ACCA CPD requirements for chartered certified accountants, in plain English

Short answerOn the unit route you need 40 units a year, where one unit is one hour of relevant learning; 21 must be verifiable and 19 may be non-verifiable. A part-time/semi-retired unit route exists for members working 770 hours or less. Approved Employer and IFAC-body routes replace the unit count with your employer's or other body's programme.

Short answerAn activity is verifiable if you can answer yes to three questions: was it relevant to your career, can you explain how you applied it at work, and can you provide evidence you completed it. Anything else relevant (reading, research, informal learning) is non-verifiable. Waivers are available pro rata for absences of a month or more.

Short answerACCA reviews a statistical sample of members each year. If selected you must demonstrate the relevance of your activities, why you chose them, what you learned and how you applied it, with evidence for verifiable units. Keep records for three years (six for Irish practising certificate and audit qualification holders).

Short answerThe CPD declaration must be submitted through myACCA by 1 January of the following year, confirming you met the requirements of your route. You can submit at any point once complete. If you miss 1 January, submit as soon as possible via the Professional Development area of myACCA.