. You can read more on the classification here: How-to-classify-your-CPD_Decision-tree-and-examples.pdf. You may be surprised to find how many of your day-to-day activities can count as unstructured learning! 

Across a three‑year cycle, all members must also complete at least one hour of structured CPD in three mandatory areas: 

• ethics 

• sustainability 

• AI, data & technology. 

You can find CPD learning resources, including webinars and courses supporting these topics at CPD learning supporting mandatory topics. More resources will be added throughout the year. 

Annual declaration and record submission 

To reinforce accountability, members must make an annual declaration confirming that their CPD is relevant, adequate, and appropriate. As previously, CPD must be recorded with RICS by 31 January each year, covering all activities from the preceding calendar year. CPD learning can be recorded via RICS My Account or the new RICS Member App, whichever is easier for you. 

Support and learning resources 

RICS membership includes a CPD Support Pack , as well as a wide range of materials through the RICS Knowledge Service, including eBooks, journals, and legal materials. 

For members undertaking asset valuation work, our free 3.5-hour Red Book Compliance Workshop provides an overview of the key mandatory requirements and the audit trail expected under Red Book standards. You can find out more and register here: RICS Red Book Compliance Workshop. 

Why meaningful CPD matters 

High-quality CPD helps us stay current, manage emerging risks, and maintain the level of competence expected of RICS members. It also plays a vital role in maintaining public trust and confidence in the profession. 

You can read more about the CPD framework and the detailed requirements here: Continuing Professional Development for RICS members.