There are many methods for recording your CPD (Continuous Professional Development) plans available on the internet and through various professional bodies.

For me I prefer a Spreadsheet with a few column headings. Its what goes into those headings that makes the record though:

Date

Date the training took place

Training

This is the title of the training and any course number/reference

Category

I split the training up into various categories such as:

• Architecture Training
• Finance
• Innovation
• Leadership
• Security
• Strategy
• Technical Training
• Vendor Training

Sub Category

Under each of the Categories I then divide into a number of Sub Categories so I can view how much training I have undertaken on a particular subject. These can vary as each Category can have many Sub Categories, however I do not split more than around 5 per one Category.

For example I split Leadership into:

• Communication
• Emotional & Business Intelligence
• Engagement
• Leadership
• Staff Management

Source

This is normally a URL or name of site/book

Training Type

This is the type of training such as:

• MOOC
• Online Class
• Replay
• Webinar

Time

This is the length of time that you spend learning. Even a 5 minute video here and there on a subject you are learning adds up.

Key Learning

Under this heading I list the key points from the training as a reminder as to the learning points. Bit like a flash card. This is normally a list of the key points.

Using a CPD Cycle reminds me to reflect on what I have learnt and how I will apply it. Also what I need to relearn or expand on in future training.