Audit requirements

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. During the audit, we check the records of all users selected to ensure that they meet all of the CPD diary scheme requirements.

The random selection for audit is made annually, prior to 30 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 (eg certificates, emails, correspondence, timetables, and/or course notes) of attendance at all self certified 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 CPD diary scheme have been formulated using the ten principles for CPD, listed here in PDF format. These principles were decided by the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges in 2005.