Why CPD Matters
Certification is Not a One-Time Achievement
BSAPE certification is a statement about where you are professionally — not just where you were when you applied. Engineering changes: new standards are published, technology evolves, and the regulatory environment shifts. A certified engineer has an obligation to keep pace.
BSAPE's CPD requirement is 30 hours per year, recorded against four activity categories. It is not designed to be onerous — the majority of what an engaged professional already does will count. The purpose is to ensure the habit of development is maintained, and that the BSAPE certification register accurately reflects the current standing of its members.
CPD records are maintained via the BSAPE member portal. A proportion of members are randomly selected for CPD audit each year. Members who cannot demonstrate CPD compliance may have their certification suspended or downgraded.
30 Hours Per Year
The annual CPD requirement for all BSAPE certified members across all certificate types (Certificate of Completion, Certificate of Skill, Certificate of Achievement). The 30 hours is the minimum — most engaged engineers exceed this significantly.
Four Activity Categories
CPD hours are recorded across four categories: Formal Learning (A), Work-Based Learning (B), Professional Activity (C), and Self-Directed Learning (D). Each has a maximum annual allocation.
Annual Recording Cycle
The BSAPE CPD year runs from 1 January to 31 December. CPD must be recorded within 3 months of the year-end. New members have a pro-rata requirement in their first year.
Annual Audit Programme
10% of BSAPE members are randomly selected for CPD audit each year. Audited members must submit CPD logs and supporting evidence within 30 days of notification.
CPD and Renewal
BSAPE certification is renewed annually on submission of CPD declaration. Members who fail to declare CPD or who fail audit will have their certification status reviewed.
Approved Activities
BSAPE-approved training courses (delivered by Approved Providers) automatically count toward Category A CPD. All other activities require self-recording in the member portal.
CPD Categories
Four Categories of CPD Activity
BSAPE's CPD framework recognises four types of professional development activity. A balanced CPD record will normally include hours from more than one category.
Formal Learning
Structured learning activities with defined outcomes.
Example Activities
Work-Based Learning
Learning achieved through professional engineering practice.
Example Activities
Professional Activity
Contribution to the engineering profession beyond your day job.
Example Activities
Self-Directed Learning
Independent study and professional awareness development.
Example Activities
Annual Hour Allocation Summary
| Category | Title | Max Hours / Year |
|---|---|---|
| A | Formal Learning | 20 |
| B | Work-Based Learning | 15 |
| C | Professional Activity | 10 |
| D | Self-Directed Learning | 10 |
| — | MINIMUM TOTAL (any mix of A–D) | 30 |
Note: Hours from a single category above the maximum do not count toward the 30-hour minimum. Engineers are encouraged to maintain a balanced CPD record across multiple categories.
Activity Reference
Common CPD Activities and How to Record Them
The table below provides a quick reference for the most common CPD activities, which category they fall under, how many hours to record, and what evidence is required.
| Activity | Cat. | Hours to Record | Evidence Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| BSAPE-approved training programme | A | Duration of course | Full credit for duration. Certificate of completion required. |
| External technical conference (attended) | A | Up to 2 hrs / day | Conference agenda and attendance evidence required. |
| Conference paper presented | C | 4 hrs | Published paper or abstract required as evidence. |
| Published technical article | C | 5 hrs | Published URL or copy required. |
| Online course with certificate | A | Course duration | Certificate of completion required. |
| BSAPE TAC committee service | C | 2 hrs / meeting | Confirmed by BSAPE Registrar. |
| Technical paper review for a journal | C | 2–4 hrs | Confirmation from journal editor required. |
| Mentoring a junior engineer | B | Up to 5 hrs / yr | A brief description of the mentoring relationship required. |
| Reading technical standards (e.g., API, ISO) | D | 1 hr / standard | Entry in CPD log with standard reference required. |
| Webinar (live attendance) | A/D | Duration | Attendance confirmation or certificate if available. |
| New engineering software training | A/D | Course duration | Certificate or self-declaration with description. |
| University or professional short course | A | Course duration | Certificate of completion required. |
Recording Your CPD
How to Record and Submit CPD
Use the BSAPE Member Portal
All CPD is recorded in the online BSAPE member portal at app.bomeqp.com. Each entry captures the activity type, date, hours, category, and a brief description of learning outcomes.
Record Promptly
BSAPE recommends recording CPD within a week of completing an activity. Detailed records are much easier to write close to the time.
Keep Your Evidence
Store certificates, conference programmes, agendas, and any other supporting documents in the document upload section of the portal. These are required if you are selected for audit.
Annual Declaration
At the end of each CPD year (31 December), submit your CPD declaration via the portal to maintain active certification status for the following year.
If Selected for Audit
BSAPE will notify you by email. You have 30 days to confirm your CPD log is complete and upload supporting evidence for a sample of your activities.
BSAPE-Approved Training
Get CPD Credit for BSAPE-Approved Programmes
Training programmes delivered by BSAPE Approved Training Providers automatically count as Category A CPD. You do not need to calculate hours or secure evidence separately — your completion is confirmed directly to BSAPE by the provider.
Non-BSAPE Training
Training from non-BSAPE providers still counts as CPD — you record it manually in the portal as Category A or D depending on the format. You will need to retain evidence (certificate of completion or attendance record).
FAQs
Common CPD Questions
What happens if I don't reach 30 hours in a year?
Members who do not meet the 30-hour minimum will receive a reminder notification. A second consecutive year of non-compliance will trigger a formal review of certification status. BSAPE does recognise that significant personal or health circumstances can affect CPD, and will consider individual cases.
Do I need to record CPD from my first day of membership?
CPD requirements begin from the date of certification. In your first year, the requirement is pro-rated based on the proportion of the year remaining from your certification date.
I attend many conferences and training courses for work. Do all of these count?
Yes — provided they are relevant to your engineering discipline and professional development. You decide what is relevant; BSAPE does not prescribe specific topics. The key is that you can describe what you learned or how it has developed your professional practice.
Can I use the same activity for multiple years?
No. CPD activities must occur within the CPD year they are claimed. Ongoing roles such as committee membership can generate CPD hours each year the role is held, but should be recorded separately for each year.
What if I change disciplines during the year?
CPD should reflect your development as an engineer in your current and developing area of practice. If you are transitioning disciplines, CPD from both the old and new area is appropriate.
Is there a CPD requirement during career breaks or maternity/paternity leave?
The CPD requirement is suspended during certified career breaks, parental leave, or long-term illness. Notify BSAPE via the member portal to apply for a CPD waiver for the relevant period.
Manage Your CPD in the BSAPE Portal
Log in to record your CPD activities, track your annual progress, and download your CPD certificate.