How to record non-verifiable CPD.

What non-verifiable CPD means

The term is used differently across professions. ACCA describes non-verifiable CPD as general learning or learning that is difficult to evidence, with general reading as an example. Its guidance still asks members to keep a record and summary of non-verifiable activities.

That creates an important distinction:

• Verifiable CPD has supporting evidence that the learning took place and was relevant to the role.
• Non-verifiable CPD may not have that supporting evidence, but it should still have a truthful activity record.

Do not relabel an activity merely to make a target fit. Classify it under the rules of the professional body that receives the return.

Record six useful facts

A compact record can be enough for non-verifiable learning when the applicable policy permits it. Capture these fields while the activity is still fresh:

1. Activity or source. What did you read, discuss, observe or practise?
2. Date. When did the learning occur?
3. Time or units claimed. Use the unit method required by your professional body.
4. Professional relevance. Why did this matter to your role or development plan?
5. Learning summary. What changed in your understanding or practice?
6. Classification. Record that the activity is non-verifiable and why no independent evidence is being claimed.

If evidence does exist, keep the real reference with the record. If it does not, leave that field empty rather than adding a placeholder certificate, fictional attendance record or unrelated link.

Worked fictional example

Activity: Read updated sector guidance on conflicts of interest.
Date: 14 October 2026.
Time: 45 minutes.
Relevance: Supplier assessments form part of my current role.
Learning and application: I identified that disclosure should happen before shortlisting and added that check to our review notes.
Evidence status: Non-verifiable self-directed reading; no independent evidence attached.

This record says what happened without presenting it as independently verified. A reviewer can still assess whether the activity and time are permitted by the organisation’s policy.

Where the body requires reflection, make the final sentence specific. “Useful article” says very little; “I moved the conflict declaration to the start of supplier review” explains the practical learning.

Mistakes to avoid

• Leaving no record. Non-verifiable is a classification, not permission to submit an unexplained number.
• Inventing evidence. Do not create a certificate, attendance reference or provider name that does not exist.
• Claiming time you did not spend. Record the actual learning time under the body’s unit rules.
• Using a generic description. Include the subject and why it mattered to the person’s work.
• Applying another profession’s quota. ACCA, CIPD, RCVS and other bodies structure CPD differently.
• Assuming a membership platform validates the learning. Software can preserve the submitted facts and apply configured rules; authorised reviewers remain responsible for professional decisions.

Check your own professional body’s current policy

There is no universal UK definition or allowance that fits every profession. Use the official policy that applies to the member and reporting year:

• ACCA: managing your CPD explains its evidence and record-keeping expectations.
• ACCA: guide to CPD explains its unit route and distinction between verifiable and non-verifiable learning.
• CIPD: CPD policy uses planned learning, learning in the flow of work and reflective records.
• RCVS: continuing professional development describes its recording and reflection approach.

Check the current version directly before designing a form or assessing a return. If your body runs the renewal process, document the accepted fields, periods, evidence rules and exception authority before importing member submissions.