CPD is a requirement for RICS members to continually update their skills and knowledge to remain professionally competent in a constantly changing environment, so they can provide the best possible service.
RICS’ revised CPD framework takes effect January 2026, supported by new mobile app
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25 November 2025
RICS' revised CPD framework comes into effect in January 2026, shaped by widespread member consultation and approved by the RICS Standards and Regulation Board earlier this year.
The updates respond to member feedback calling for an approach that supports career development in a profession facing rapid change - from AI-driven transformation to housing supply challenges and the transition to sustainable practice.
RICS' Incoming Senior Vice President, Susanne Eickermann-Riepe, notes that CPD is evolving from tracking hours to focussing on how learning improves professional practice: "members were clear: CPD should support genuine professional growth." These updates recognise quality learning, stepping away from just ticking boxes and instead aiming to deliver real value for the built and natural environment.
“Members were clear: CPD should support genuine professional growth.”
Susanne Eickermann-Riepe
RICS' Incoming Senior Vice President
What's changing from 2026
While the core requirements of 20 hours annually (with 10 hours structured) remain consistent, the revised framework introduces:
- Improved digital tools and content for easier planning and recording of CPD activities – including a new member app and improved CPD offering.
- Mandatory topics to be covered every three years: ethics, sustainability, AI, and data and technology.
- Greater flexibility for extended learning. For example, members completing substantial programmes such as master's degrees can carry forward up to 10 CPD hours into the following year.
- Enhanced quality review: RICS will audit a higher proportion of member CPD records, focussing on the quality and relevance of activities undertaken.
“Recording CPD when you’re on the go, when it’s fresh in your mind, makes things a lot easier.”
Leon Andrews
Director of Insight and Experience, RICS
Supporting the transition
"The app addresses a consistent piece of member feedback - they delayed recording CPD until year-end, and couldn't remember details or impact," says Director of Insight and Experience Leon Andrews, "Recording CPD when you’re on the go, when it’s fresh in your mind, makes things a lot easier."
The full revised CPD framework requirements can be found here.
RICS will continue providing resources and guidance to support members with the transition to the updated requirements which will apply from January 2026, aligning with the start of the annual CPD cycle.
Revised RICS CPD framework to be implemented 2026 (PDF 0.16MB)
Published date: 28 November 2025
CPD frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Section one: Continuing professional development (CPD) FAQs
The RICS Rules of Conduct (approved by the Standards and Regulation Board) set out the standards of professional conduct and practice expected of RICS Members. The Rules of Conduct place a professional obligation on members to comply with the continuing professional development (CPD) requirements set by RICS.
Members must complete a minimum of 20 hours of CPD each calendar year (January-December), with at least 10 hours being structured CPD. You should record your CPD before the end of the calendar year. Full details of all CPD requirements can be found here: Continuing Professional Development.
Planning and reflection: you'll plan your CPD strategically and reflect on how it benefits your practice.
Learning outcomes: record specific learning outcomes for each CPD activity.
Expanded mandatory topics: every three years, complete at least 1 hour of structured CPD on each of these topics:
- RICS global professional and ethical standards
- Sustainability
- AI, data and technology
Greater flexibility: carry forward up to 10 hours from substantial training programmes (like Master's degrees) to the following two years.
Structured CPD includes learning activities with a structured approach where learning outcomes can be easily identified, and where you enhance your knowledge of a particular subject or professional skills in a way relevant to your work. This typically includes webinars, seminars, conferences, lectures, and workshops.
Unstructured CPD is self-managed learning that is relevant to your professional role and has a clear learning purpose, but with a less structured approach to the learning content and/or method. This could include activities such as private study, on-the-job training, or attendance at informal seminars or events focused on knowledge sharing. Reading articles or listening to podcasts would generally count as unstructured CPD.
RICS is committed to supporting you in meeting CPD requirements. If you're facing challenges, please contact cpd@rics.org as early as possible. We can:
- help you understand what counts as CPD for your role
- guide you to relevant learning resources: RICS Online Academy | OLA
- explain exemption options if you're facing exceptional circumstances
- provide advice on planning and recording your CPD effectively.
RICS reviews CPD records to maintain professional standards and public confidence. If you don't meet the requirements, you may be found to be non-compliant and may face administrative or disciplinary action.
- We strongly encourage you to reach out for support before missing requirements. Early engagement helps us work with you to find solutions.
Yes. Full or partial exemptions are available for circumstances including:
- retirement (unless you're an APC assessor)
- long-term ill-health or serious incapacity
- family raising, parental/adoption leave, or caring responsibilities
- unemployment or not currently practising
Apply for exemptions through your MyRICS account or contact cpd@rics.org. Exemption requests must be made by 31 December of the relevant CPD year.
- Activity date - when you completed the learning
- Activity type - the format of the learning (e.g., webinar, course, conference, self-study)
- Description of the activity - what the learning covered
- Number of hours - time spent on the activity (minimum 30 minutes per activity, or combine shorter activities)
- Structured or unstructured - whether the learning had a structured approach with clear learning objectives
- Mandatory topic coverage - whether it counts towards your ethics, sustainability, or AI/data & technology requirements
- Learning outcomes - specific, measurable statements describing what you know, understand or can do because of the activity
Section two: new member app FAQs
The new member app will launch in early February 2026, following the revised CPD framework launch. We're taking time to ensure the app meets the high standards our members deserve and incorporates feedback from member testing. We'll announce the specific launch date once final testing is complete.
The app will make recording your CPD easier and more accessible:
- Log CPD activities on the go from your mobile device
- Track your progress towards annual requirements
- Access your CPD history and records anywhere, anytime
- Profile management to keep your member information up to date
Based on extensive member feedback, we've invested in enhanced digital tools to make CPD planning and recording more accessible, efficient, and beneficial to your practice. The app supports the revised CPD framework's focus on meaningful, quality learning by making it easier to reflect on and plan your professional development.
Yes. You can continue to record CPD through your RICS My Account on the website. The app provides an additional, more convenient option for mobile recording.
No, the app is optional. You can continue using the web portal (RICS My Account) to record your CPD. However, the app offers convenient features like on-the-go logging and progress tracking that many members will find valuable.
The app will be available for both iOS (iPhone/iPad) and Android devices.
Section three: reflection and planning
As part of the recording process, you'll complete a section on your professional reflections explaining:
- why you chose the CPD activities you undertook, with reference to your professional role and identified learning needs
- how the CPD you completed has impacted your professional development
- how your CPD informs your plans for professional development in the following year.
Professional reflection helps you identify learning that genuinely advances your skills and practice, moving beyond simply logging hours. It demonstrates how your CPD translates into better professional competence and service delivery—benefiting you, your clients, and the public.
There's no set word count, but your statement should be substantive enough to demonstrate genuine reflection. Focus on quality insights rather than length. The digital recording platform will guide you through the key points to address.
A learning outcome is a specific, measurable statement describing what you know, understand, or can do because of the CPD activity. Recording learning outcomes helps you:
- focus on CPD that delivers real professional value
- demonstrate the impact of your learning
- build evidence of your professional competence.
Weak: "Learned about sustainability"
Strong: "Can now identify three key energy efficiency measures to recommend to residential clients and explain their cost-benefit ratios"
Yes, the revised framework encourages strategic CPD planning aligned with your professional role, responsibilities, and career development goals. Planning helps ensure your CPD is relevant, adequate, and appropriate to your practice—not just meeting minimum hours.
