CPD requirements

Continuing professional development (CPD) is a commitment by all RICS members to continually update their skills and knowledge, in order to support them with remaining professionally competent and in touch with the changing needs of the fields they operate in. The RICS Standards and Regulation Board set the standard for all members to record at least 20 hours of CPD annually, including at least 10 hours of formal learning.

RICS expects its members to be competent, in order to provide the best possible service. CPD is a highly beneficial career tool. If it is planned and managed in the right way, it can be used to strengthen the member’s business skills, and to acquire new skills and specialisms.

The RICS Rules of Conduct set out the standards of professional conduct and practice expected of RICS members.

All RICS members agree to comply with the Rules of Conduct as a requirement of membership and as part of their professional obligations. Failure to comply with the rules on CPD will be treated in the same way as any other rule breach under RICS Disciplinary, Registration and Appeal Panel Rules. The range of sanctions includes reprimand, fine, conditions on registration, suspension, publication of disciplinary findings and expulsion from membership.

Further guidance is available on the RICS website and includes the comprehensive CPD FAQs, CPD Decision Tree: Formal or informal CPD? and Examples of types Formal and Informal CPD Activity.