RICS CPD requirements for chartered surveyors, in plain English

Short answerA minimum of 20 hours per calendar year, of which at least 10 must be structured (formal) CPD; each activity must last at least 30 minutes, though similar short activities can be combined. Up to 10 hours from a longer programme can be carried forward for up to 24 months. Each mandatory topic needs at least one hour of structured learning.

Short answerStructured CPD is learning with identifiable outcomes: webinars, seminars, conferences, lectures, workshops. Unstructured CPD is self-managed learning with a clear purpose: private study, on-the-job training, reading and relevant podcasts (never structured). Mandatory topics: professional and ethical standards, sustainability, and AI, data and technology, each covered once in every three years.

Short answerRICS Regulation uses the online portal to check compliance and reviews a percentage of records in detail each year; you may be asked for evidence of structured learning, such as proof of learning outcomes. Compliance information can be shared with your employer if it is a regulated firm. Breaches can bring administrative or disciplinary action, though guidance comes first.

Short answerActivities must be completed by 31 December and recorded online, with the annual declaration, by 31 January of the following year. Missing the declaration or record deadline is itself a breach. The system is available to members globally.