Structured vs Informal CPD: What’s the Difference?
Understanding the CPD
The difference between structured and informal CPD lies at the heart of Continuing Professional Development, a vital process for individuals committed to lifelong learning and career advancement. Whether you're in healthcare, education, finance, or any other industry, CPD plays a key role in helping professionals maintain and enhance their knowledge, skills, and performance.
What Is CPD and Why It Matters
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) refers to the ongoing process of learning and development professionals undertake throughout their careers. It ensures individuals stay up to date with industry trends, regulatory changes, and best practices. More than just a requirement in many professions, CPD fosters personal growth, increases employability, and can lead to better job satisfaction and progression opportunities.
Structured vs. Informal CPD
Understanding the difference between structured and informal CPD is crucial for building a balanced learning strategy. Structured CPD includes formal learning activities such as workshops, accredited courses, seminars, or conferences. These are usually planned in advance and come with clear learning objectives and outcomes, often with certification or evidence of participation.
On the other hand, informal CPD encompasses unstructured, self-directed learning such as reading industry journals, listening to relevant podcasts, or attending non-certificated events. While these activities may not come with formal recognition, they still contribute significantly to professional growth and are especially valuable for staying current in a fast-changing work environment.
By recognizing the difference between structured and informal CPD, professionals can create a well-rounded development plan tailored to their goals and learning preferences. Both forms are essential in today's competitive and evolving job market.
Explore our complete range of CPD resources.
What is Structured CPD?
Structured CPD is a formal approach to professional learning, designed with clear objectives, measurable outcomes, and recognized accreditation. It is a critical component of professional development, particularly in sectors where maintaining up-to-date knowledge and skills is mandatory for compliance and effectiveness.
Definition and Key Characteristics
Structured CPD refers to planned learning activities that are organized, recorded, and often assessed. These activities usually follow a curriculum or specific learning framework and are typically delivered by accredited providers. The key features of structured CPD include a defined learning goal, interaction with an instructor or facilitator, and evidence of participation or achievement.
Examples of Structured CPD
Common examples of structured CPD include accredited training courses, industry-recognized certifications, live or recorded webinars, professional workshops, formal lectures, and structured online learning modules. In many cases, these learning activities offer CPD points or certificates that serve as verifiable proof of participation.
Importance in Regulated Industries
In regulated industries such as healthcare, education, engineering, law, and finance, structured CPD is often a legal or professional requirement. Employers and regulatory bodies expect professionals to complete a certain number of hours or credits of structured learning annually to ensure continued competence and ethical practice. This form of CPD helps mitigate risk, maintain public trust, and uphold industry standards.
While structured CPD offers formal recognition, it works best when complemented by informal CPD, which involves more flexible, self-directed learning. Together, they create a balanced and comprehensive professional development strategy.
Structured CPD not only builds confidence and capability but also enhances career progression and long-term employability.
Browse practical Online Continuing Education Courses
What is Informal CPD?
Informal CPD refers to unstructured, self-initiated learning activities that support professional development without the formal framework of accreditation or assessment. While it may lack formal recognition, informal CPD is equally important in keeping skills current and staying informed in a rapidly evolving professional landscape.
Definition and Core Features
Unlike structured CPD, which involves organized courses and certifications, informal CPD is more flexible and often driven by personal motivation. It doesn’t follow a fixed curriculum or result in a certificate, but it still plays a vital role in continuous learning. Core features include self-direction, relevance to one's profession, and practical application of knowledge.
Examples of Informal CPD
Examples of informal CPD include reading industry publications or news articles, watching educational videos, listening to professional podcasts, joining discussion groups, attending networking or industry events, and even engaging in workplace learning through experience and peer collaboration. These activities allow professionals to explore topics at their own pace and according to their specific interests or needs.
Find out how CPD Programs can boost your future
How Informal CPD Complements Structured Learning
While informal CPD may not always provide formal documentation, it complements structured learning by allowing professionals to fill knowledge gaps, explore niche topics, and adapt quickly to new developments. Together, both types of CPD provide a well-rounded and responsive approach to career development. For instance, after attending a structured course, a professional might follow up with reading or discussion to deepen their understanding, making informal CPD an ideal follow-up to formal training.
