Any learning activity that contributes to your ability to practise architecture or to manage your practice is valid CPD.

What that means is that if you can learn from something, you can count it as CPD. You would be surprised at the scope this gives you.

You have the framework with the rules the RIBA has set. The how, the what and the when to achieve this is up to you. This guidance should offer help and maybe open your eyes to the creativity with which you can approach your CPD.

Whatever the rules and regulations say, any architect already knows they must keep up-to-date and informed. You have a personal responsibility to do appropriate and fulfilling CPD and to be able to say to yourself, with total candour, 'yes - I am still qualified to do my job'. The RIBA understands this and has planned ahead for you.

The RIBA CPD model gives an architect confidence knowing they are fulfilling their responsibilities in a professional and responsible way (and just as importantly, in the world we live in, being seen to be doing so) allowing you to concentrate on the job in hand with all the support and back-up we need in today's busy consumer-led world.

Whatever happens, with the RIBA supporting you, you can demonstrate that your CPD is on the right track, and show to the world that you are ahead of the game.

To get the most out of CPD, and for it to be meaningful, it can't be about the fact that you have to do it. To truly make it work for you, you have to have reasons for wanting to do it.

What can CPD offer you? It can help you to:

• keep up with the new and the statutory
• keep out of trouble
• keep your clients happy
• prove your competence should you ever be asked to do so
• pick up a new qualification or specialisation to market to clients
• obtain the knowledge to get on list of specialists
• structure the expansion of your horizons
• focus your aspirations and fill the void between inspiration and practicality
• target your professional needs
• refresh the parts experience cannot reach
• underpin your excellence in design
• accelerate evolution in design and technology
• help you invest in your future, and that of your business and your staff
• retain valued and talented staff
• help with your chartered practice status

Further information on how to comply can be found here:

Help and advice are available at cpd@inst.riba.org| or through your regional office.