Why we no longer worry about the HCPC CPD audit

As the new HCPC CPD audit cycle begins, many of us make enthusiastic plans about the good habits we’ll build, the courses we’ll complete and the reflective practice we’ll finally get on top of.

But for many, CPD still carries a sense of pressure, especially when the word ‘audit’ enters the conversation.

That’s exactly why we hosted our January CPD webinar. We wanted to demystify the HCPC audit experience by hearing directly from three RCOT members – Susannah Worby, Rachel Barlow and Ian Merrick – who recently completed the process themselves.

Their reflections, grounded in real experience, offered reassurance and practical insights.

The session also revisited key CPD reminders and explored the CPD audit support built into your RCOT membership.

Whether you joined the session or missed it, here are the top 10 takeaways to help you move through this audit cycle feeling confident, organised and supported.

Top ten takeaways

1. Remember the cycle dates – they matter.

The current HCPC re-registration cycle runs 1 November 2025 to 31 October 2027.

Only CPD completed within these dates counts toward the next CPD audit submission. If you get selected for audit next time, you’ll find out in early August 2027 by email. So, now is the perfect moment to log what you’ve already done since November before details fade! 

2. Audit selection is random, and you’re not alone.

As part of our re-registration, HCPC randomly select 2.5% of registrants for audit at each renewal (with newly registered occupational therapists exempt).

This means hundreds of occupational therapist are selected each cycle. The message from our member speakers was clear:

You aren’t on your own in this and the peer support group on RCOT Communities was a great way to feel connected to others going through audit at the same time.

3. Get familiar with the CPD standards now, not later.

The HCPC standards are what your submission will be assessed against.

Understanding them early removes pressure if you're ever selected, strengthens your everyday CPD practice and means you know what’s expected of you. Whether we’re selected for audit or not, we must uphold the CPD standards all year round.

4. More things count as CPD than you might think.

Professional activity, work-based, self-directed and formal learning all count!

HCPC’s webpages have lots of examples. Knowing what counts and recognising everyday learning boosts your confidence and fills your portfolio almost without trying.

5. Your RCOT membership includes dedicated audit support.

From the CPD audit webpages, webinars with HCPC, our partnership with CPDme, to peer support groups and audit drop-in sessions – our support is there for you. This is your reminder to explore what’s available.

6. Technology can make CPD simple.

Small digital habits go a long way:

• bookmark your CPD portfolio
• set calendar reminders to update your CPD record
• add quick diary entries as you learn.

These micro‑habits stop CPD from becoming a backlog you dread.

7. Starting early is the biggest time-saver.

All three speakers emphasised this. Break recording CPD into smaller tasks. A sentence today becomes evidence tomorrow.

Audit panic disappears when you’re not catching up and allows you to focus on your CPD profile where you choose just four to six examples of CPD to reflect on in more depth and provide evidence of for HCPC to review.

8. A CPD buddy can boost motivation and accountability.

Whether a colleague or another RCOT member, a buddy turns CPD into a shared experience.

You can check in on each other's progress, swap reflections and gently hold one another to account.

9. A ‘good enough’ record is better than no record at all.

Your record does not need to be beautifully formatted or polished.

Ian, Rachel and Susannah all stressed the importance of keeping it simple. Progress over perfection every time.

10. CPD is about you and your growth.

Members who completed the audit spoke not only about relief but also about unexpected benefits:

• feeling more reflective
• noticing their professional growth over the last couple of years
• reconnecting with their development goals.

Audit or no audit, CPD helps you become a more confident practitioner, be better at your job and most importantly deliver safe and effective care to the communities we serve.

Your next step starts today

As we reminded attendees during the reflection segment of the webinar, CPD is lifelong.

It’s not something to fear, but a habit to nurture. Before you move on with your busy day, ask yourself:

• What has inspired me?
• What’s one small action I can take now?

Whether it’s watching back the webinar, reading the CPD standards or adding a diary entry to your CPD portfolio – each small action builds the confidence you’ll carry through the next two years and beyond.

If you take away only one thing, it’s that none of us need to cross our fingers and hope for the best. With the right habits, support and tools, we can all approach CPD – and even the audit – without worry.