Tracking Non-Verifiable Learning: Making Informal CPD Count

Continuing professional development (CPD) isn't only about formal courses and structured training. A great deal of valuable learning happens informally — reading, conversations, on-the-job problem-solving — and much of it counts towards your CPD requirements if you record it properly. This guide explains what informal CPD is, why tracking it matters, and how to do it well. For structured learning to complement your informal development, explore Learnsignal's CPD courses.

What is informal CPD?

Professional bodies generally divide CPD into two types. Formal (or structured) CPD involves planned, often verifiable learning — courses, webinars, qualifications and structured training, typically with evidence such as a certificate. Informal (or unstructured) CPD is the learning that happens through everyday professional activity:

• Reading technical articles, journals, standards updates or professional publications.
• Learning on the job — tackling a new type of task, problem-solving, or picking up skills from colleagues.
• Conversations with peers, mentoring (as mentor or mentee), and informal knowledge-sharing.
• Listening to relevant podcasts, watching webinars, or attending talks and networking events.

This kind of learning is often where a lot of real professional growth happens — but because it's unplanned, it's easy to do it and then forget you ever did, which is exactly why tracking matters.

Why tracking informal CPD matters

Recording your informal CPD is important for several reasons:

• It counts towards your requirements. Most professional bodies allow informal, unverifiable learning to make up a portion of your annual CPD — but only if you record it. Untracked learning effectively doesn't count.
• You may need to evidence it. Bodies can ask members to confirm or demonstrate their CPD, and some carry out checks. A contemporaneous record protects you if you're ever asked.
• It makes your development deliberate. The act of recording what you've learned — and reflecting on it — turns passive activity into intentional development, helping you spot gaps and plan future learning.
• It captures value you'd otherwise lose. Without a record, a year's worth of useful informal learning simply evaporates from memory.

It's worth noting that some bodies, such as ACCA, let members follow a "unit" route (a set number of hours, split between verifiable and non-verifiable learning), while others use an outcomes-based approach focused on what you've learned and applied. Either way, your informal CPD record is the evidence that you've met the requirement.

How to track informal CPD effectively

The key is to make recording quick and habitual, so it doesn't become a chore:

• Record it promptly. Note learning as soon as it happens, rather than trying to reconstruct a year's worth at renewal time — memory fades fast.
• Capture the key details. For each activity, note what you did, roughly how long it took, the date, and — most importantly — what you learned and how it's relevant to your role.
• Reflect, don't just log. A short reflection on how the learning applies to your work is what turns a list into genuine professional development, and it's what many bodies actually want to see.
• Use a simple system. A dedicated CPD log, a spreadsheet, your professional body's online tool, or a notes app — whatever you'll actually keep up with. Consistency matters more than the format.
• Review periodically. Every few months, look over your record to check you're on track for your annual requirement and to plan any formal learning needed to fill gaps.

Why it matters for finance professionals

For qualified accountants, maintaining CPD is a professional obligation — and informal learning is a legitimate, valuable part of it. Tracking it well keeps you compliant with your body's requirements, ready for any verification, and — most importantly — in genuine control of your ongoing development. In a profession that changes constantly with new standards, regulation and technology, the habit of capturing and reflecting on everyday learning is what keeps your skills sharp and current throughout your career.

Frequently asked questions

What is informal CPD?

Unstructured, everyday professional learning — reading, on-the-job problem-solving, conversations with peers, podcasts and webinars — as opposed to formal, planned learning like courses and qualifications.

Does informal CPD count towards my requirements?

Usually, yes — most professional bodies allow informal, unverifiable learning to make up a portion of your annual CPD, but only if you record it. Untracked learning generally doesn't count.

How should I record informal CPD?

Note it promptly, capturing what you did, how long it took, the date, and what you learned and how it's relevant. Add a short reflection, and use a simple system you'll keep up with — a log, spreadsheet or your body's online tool.

Why is tracking informal CPD important?

Because it ensures the learning counts towards your requirements, gives you evidence if your body asks for it, makes your development deliberate, and captures valuable learning you'd otherwise forget.

Develop your skills with Learnsignal

Informal learning is most powerful alongside structured development. Learnsignal's CPD courses give you verifiable, high-quality learning to complement your everyday professional development — with clear, practical teaching that keeps your skills current and your CPD record strong.