How to Claim CPD Points for Physiotherapists in Ireland: A Complete Guide

As a registered physiotherapist in Ireland, engaging in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is not just encouraged—it's a regulatory requirement set by CORU, the Health and Social Care Professionals Council. Whether you’re newly registered or a seasoned clinician, understanding how to accumulate, record, and claim CPD points is essential to professional development and compliance.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through:

• What CPD is and why it matters
• The different ways to earn CPD points
• Step-by-step instructions for claiming your CPD
• How to stay audit-ready with CORU
• Bonus tips for building a sustainable CPD strategy

What is CPD?

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) refers to the structured process of lifelong learning that helps healthcare professionals maintain, improve, and broaden their knowledge, skills, and competence.

For Irish physiotherapists registered with CORU, CPD is not optional. It is:

• Mandatory: You must complete CPD activities annually
• Self-directed: You choose learning activities based on your scope of practice and career goals
• Evidence-based: You must document your learning with reflective reports and supporting materials

CPD Requirements by CORU

CORU requires every registered physiotherapist to:

• Complete a minimum of 30 CPD hours per year
• Maintain a personal CPD portfolio
• Submit CPD documentation if selected for audit

⚠️ One CPD “point” usually equates to one hour of active learning, but the quality and impact of your learning are more important than the number of hours.

What Activities Count Toward CPD?

CORU allows a wide range of formal and informal learning activities to count toward your CPD, as long as they are relevant to your professional role and enhance your competency.

1. Formal CPD Activities (Structured Learning)

These are pre-planned, often accredited activities led by a provider or institution.

• CPD-certified workshops or seminars
• Accredited online or in-person courses
• Postgraduate qualifications (e.g., MSc, Diplomas)
• Webinars provided by professional bodies or educational institutions
• Training sessions in new clinical techniques

2. Informal CPD Activities (Self-Directed Learning)

Self-directed learning still counts, as long as it's structured and linked to professional goals.

• Reading peer-reviewed journals or clinical guidelines
• Watching educational videos or recorded webinars
• Engaging in online forums or evidence-based discussion groups
• Reflective journaling after patient care experiences

3. Workplace-Based Learning

Day-to-day clinical practice also offers CPD opportunities if you actively reflect on your learning.

• Case discussions or multidisciplinary team meetings
• Supervision (received or given)
• Mentoring junior physiotherapists
• Clinical audits or quality improvement projects

4. Research and Presentations

Engaging in scholarly activities shows initiative and contributes to the wider profession.

• Publishing in journals or presenting at conferences
• Designing CPD courses or delivering clinical training
• Conducting service evaluations or research projects

How to Record and Claim CPD Points

CORU does not use a centralized CPD submission portal unless you're selected for audit. However, you are responsible for maintaining your own CPD portfolio.

Step-by-Step: Claiming & Documenting CPD

Create a CPD Portfolio
Use a binder, digital folder, or professional portfolio tool (like CORU’s CPD Record Template).

Log Each CPD Activity Include:

• Date of activity
• Duration (in hours)
• Type of activity
• Provider (e.g., Physiotherapy Online)
• Key learning outcomes
• How it apply to your practice

Attach Supporting Evidence
This can include:

• Attendance certificates
• Course handouts or slide decks
• Notes or summaries
• Reflective reports

Reflect on Impact
CORU requires you to reflect on how each activity enhances your clinical practice. Use the following questions:

• What did I learn?
• How will this improve patient outcomes?
• How will I apply this in my work?

CORU Audit: Be Prepared

CORU conducts random audits to ensure compliance. If selected, you'll need to submit your CPD documentation for review. Here’s how to stay ready:

• Keep your CPD records up-to-date throughout the year
• Include at least one reflective practice report
• Ensure your CPD links back to your Scope of Practice
• Keep all certificates and files organized and accessible

🛡️ Tip: CORU doesn’t require all learning to be accredited, but relevance, quality, and reflection are key.

Best Practices for Managing Your CPD

Here are some expert-recommended strategies for managing your CPD like a pro:

Plan Ahead

Set yearly goals and map out CPD activities in advance to meet learning needs and compliance deadlines.

Mix It Up

Diversify your learning: combine formal training with informal study, mentoring, and clinical reflection.

Use Digital Tools

Use tools like Google Drive, Evernote, or CPD log apps to store evidence and reflections on the go.

 Learn with Peers

Form CPD groups with colleagues to share ideas, attend events together, and support mutual growth.

Sample CPD Log Template

Final Thoughts

Meeting your CPD requirements as a physiotherapist in Ireland is more than just a checkbox—it’s a meaningful opportunity to grow as a clinician, contribute to better patient care, and stay in step with the evolving standards of physiotherapy practice.

By maintaining a structured, reflective CPD habit, you ensure you’re always prepared, whether for CORU audits or your next clinical challenge.

Need Help Getting Started?

Platforms like Physiotherapy Online offer a wide range of CPD-accredited courses tailored for physiotherapists in Ireland, including live webinars, online training, and certificate programs.

👉 Explore CPD Courses Now https://physiotherapyonline.net/courses