In summary, informal CPD supports lifelong learning and helps professionals stay proactive, relevant, and agile in their careers.
Key Differences Between Structured and Informal CPD
Format and Delivery Methods
The primary difference between structured and informal CPD lies in how the learning is delivered. Structured CPD is typically delivered through formal channels such as accredited courses, workshops, seminars, or webinars. These activities are planned, scheduled, and usually led by qualified instructors. In contrast, informal CPD is more flexible and self-directed. It includes reading articles, listening to podcasts, or engaging in workplace learning without a fixed structure or formal instruction.
Assessment and Recognition
Structured CPD often includes some form of assessment or participation verification, such as quizzes, tests, or assignments. Participants usually receive certificates or CPD points upon successful completion, which can be used for professional records or licensing requirements. Informal CPD, on the other hand, doesn’t typically involve formal assessment. Instead, learners may keep a personal log of activities, reflecting on what was learned and how it applies to their role.
Accountability and Tracking
Accountability is much easier with structured CPD due to the availability of formal records and documentation. These can be submitted to employers or regulatory bodies as proof of compliance. Informal CPD requires more self-discipline and personal tracking, as there’s no external validation. Professionals must take responsibility for recording and reflecting on their learning.
Suitability for Different Learning Goals
Structured CPD is ideal for gaining qualifications, meeting industry standards, or mastering complex topics. Informal CPD suits ongoing knowledge updates, quick skill refreshers, or exploring areas of interest. Together, they support a balanced, adaptive approach to lifelong learning.
Understanding these differences helps professionals choose the right type of CPD based on their goals, time, and career requirements.
Start your journey with CPD Courses and CPD Accreditation programs
When to Choose Structured CPD
Meeting Mandatory CPD Requirements
In many regulated industries, such as healthcare, law, finance, and education, professionals are required to complete a specific number of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours each year. These must often be documented and verified through formal learning. This is where structured CPD becomes essential. Structured activities, such as accredited courses or workshops, are recognised by regulatory bodies and meet the standards needed for compliance. Choosing structured CPD ensures that your learning efforts are officially counted toward mandatory professional obligations.
Earning Recognised Certificates
Structured CPD also provides opportunities to earn CPD-accredited certificates, which can significantly enhance your professional portfolio. These certificates demonstrate commitment to your development, signal credibility to employers, and can give you a competitive edge in promotions or job applications. Whether you’re expanding into a new area of expertise or deepening your knowledge in your current field, accredited training serves as concrete evidence of your learning achievements.
When Formal Proof of Training is Required
There are many situations where formal evidence of training is necessary—whether it's for annual performance reviews, audits, professional licensing renewals, or job applications. Employers and regulatory bodies value verified learning over informal methods in such cases. Structured CPD provides that assurance through documented participation, assessments, and certificates. This is especially important in roles with legal or ethical responsibilities, where maintaining up-to-date skills and knowledge can directly impact safety, compliance, and public trust.
In short, structured CPD is the right choice when formal recognition is essential, whether to meet legal obligations, prove competence, or enhance your career with validated achievements.
Advance your career with CPD Diplomas
When Informal CPD Makes Sense
Flexible, Self-Paced Learning
In today’s fast-moving professional world, flexibility in learning is more important than ever. Informal CPD is ideal when you need to continue learning without the structure of scheduled courses. It allows you to choose what, when, and how you learn—whether that's during your commute, over lunch, or in between meetings. This makes it perfect for busy professionals who want to stay sharp without committing to lengthy training sessions.
Keeping Up with Industry Trends
Industries evolve rapidly, and staying up to date is crucial for maintaining relevance and competitiveness. Informal CPD helps you stay current with the latest trends, tools, and technologies. Reading industry blogs, watching expert-led videos, or listening to podcasts can keep you informed on emerging developments without needing formal enrolment or accreditation. This type of learning keeps your knowledge fresh and responsive to real-time changes in your sector.
