Should all CE/CPD be accredited?

Each year I record all of the continuing education or professional development that I have undertaken. As a Veterinary Technicians Specialist (VTS) in the USA, a Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN) and as a Suitably Qualified Person (SQP) in the UK; I have to undertake very specific CPD and CE that is for the VTS and SQP have to be accredited. Requirements for the RVN currently stand as 45 hours over a 3 year period. Though as a clinical coach training students, my RVN CPD needs to be 15 hours yearly to show that I am current in my knowledge and to undertake a clinical coach update meeting yearly.

The role of this continuing education in keeping the profession moving forward and ever evolving and improving should never be under estimated. The requirement of CPD or CE varies from country to country, and can vary from watching a lecture without having to provide proof that it was watched or that you listened, through to accredited teaching where you do need to prove that you watched and listened by completing a short test at the end of the lecture/webinar/article. This latter form of learning is of a better standard as it ensures understanding and prooves that you took in the knowledge that it was providing.