Reflection on past practice and a commitment to continuous learning are the benchmarks of a professional. At CIOB, we recognise that Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and learning are transformative for individuals, professions and society, which is why we regularly review our CPD Policy, to ensure it is in-line with industry standards and best practice. 

As part of this ongoing drive to improve professionalism across the built environment, we are introducing important changes to our CPD requirements. 

All CIOB members (apart from retired members holding RetMCIOB or RetFCIOB, who are exempt) agree to undertake CPD in each subscription year to comply with Rule 10 of the Rules of Professional Competence and Conduct. 

Why are improvements needed? 

The review of our CPD Policy falls under our Corporate Plan 2023-28 theme of Modern Professionalism, which defines what is to be a modern professional that is reflective and committed to continual learning and improvement. 

The review also provided an opportunity to benchmark our CPD requirements with other bodies, while also keeping pace with wider regulatory changes across the sector. The UK Government last year proposed the development of a single construction regulator for all functions relating to the construction industry, overseeing professionalism alongside buildings and products. 

We therefore set out to achieve three objectives: 

1. Improving consistency by aligning our CPD requirements with other professional bodies and established best practice, making it easier for members to understand and record. 

2. Aligning our CPD Policy with our Chartered membership competencies, enabling non-chartered members to develop toward those standards and ensuring Chartered Members remain current and competent in line with the competency represented by their post-nominals. 

3. Reflecting the approach taken in established professions such as healthcare, by placing reflection at the centre of CPD. Reflective practice converts day-to-day tasks and experiences into development opportunities and strengthens both self-awareness and awareness of others. 

What are the CPD improvements? 

The resulting changes were announced at our Members’ Forum on 27th January 2026 and the new CPD Policy applies to all CPD undertaken in 2026 and beyond. 

Measuring CPD 

To improve consistency, particularly for our members who are dual members of other bodies, we have begun measuring CPD in hours. 

All members are now required to undertake a minimum of 25 hours of CPD per annum, bringing our standards in line with organisations across the built environment and other sectors. This change averages to just over two hours per month, which should be achievable for most members. 

Content requirements 

Members are required to complete at least three hours of CPD in each of the core themes below: 

• Professionalism
• Quality
• Health, Safety and Wellbeing
• Sustainability 

Examples of content for each of these themes can be found on the Academy website, which provides a variety of learning resources for members. 

Members can choose the CPD that is most relevant to their individual roles and learning needs for the remaining 13 hours. This can include CPD from the themes or their own self-development such as applying for MCIOB or FCIOB. 

Formal vs informal learning 

We define formal learning as any learning directed by a tutor, teacher, industry expert or trainer, including webinars, events, courses, qualifications. Informal learning is self-directed learning and can include reading or personal research. 

You can undertake any learning you like in terms of formal and informal learning. We recommend a split of 15 hours formal and 10 hours of informal learning. 

However, this is not a requirement. If you are undertaking a significant research project, for example, you may do the whole 25 hours as informal learning as long as you meet the requirements for each theme. 

The Reflective Statement 

Alongside the 25 hours of CPD completed throughout the year, members will now also be required to provide a short Reflective Statement on their overall learning for the year, including reviewing the learning completed alongside a review of future needs. 

We will support this with a series of questions such as “What were the benefits of the learning undertaken for the year?” and “What future needs emerge from this learning?” 

What help is available if I have questions? 

Further information, including the updated policy and Frequently Asked Questions, can be found on our website.