CPD for Global Accountants: 2025 Guide to Stay Compliant

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is a professional obligation for chartered accountants in the UK, particularly those affiliated with global accountancy bodies. But beyond compliance, CPD is one of the most effective ways to stay relevant, protect your credentials, and build long-term credibility in a changing profession.

This article offers a practical, up-to-date guide to meeting your CPD requirements in 2025, without overwhelm or confusion. You’ll learn what counts as CPD, what the most common mistakes are, and how to approach your learning with strategy and confidence.

Why CPD Matters 

Annual CPD is mandatory for UK-qualified accountants under globally recognised membership standards. But more importantly, it helps you adapt to major industry shifts, from AI and automation to ESG reporting, updated ethical standards, and regulatory reform.

Failing to meet CPD expectations doesn’t just risk fines or disciplinary action—it can delay promotions, harm client trust, or even affect your practising status. On the other hand, timely and targeted CPD gives you an edge in advisory roles, technical leadership, and career mobility.

In short, CPD is your licence to stay current, capable, and credible.

Understanding Verifiable vs. Non-Verifiable Learning

All CPD activities fall into one of two categories: verifiable or non-verifiable.

Verifiable CPD includes formal, structured learning that produces evidence of completion and learning outcomes. Examples include accredited online courses, live webinars, and professional conferences. To count toward your requirements, these activities must provide documentation—like a certificate—and cover content relevant to your role.

Non-verifiable CPD includes informal learning such as reading technical updates, engaging in peer discussions, or reflecting on professional challenges. These activities are valid, but you must self-record the topic, time spent, and what you learned. While important, they typically cannot make up the bulk of your CPD hours.

To simplify the process, consider enrolling in the Annual Verifiable CPD Bundle for Accountants. It includes 21 hours of accredited, audit-ready content across ethics, reporting, and compliance, making it easy to meet your verifiable minimum all in one place.

CPD Requirements You Need to Meet in 2025

For members of globally recognised UK-based accountancy bodies, the standard requirement remains 40 CPD units per year, with at least 21 of those units being verifiable. There is no separate ethics requirement—you are expected to include ethical learning within the 40 units. The annual CPD declaration is due by January 31, covering the previous calendar year.

These requirements apply regardless of your employment status (in practice, industry, or otherwise), and they are not pro-rated for part-time roles or parental leave, unless you have applied for an exemption.

Your CPD should also be relevant to your current role. If you’ve changed roles during the year or taken on a regulated function, it’s your responsibility to ensure your CPD reflects that change.

Choose CPD That Supports Your Career Path

Not all CPD is created equal. The most effective learning supports both your current role and future aspirations.

If you’re aiming to grow into leadership, advisory, or high-impact finance roles, choose CPD that strengthens your business communication, strategic mindset, and digital awareness. The Professional Development for Global Accountants bundle offers exactly that—focusing on leadership, communication, problem-solving, and stakeholder engagement. It’s ideal for accountants in transition or looking to expand their influence within their organisation.

This bundle is also included in the Unlimited Subscription, so you can explore it alongside technical courses at no additional cost.

Avoiding Common CPD Mistakes

Many accountants run into trouble not because they skip CPD, but because they make it harder than it needs to be. Here are three of the most common mistakes:

1. Waiting until the end of the year. Rushing to log CPD in December often leads to poor-quality learning and missed ethics components. Start early to avoid unnecessary pressure.

2. Choosing CPD that doesn’t count. High-cost events without certificates may not qualify. A verifiable course that offers evidence of completion is what your body will accept.

3. Incomplete documentation. Most professional bodies expect you to keep your CPD records for at least three years. If you can’t show certificates and learning outcomes, your CPD may be rejected during a review.

Using a dedicated CPD platform ensures everything is properly logged, stored, and ready if needed.

The Smarter Way to Stay Compliant: Unlimited CPD Subscription

To help professionals meet all 2025 requirements with less hassle, Global Accountants by LearnFormula offers an Unlimited CPD Subscription.

With one flat fee, you get unlimited access to verifiable, accredited CPD courses across core areas like ethics, audit, technology, and professional development. The subscription also includes:

• Automated tracking of hours

• Downloadable certificates

• Role-relevant learning paths

• Full audit-ready documentation

No budgeting per course. No scrambling for certificates. Just straightforward, accredited learning all year long.

Conclusion: Compliance with Confidence

Your CPD is about staying competent and credible in a profession that’s rapidly evolving. Whether you're navigating new reporting frameworks or shifting into advisory work, your learning choices directly impact your confidence and career momentum.

By using a purpose-built platform like Global Accountants by LearnFormula, you gain access to compliant, accredited content that tracks your progress automatically, so you’re always ready for audit and always aligned with the latest expectations.