If you’re ever unsure whether a learning activity counts as Formal or Informal CPD, you’re not alone. Every year, quantity surveyors and built environment professionals second-guess what they should (and shouldn’t) record, often right up against the RICS deadline.
At Metroun, we’re big on making professional development simpler, clearer, and genuinely useful. So let’s break down the RICS CPD Decision Tree and show you how to apply it confidently in real life
Step 1: Does It Enhance Your Knowledge or Skills?
The decision tree starts with a simple question:
Does the learning enhance your current knowledge or develop technical skills?
If the answer is no, stop there.
It does not count as CPD and shouldn’t be recorded.
Step 2: Is the Topic Relevant?
If yes, move on.
Next, ask yourself:
- Is the topic relevant to the profession, your role, or your specialism?
If not, again, it won’t count as CPD.
If it is relevant, you’re now firmly in CPD territory.
Step 3: Informal or Formal CPD?
This is where most confusion happens.
Informal CPD
Learning is Informal CPD if:
- It’s self-assessed
- There’s no formal structure
- No independent assessment
- Little or no interaction
Common examples:
- Reading industry articles
- Listening to podcasts
- Watching on-demand webinars
- Researching guidance notes
Still valuable — but it falls under Informal CPD.
Formal CPD
Learning is Formal CPD if it includes most or all of the following:
- A structured programme (agenda, course outline, learning schedule)
- Predefined learning objectives
- Interaction with others (classroom, virtual session, conference)
- Assessment by an independent subject-matter expert or a test
- Evidence that can be verified if requested
Common examples:
- Accredited training courses like the ones we have on Metroun Learning
- Live webinars with Q&A
- Conferences and seminars
- Assessed online courses
If you’re ever thinking “this feels like proper training” — it probably is Formal CPD.
The Golden Rule: Evidence Matters
RICS may request proof, so always keep:
- Certificates of attendance
- Joining links or confirmation emails
- Course agendas
- Screenshots of completion pages
At Metroun, we always recommend saving evidence as you go, not at the end of the year when inboxes are chaos.
Our Advice at Metroun
- Don’t overthink it
- Focus on relevance and structure
- Aim for Formal CPD early in the year
- Use Informal CPD to top up knowledge naturally
Good CPD isn’t about ticking boxes — it’s about staying competent, credible, and confident in your role.
Need Help Planning Your CPD?
Metroun is built specifically for quantity surveyors and construction professionals, with clear learning pathways and CPD-friendly content designed to stand up to scrutiny.
If you want CPD that actually supports your career, rather than stresses you out every January, you’re in the right place.
Stay sharp. Stay compliant. Visit metroun.co.uk
