CPD stands for Continuing Professional Development. It refers to training and learning activities that help individuals maintain and improve their skills and knowledge for their professional role.
CPD-accredited courses are programmes that have been reviewed by a CPD accreditation organisation to confirm they are suitable for professional development. These organisations typically assess the learning objectives, structure and relevance of the training.
CPD accreditation is independent quality assurance rather than government regulation. It indicates the learning has professional value but does not create a formal qualification.
Before enrolling, learners should be clear that CPD-accredited diplomas are not regulated qualifications within the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). They are designed to support professional learning and skills development rather than to award an officially recognised qualification.
Many employers value CPD as evidence of ongoing training. However, where a role specifically requires a regulated qualification (such as an RQF Level 2 or Level 3 diploma), a CPD certificate alone may not meet that requirement. Learners are strongly advised to check the qualification expectations for their intended job role before enrolling.
CPD in Health and Social Care
In health and social care, CPD accreditation means the training has been assessed as useful for professional learning. Courses often cover areas such as:
- safeguarding
- patient care
- ethics
- health and safety
- communication skills
CPD learning is widely used for staff development and skills updates.
However, learners should understand that CPD accreditation does not make a diploma a regulated qualification recognised by Ofqual. CPD primarily evidences continuing learning rather than awarding an official credential.
What is a Health and Social Care Diploma?
A diploma in health and social care is a structured programme covering knowledge and skills needed for caring roles in settings such as:
- hospitals
- community services
- residential homes
- day centres
Diplomas may include theoretical learning, practical elements and assessment.
Some diplomas are awarded by Ofqual-recognised awarding organisations and sit within the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). These lead to nationally recognised qualifications.
Others are created by private training providers and may only carry CPD accreditation. In these cases, the diploma can support learning but is not an Ofqual-regulated qualification.
Find a regulated qualification (GOV.UK) — Use the official Register of Regulated Qualifications to check whether a qualification is officially recognised, view detailed information, and compare similar qualifications across GCSEs, A levels, and vocational courses in England and Northern Ireland.
Cost of CPD-Accredited Diplomas vs Regulated Qualifications
Costs vary widely depending on the provider, support level and delivery method, but typical market patterns are shown below.
| Aspect | CPD-Accredited Diploma | Regulated (Ofqual) Qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Typical UK price pattern | Often low-cost online courses (sometimes under £100 and low as £20) | Commonly several hundred pounds or more |
| Assessment | Usually short quizzes or coursework | Formal assessed units and quality assurance |
| Regulation | Unregulated | Regulated by Ofqual |
| Outcome | CPD certificate / hours | Nationally recognised qualification |
Many online CPD courses are marketed at relatively low prices, while regulated diplomas usually cost more due to formal assessment, verification and regulatory compliance requirements.
Important: Prices are not fixed. Some CPD programmes cost more, and some regulated qualifications may be funded or subsidised.
Why Regulated Qualifications Usually Cost More
Regulated qualifications typically involve higher delivery costs because they must meet strict requirements set by Ofqual. These commonly include:
- standardised qualification design
- approved assessment methods
- internal and external quality assurance
- ongoing regulatory monitoring
Only Ofqual-recognised awarding organisations can award regulated qualifications, and these qualifications must meet nationally defined standards.
This structured oversight increases costs but provides formal recognition and transferability.
Official Awarding Bodies for Diplomas
Well-known Ofqual-recognised awarding organisations for health and social care qualifications include:
- Pearson (including BTEC qualifications)
- City & Guilds
- NCFE / CACHE
- Qualifi
These organisations design and award regulated diplomas such as Level 2–5 Health and Social Care or Adult Care qualifications.
Government-funded diplomas and apprenticeships are typically delivered through recognised awarding organisations.
Difference Between CPD Accreditation and a Regulated Qualification
A regulated qualification is officially recognised within the RQF and monitored by a regulator such as Ofqual. It has a defined level, learning outcomes and formal assessment.
CPD accreditation is different. It focuses on whether a course provides meaningful professional learning. There is no single overarching regulator for CPD in the UK, and standards can vary between accrediting bodies.
Key differences:
- Regulated qualifications are recognised by Ofqual and carry formal levels and credits.
