Complying with the CPD scheme is a requirement of registration with the Architects Registration Board. An architect must participate in CPD activities and be able to demonstrate what competencies they have developed and how these improve their practice to retain registration. While there is no minimum requirement for the number of activities, the Architect Registration Board suggests that architects should aim to complete at least eight activities per year. Environmental Sustainability and Fire and Life Safety have been retained as mandatory topics for 2025.

CPD Requirements – Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA)

Annual CPD Requirements

All practicing RIBA Chartered Members must complete 35 hours of continuing professional development (CPD) each calendar year. Of these, at least 20 hours must cover the 10 RIBA Core Curriculum topics, with a minimum of 2 hours per topic annually.

Structured vs. Informal CPD

CPD activities may be either structured (e.g. instructor-led courses, webinars with outcomes) or informal (e.g. reading, podcasts, research). Members should aim for at least half of their annual CPD to be structured where possible.

Course Eligibility

CPD does not have to come from RIBA or be accredited or approved by RIBA. Members may complete CPD from any credible provider, as long as it is relevant to their professional development needs and circumstances.

Recordkeeping & Compliance

All CPD must be recorded using the official RIBA online CPD recording tool. This is the only accepted method of submission, and alternative logs or proof are not accepted. Member records are subject to audit. CPD must be tracked separately for each professional body where applicable.

LearnFormula is not affiliated with the Royal Institute of British Architects. For full details, visit: https://www.architecture.com/education-cpd-and-careers/cpd/fulfilling-your-cpd-obligations

CPD Requirements – Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI)

Registered Architects in Ireland are required by the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI) to complete a minimum of 40 CPD points per cycle, with at least 20 points designated as Structured CPD. The CPD cycle runs annually from December 1 to November 30.

Structured CPD activities must be planned, outcome-based learning experiences that are relevant to the practice of architecture. These can include:

• Seminars, lectures, and conferences
• Online courses with assessments and certificates
• Structured site visits or technical demonstrations
• Accredited educational programs by professional or academic institutions

Unstructured CPD may include:

• Reading professional publications such as Architecture Ireland
• Informal site visits
• Watching non-assessed videos or webinars

All CPD must be recorded using the MyRIAI CPD system. Evidence of participation is only required if a Registered Architect is selected for a CPD audit. Architects who fail to meet their CPD obligations by the end of the cycle and do not rectify the deficiency by the final April deadline may be removed from the Register.

LearnFormula is not affiliated with the RIAI. For full details, please refer to the official CPD Policy: https://www.riai.ie/uploads/files/general-files/RIAI_CPD_Policy_15_Nov_2023_v4.9.pdf.

"The Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) requires non-student members and affiliates to complete a minimum of 35 CPD hours each year, measured over an annual cycle from 1 May to 30 April. This requirement applies nationally across the UK and may increase depending on a professional’s level of responsibility to clients, employers, or colleagues.

CIAT does not prescribe mandatory subject categories. Members and affiliates are responsible for determining the content, format, and mix of CPD activities, ensuring relevance to their professional obligations and career development. Eligible CPD activities are broad and include structured and informal learning such as courses, webinars, conferences, private study, academic qualifications, research, writing, presenting, committee work, and professional practice-related learning.

CIAT does not require members to complete only accredited courses. While CIAT operates an AT CPD Register where courses can be formally assessed and listed, use of registered CPD is optional, and unregistered learning activities may still count if they are relevant, current, and professionally beneficial. CIAT certification indicates content suitability but does not constitute approval of course delivery or learning outcomes.

Members and affiliates must maintain their own CPD records and be able to provide evidence of compliance if requested. CPD compliance is monitored through an annual random audit of approximately 5% of members and affiliates. Records may be maintained within the My CIAT online portal or using an alternative tracking method of the member’s choosing.

LearnFormula is not affiliated with the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT). For full details, visit: https://architecturaltechnology.com/learning/cpd.html"