CPD Credits Scheme
The principle aims of the RCGP CPD Credits
Scheme are to ensure that every GP continues to update and apply
their clinical knowledge and skills, to promote patient confidence
that a GP's knowledge is up to date and ultimately to help improve
patient safety.
The College is delighted to announce the
release of Version 2 of the Guide to the Credit-Based System
for CPD.
RCGP CPD Credits Scheme
The RCGP
Credit-Based System for Continuing Professional
Development 
is a simple and easy to use mechanism for GPs to record
their CPD based on the time spent on the activity and the impact it
has on the doctor, his or her patients and the service. It is
applicable to all four countries of the UK and appropriate for all
practising GPs - whatever their stage of career, RCGP membership
status, work setting, employment status, learning
style and special interests.
The scheme works on the basis that:
- A minimum of 50 credits is required per year
- A broad range of general practice should be covered in 250
credits over 5 years
- Credits will be self-assessed and verified at Appraisal
The scheme is intended to fulfil the standards and requirements
of CPD for all GPs for Revalidation.
A pilot of a system of CPD credit rating based on an impact and
challenge model ran between September 2008 and May 2009. The
results of the pilot are detailed in the CPD Credit
Scheme Pilot Report. 
Educational activity will often be planned in advance through a
Personal Development Plan (PDP) developed at Appraisal which is focused on learning
outcomes. Personal
Development Plan Guidance for Appraisers provides guidance to appraisers on how to
advise their appraisees on PDP construction. CPD should be recorded
in a portfolio that describes the GP's personal learning plan, the
learning undertaken with some reflection on how the GP's practice
has changed as a result and evidence of how the GP has kept up to
date with new and changing information.
The College is in the process of developing an ePortfolio that
will enable GPs to record their CPD in support of Revalidation.
If you have any questions or comments regarding the CPD
Guide, please let us
know.