What is the CPD Audit?
In order to ensure that our CPD scheme is verified by the GMC we are required to audit at random the records of 5% of all CPD Diary users on an annual basis. The purpose of the audit is to ensure that Diary users use their diaries correctly and it is also a tool for verifying that the CPD certificates provided by the RCP represent an accurate record of the CPD activities completed by physicians using our scheme.
The random selection for audit is made annually prior to the 30th June, which is the final deadline for CPD credit submissions.
What to Provide if Selected for Audit
If you have been selected for audit, we will inform you of this in writing. You will be asked to submit evidence (e.g. certificates, emails, correspondence, timetables, and/or course notes) of attendance at all Unlisted External meetings for which you have claimed CPD credits. In certain circumstances, we may also request evidence of attendance at Approved External meetings if we are unable to verify your attendance with the organiser of the meeting. We will usually require evidence of attendance at any Annual International conference (whether approved or unlisted), and will contact you if this is necessary.
Requirements for Passing the CPD Audit
The requirements of the RCP Federation CPD Diary Scheme have been formulated using the 10 Principles for CPD, which were decided by the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges in 2005. To read the Academy principles, please follow the link below.
Academy Principles for CPD (PDF)
During the Audit, we check the records of all users selected to ensure that they meet all of the CPD Diary Scheme requirements. In order to meet all of the CPD Scheme requirements, it must be the case that:
1. The annual minimum credit requirements have been met.
For more information on the annual minimum credits requirements, please follow the link below:
2. Provide evidence
The Diary user is able to produce evidence for all Unlisted External events, and it is also possible for us to confirm attendance at all Approved External events.
3. All CPD Credits are claimed correctly:
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All credits are claimed in the correct category.
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No duplication of events.
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Credits are claimed for the correct meeting on the correct date.
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Credits are claimed for the right CPD year.
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Claimed the correct number of credits for each event.
4. Reflections have been completed sufficiently
We strongly advise users to give thoughtful, useful reflections and evaluations of events. This helps the user to identify and explain the relevance of the activity to their daily practice, and may also be used as a reminder of what was learnt.
If you have been selected for Audit this year and have any questions regarding the CPD Audit, please contact the RCP London CPD Office on 0207 935 1174, ext. 1426 and we will be happy to advise you.