CPD recognition and approval

RCSI – through the operation of the PCS under the arrangement arising from Section 91(4), Medical Practitioners Act, 2007, between the Irish Medical Council and the College approves activities provided by RCSI and other individuals or bodies which have met specific educational criteria for the purposes of CPD.

CPD is the educative means of updating, developing and enhancing how doctors apply the knowledge, skills and attitudes required in their working lives. This includes, the eight domains of good professional practice, as identified by the Irish Medical Council. 

Approval process

It is important to apply for CPD approval of events to the Irish postgraduate medical training body that best matches your audience.

Prior to applying for CPD approval, please read the RCSI Guidelines for Approval of Education Events document in full.

It is also important that you make yourself aware of the following important documents and guidelines:

To apply you will need to complete all sections of the application form and upload a detailed programme/schedule of the event at least four weeks prior to the event. Valid applications are usually processed within a 2-4 week timeframe and confirmation is then issued by email.

Apply for CPD approval calendar of approved events

New accreditation framework

The Medical Council has introduced a new formal CPD Accreditation Framework (download below) to strengthen the quality and consistency of CPD for doctors and to formalise how CPD activities are assessed and recognised. RCSI will implement this framework from July 2026.

Medical Council CPD Accreditation Framework PDF | 328.2 KB
  • The Medical Council, as the accrediting authority for CPD in Ireland, has approved the postgraduate training bodies to deliver and accredit CPD activities under the new CPD Accreditation Framework.
  • Organisations that manufacture, market, distribute or sell products used on or by patients are no longer eligible to apply for accreditation of CPD activities. In addition, CPD activities that are solely organised or hosted by a single industry sponsor are not eligible to receive CPD credits.
  • The Medical Council has introduced an updated CPD activity criteria which guides the planning, delivery and evaluation of each CPD activity. These criteria are designed to ensure that all accredited CPD activities maintain a high standard of quality and academic integrity, while addressing the educational needs of doctors in Ireland.
  • New standards for integrity and independence have also been introduced to ensure independence and credibility of all accredited CPD activities.
  • Activity organisers are required to gather detailed information from all planners, educators and individuals involved in shaping the educational content, including disclosure of any financial relationships with ineligible companies over the previous 24 months (via a conflict of interest disclosure form). This form must be completed before individuals undertake their roles.
  • Organisers must review all disclosed conflicts of interest. If an individual has had a financial relationship with an *ineligible company within the past 24 months, they must also complete an attestation statement confirming the scientific integrity of their contributions and the absence of commercial influence. The organiser must document the steps taken to mitigate relevant financial relationships.
  • All relevant financial relationships must be disclosed to participants prior to engagement in the CPD activity. Learners must be clearly informed whether:
    • No relevant financial relationships exist among planners, educators or faculty OR
    • Relevant financial relationships have been identified and appropriately mitigated

*Definition of an ineligible company: any entity whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients.

As the organiser of an educational activity, you must:

  • Identify and mitigate any relevant financial relationships involving all individuals who have control over the educational content.
  • Disclose to learners the presence or absence of relevant financial relationships for all persons in control of content before the learner engages in the education.
  • Disclose to learners, before the activity begins, the name(s) of any organisations providing commercial support along with the nature of that support (for example, financial or in-kind).
  • Clearly communicate to learners who is responsible for organising the CPD activity and overseeing its accreditation.
  • Ensure that all speakers include a declaration outlining any financial relationships relevant to the topic within the previous 24 months.
  • Ensure that all promotional or non-accredited activities are restricted to a designated exhibition area. If there is no separate exhibition area, this activity cannot take place within 30 minutes before or after the accredited education activity.
  • Maintain records detailing the type and amount of any commercial support received as well as how this support was utilised.
  • Provide attendees with confirmation of their participation in the activity.
  • Retain a record of all participants for a minimum of six years following the activity and be prepared to provide this information if requested.
  • Offer a mechanism for participants to provide post-event feedback, including:
    • Improvements in knowledge, skills or competencies resulting from the activity.
    • Changes in learner performance, where applicable.
    • Impact on patient health outcomes, where applicable.

Fees are required to have applications processed.

  • Unsponsored event or medical organisation with no registration fee: no charge
  • Unsponsored event with registration fee: €250
  • Event supported by single or multiple sponsors: €500

RCSI will contact the event organiser directly regarding payment of the applicable fee.

Should you require clarification or further information, please contact us at pcs@rcsi.ie or +353 (0) 1 402 2743. We also recommend you refer to the FAQ section for details on what activities require approval for PCS and CPD.