If you've received an email telling you that you've been selected for a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) review, your first reaction might be to wonder why you've been chosen, what's involved and how much work you'll need to do.
The good news is that the process is straightforward, and we've recently updated our guidance and forms to make it even easier for members.
Whether you're a Registered Science Technician (RSciTech), Registered Scientist (RSci) or Chartered Scientist (CSci), Christian Burt, IBMS Professional Support Services Manager, explains what to expect, how to prepare and where to find support.
Why have I been selected?
Each year, the IBMS is required to review the CPD activities of 3% of registrants across the three Science Council registers.
Being selected doesn't mean there's a concern about your professional practice. Most registrants are selected through the annual review process, although some may be included following a deferral from a previous year or because a further review has been requested.
The purpose is simply to check that you're continuing to develop your knowledge, skills and competence, and that your CPD remains relevant to your professional practice.
Think of it as an opportunity to reflect on what you've learned over the past year and how that learning has benefited you, your colleagues and the people who rely on your work.
What will I need to submit?
We've introduced an updated CPD review form and accompanying guidance to help make the process clearer and more manageable.
The form has four sections:
1. Your professional profile
Tell us a little about your current role, responsibilities and any new learning experiences you've had during the review period. There's a maximum of 500 words, so you don't need to write an essay.
2. Your CPD activities
List up to 12 CPD activities relevant to your current or future professional practice.
These should ideally cover at least three of the five recognised CPD categories: work-based learning, professional activity, formal or educational learning, self-directed learning and other activities. In exceptional circumstances, two categories may be appropriate.
Remember, CPD isn't just about attending courses or conferences. Learning a new laboratory technique, mentoring a colleague, reading a scientific journal or taking part in a professional discussion can all contribute to your development.
3. Reflecting on your learning
This is perhaps the most important part of your submission.
Choose three activities from your list and explain what you learned, how you've applied (or intend to apply) that learning and what difference it has made.
For each example, consider how your CPD has contributed to:
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Your own knowledge, skills and professional practice
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The quality, safety or effectiveness of your service
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Patients, service users or others who benefit from your work
You don't need to demonstrate dramatic changes or major achievements. Sometimes relatively small improvements can make a meaningful difference.
4. Planning your future development
Finally, reflect on what's gone well, what you've found challenging and what you'd like to develop over the next 12 months.
Your plans don't need to be set in stone. We simply want to see that you're thinking about your ongoing professional development.
My advice? Focus on quality, not quantity
One of the reasons we've updated our guidance is to help registrants understand that a good CPD submission isn't necessarily a lengthy one.
We're interested in the value of your learning, not how many activities you can list.
Choose examples that are relevant to your role and registration level. Be specific about what you've learned and how it's influenced your practice.
And don't worry if you haven't yet had the opportunity to put something into practice. You can explain how you intend to use that learning and the benefits you expect it to bring.
A clear, thoughtful reflection is far more useful than a long description of everything you've done.
If you're unsure how to approach reflective writing, our IBMS How to Guide on Reflection is a useful starting point.
When do I need to submit my review?
For the 2026 CPD review, you'll need to reflect on activities undertaken between 1 November 2025 and 1 November 2026.
Your completed form must be returned by 1 February 2027.
Please remember that forms must be completed electronically. We cannot accept handwritten submissions.
Once completed, send your form to me via email: [email protected].
If you're unable to meet the deadline, please contact me as soon as possible to explain your circumstances. Requests for extensions or deferrals are considered individually and are only granted in exceptional circumstances.
What happens after I've submitted my review?
Your completed form will first undergo an in-house check before being assessed by a trained IBMS CPD reviewer against the Science Council's CPD requirements.
The reviewer will consider whether you've demonstrated the required standards and provide feedback on your submission.
If additional information or improvements are needed, you'll receive recommendations to help you address them and successfully resubmit.
Our aim is to make the process as clear and supportive as possible.
Where can I find help?
We've produced resources to help you prepare:
Download the CPD Registrant Review Form 2026
The form you'll need to complete, covering your professional profile, CPD activities, reflections and future development plans.
Download the CPD Review Guidance for Registrants 2026
Step-by-step advice on completing each section, choosing appropriate examples and demonstrating the impact of your learning.
Download the IBMS How to Guide on Reflection
Practical support to help you reflect on your learning and explain how it has influenced your professional practice.
You can also find more information about maintaining your professional registration on our Science Council registration webpage.
If you're retired, taking a career break or have particular circumstances that may affect your CPD, the guidance also explains what to consider.
Finally, don't leave it until the last minute
If you've been selected for review, take a little time to read the guidance, look back over your CPD activities and identify the examples that best demonstrate your development.
And if you're unsure about anything, please get in touch. We're here to help you through the process.
You can contact me at [email protected].
Christian Burt
Professional Support Services Manager
Institute of Biomedical Science
