Last Updated on October 17, 2025 by Niki

As an instructor, you already know the importance of staying sharp. Every class you teach brings new challenges, new people, and new expectations. But how do you prove that you are keeping your knowledge and skills up to date? That’s where Continuing Professional Development (CPD) comes in.

What is CPD?

CPD is your way of showing professional organisations, and yourself, that you are current. It is evidence that you’re not standing still, but consistently developing your skills, learning, and experience. This comes in useful for many memberships that require you to provide this evidence each year when you renew as well as providing confidence for your class participants.

Think of CPD as your professional growth diary: a collection of experiences, learnings, and qualifications that demonstrate your commitment to being the best instructor you can be.

The two sides of CPD

There are two main ways to evidence CPD:

  • Informal CPD
    This covers the less structured ways you grow as an instructor. Reading research papers, shadowing another teacher, or even taking part in classes yourself can all count. These experiences shape how you deliver your own sessions and deserve recognition.

  • Formal CPD
    These are structured courses or qualifications. They may not always be regulated, but they provide a clear path of study, assessment, and certification. Many workshops and shorter training courses also count as CPD. Even if they’re not assessed, they can still provide highly valuable learning that you should record as part of your CPD journey.

Both informal and formal CPD matter. Together, they build a complete picture of your professional development.

CPD vs qualifications: what is the difference?

A regulated qualification is structured, examined, and sits on the government’s regulated qualification framework. It’s awarded through an approved centre and comes with formal certification.

A training course that is not regulated can still be recognised as CPD, but it does not sit within that government framework. Both pathways contribute to your CPD record – the key is making sure you document and submit them.

Choosing CPD: thinking about return on investment

Time and money are precious as an instructor, so when you are deciding on your next CPD opportunity, consider two questions:

  1. Will this bring a new aspect to my business?
    For example, could it enable you to offer something outside of your current repertoire, such as nutritional advice, specialist training for certain populations, or a brand-new fitness format? Expanding your services in this way can increase your earning potential and widen your appeal.

  2. Will this bring new members to my classes?
    Sometimes the best return comes from deepening what you already do well. A course within your current genre might give you new choreography, content, or techniques that refresh your sessions and keep members engaged. Even if it is not a huge shift, bringing something exciting and valuable to your classes can improve retention and encourage word of mouth.

Both approaches have equal value. What matters most is that you are investing in development that makes sense for you and your members.

Why it matters for you

Documenting your CPD is about more than just ticking boxes. It gives you:

  • Credibility with employers, gyms, and clients

  • Confidence that your knowledge is current

  • Opportunities to expand your teaching repertoire

  • A stronger case for progression and pay rises

Actions you can take now

  • Check your current CPD record. What informal or formal learning have you done recently that you have not logged?

  • Explore EMD UK’s CPD opportunities. Whether you want new qualifications or short workshops, EMD UK offers pathways designed for group exercise professionals.

  • Submit your course for CPD recognition. If you have developed or completed a course that is not yet recognised, EMD UK can help you get it approved so others can benefit.

  • Download EMD UK’s CPD strategy document to understand more about how CPD recognition works.

  • Plan for return on investment. Ask yourself whether your next CPD will bring something new to your business, or something new to your members. Both are worthwhile.