Bridging the Gaps Between Formal Training
Formal training doesn’t always cover every nuance of your role, and that's where informal CPD becomes valuable. It allows you to explore areas that structured learning may overlook or to quickly fill knowledge gaps as they arise. For example, after attending a formal workshop, you might deepen your understanding by reading related case studies or joining an online discussion group. These small, consistent learning efforts can make a big impact over time.
In summary, informal CPD is a practical and powerful way to support continuous learning. It works best when paired with structured CPD, providing a well-rounded approach to professional development that’s adaptable, accessible, and always relevant.
Dive deeper with our What is CPD? explainer
Combining Structured and Informal CPD for Career Success
The Power of a Blended Learning Approach
For long-term professional growth, a combination of formal and informal learning delivers the best results. Relying solely on one method can limit your development, while a blended approach allows you to gain both accredited qualifications and practical, real-time knowledge. Structured CPD helps you build recognised credentials and meet industry requirements, while informal learning keeps you agile and adaptable in a rapidly changing world. Together, they form a comprehensive development strategy tailored to your goals.
Tips for Balancing Both Types
To effectively balance structured and informal CPD, start by planning your formal learning around your professional goals or regulatory needs—such as annual CPD requirements or specific certifications. Then, complement this with regular informal activities like reading industry news, attending relevant events, or joining professional communities. Set aside dedicated time weekly or monthly for each type, and ensure your informal learning aligns with your current work challenges or interests.
Use tools like digital CPD logs or apps to track your activities. This will help you maintain consistency, stay organised, and see how your learning is progressing over time.
How to Document Informal CPD
While informal CPD doesn't usually come with certificates, you can still document it to add value to your professional portfolio. Maintain a log that includes the date, type of activity (e.g. podcast, article, webinar), key takeaways, and how you applied the learning. Reflective notes can demonstrate your engagement and thought process—something many employers value just as much as formal proof of training.
By thoughtfully combining structured and informal CPD, you’ll not only meet your professional requirements but also stand out as a proactive, well-rounded learner committed to continuous improvement.
Discover our CPD short courses today
Structured CPD at CPDCourses.com
Wide Range of Accredited Courses
CPDCourses.com offers a comprehensive selection of over 200 fully accredited courses designed to support your professional development through structured CPD. Whether you're looking to meet industry requirements, expand your skillset, or explore a new area of interest, there’s a course for you. The platform caters to professionals across a wide range of sectors, including artificial intelligence, business management, healthcare, finance, education, and more.
CPD Certificates and Expert Tutor Support
Every course at CPDCourses.com is built with quality, flexibility, and learner support in mind. Upon successful completion, learners receive CPD-accredited certificates, which can be added to professional portfolios, resumes, or used as evidence for regulatory compliance. In addition, learners benefit from tutor support throughout their course. Expert tutors are available to answer questions, provide guidance, and help learners stay on track—ensuring a smooth and enriching experience from start to finish.
Designed for Busy Professionals
Understanding the demands of modern work life, CPDCourses.com designs its learning experiences to fit around your schedule. Courses are accessible online 24/7, allowing you to study at your own pace, anytime and from anywhere. This flexibility makes it easier for busy professionals to meet their CPD goals without compromising on quality or convenience.
Whether you need to meet mandatory training requirements, strengthen your CV, or keep up with industry trends, CPDCourses.com provides the structured CPD resources you need. With flexible learning, expert support, and recognised certification, it's a smart choice for anyone serious about professional growth.
Conclusion
Balancing structured CPD with informal learning creates a strong foundation for continuous professional growth. While structured CPD offers formal recognition and helps meet industry requirements, informal learning provides flexibility and supports everyday skill development. Together, they ensure you stay competitive, confident, and capable in your field. Taking a proactive approach to your learning journey—by setting goals, tracking progress, and staying engaged—can make a lasting impact on your career. Ready to take the next step? Explore accredited structured CPD courses at CPDCourses.com and invest in your future with confidence.