- CPD-accredited courses provide recognised professional learning but are not regulated qualifications.
- Regulated qualifications are often required for certain job roles.
- CPD courses are generally used for skills updating and professional development.
Why a CPD-Accredited Health and Social Care Diploma Can Be Useful
A CPD-accredited diploma can help learners demonstrate commitment to developing their skills. Many employers view CPD positively because it shows ongoing learning and professional engagement.
In health and social care, CPD diplomas can:
- support workplace training records
- help meet annual training expectations
- refresh knowledge
- build confidence in care practices
They are often used alongside, rather than instead of, formal qualifications.
Limitations in Relation to Qualification Status
A CPD-accredited diploma is not a regulated qualification recognised by Ofqual. This means it may not be accepted for roles that specifically require an RQF qualification.
Learners should note:
- CPD accreditation reflects learning quality and relevance.
- It does not place the course within the Ofqual qualifications framework.
- Some job roles, registrations or promotions require regulated qualifications.
Occasionally a programme may be both regulated and separately CPD-accredited, but the regulated status only comes from the awarding organisation and Ofqual oversight.
Suitable Learners
A CPD-accredited health and social care diploma may suit:
- current workers updating their skills
- people returning to care roles
- volunteers building knowledge
- individuals exploring the sector before committing to a full qualification
It can be a useful stepping stone to further study or workplace training.
If an employer specifically requires a regulated qualification, a CPD diploma alone will usually not meet that requirement.
Employer Recognition
Many employers value CPD-accredited training as evidence of ongoing professional development. It can strengthen a CV and support staff training records.
However, recognition varies by employer and role. Where a job description specifies an Ofqual-regulated qualification, a CPD certificate on its own will normally not be sufficient.
Learners should always check the exact qualification requirements for their intended role.
CPD Points
Many CPD courses award CPD hours or points. These:
- record the amount of learning completed
- can be added to a CPD portfolio
- demonstrate commitment to ongoing development
They do not represent qualification credits within the RQF.
How to Identify Unregulated CPD Diplomas
You can often spot CPD-only “diplomas” through common marketing and labelling cues.
Flash-sale style pricing
- Heavy or constant discounts
- Countdown timers that repeatedly reset
- Bundles of many courses for a very low fee
Lifetime access marketing
- Promises of lifetime access to hundreds of courses
- Strong emphasis on quantity of certificates
Vague or unclear terminology
- Use of “Diploma” or “Level 3/4” without naming an awarding organisation
- Phrases like “industry recognised” or “equivalent to Level 3”
- Unclear explanation of whether the course is regulated
Weak assessment signals
- Very short online quizzes
- Unlimited instant resits
- Little detail on tutor/assessor support or guided learning hours
These signs do not automatically mean poor quality, but they often indicate the course is CPD rather than a regulated qualification.
How to Recognise True RQF Level 2–5 Diplomas
Regulated health and social care diplomas usually have clear identifiers.
Clear RQF title
Examples include:
- Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care (RQF)
- Level 4 Diploma in Adult Care (RQF)
Named awarding organisation
The provider clearly states the awarding body (for example City & Guilds or NCFE).
Listed on the Ofqual register
Every regulated qualification has a Qualification Number (QN) and can be verified on the Ofqual Register of Regulated Qualifications.
Positioning and pricing
Marketing typically focuses on career outcomes, competence and progression rather than quick certificates.
Simple Checklist
Before enrolling, check:
- Does the course clearly name an Ofqual-recognised awarding organisation?
- Can you find the qualification on the Ofqual register?
- Does the title include an RQF level and qualification number?
- Is the emphasis on recognised qualification outcomes rather than fast certificates?
If the answer to these is no, the course is likely CPD only (which may still be useful for learning).
Final Thoughts
A CPD-accredited health and social care diploma can be valuable for professional learning, skills development and workplace training records. It demonstrates commitment to ongoing development and can help keep knowledge up to date.
However, it is not an Ofqual-regulated qualification. Anyone who needs an officially recognised credential for employment or progression should confirm that the course sits within the Regulated Qualifications Framework before enrolling.
Used appropriately, CPD and regulated qualifications complement each other: regulated qualifications establish formal competence, while CPD supports continuous professional growth.
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