PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Professional Development is the systematic maintenance and broadening of knowledge and skills, and the development of personal qualities necessary for the execution of professional duties throughout the working life. Institute members are under an obligation to maintain and extend their professional knowledge and competencies under the Institute's Membership Code of Conduct.

Outline of scheme
The current scheme aims to encourage members to consider their career and personal development. It is not merely based on collecting "hours" or "points", but instead requires members to formulate a personal action plan to help them achieve their objectives. The personal action plan will be individual and may include both technical and non-technical aspects. Members are encouraged to work with their employers in planning their professional development.

Who should take part?
All members of the Institute should take part in this scheme. There is no additional fee for taking part. The Institute will continue to issue attendance certificates at all conferences and seminars for those members who may wish to use them for other professional bodies or for personal record keeping.

Accepting election to Institute membership infers a willingness to practice professional development; members who are seeking upgrade to MIOA or FIOA will be expected to demonstrate that they practice professional development. Members who have Engineering Council registration or who are members of certain other professional bodies are also obliged to do so in order to maintain their status.

To read more about the current IOA Professional Development Scheme click here

To see examples of completed CPD records click here

To download a word document containing blank CPD forms for your personal use click here