Staying on the NMC register means keeping your skills up to date – and that starts with good CPD. Whether you're preparing for your own revalidation or supporting colleagues through the process, understanding the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements is key. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the essentials of revalidation, how to plan and record your CPD, and the best tools to help you stay on track.

Revalidation relies on keeping a clear, evidence-based CPD log. Nurses must complete 35 hours of CPD, including 20 hours of participatory learning, every three years.
➡️ nmc.org.uk

What is Revalidation?

Revalidation is how nurses, midwives, and nursing associates prove they remain fit to practise. Managed by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), the process takes place every three years and involves:
• 35 hours of CPD (20 participatory)
• 450 practice hours
• 5 reflective accounts
• Professional indemnity cover
• Health and character declarations
• A reflective discussion and confirmation

It’s designed to strengthen public confidence, support professionalism, and ensure care stays safe and effective.

NMC CPD Requirements for Revalidation

CPD Hours: 35 Total (20 Participatory)
To meet your CPD obligations, you need to complete:
• 35 hours of learning relevant to your practice
• At least 20 hours must be participatory CPD, meaning it involves learning with others

Participatory CPD could include:
• Attending a webinar or in-person training
• Group workshops or conferences
• Case discussions with colleagues
• Online learning forums or supervision sessions

Types of CPD Activities

CPD doesn't have to mean expensive courses. Your activities could include:
• MedicsPro CPD e-learning modules and training workshops
• Attending conferences or clinical skills updates
• Reading professional journals or research papers
• Participating in peer reviews or reflective discussions
• Leadership or service improvement projects

Choose activities that genuinely develop your practice and can be reflected on.
➡️ Explore MedicsPro training and CPD

Planning Your CPD Portfolio

Linking CPD to the NMC Code and Standards

Make your CPD count by aligning it with the NMC’s Code of Professional Standards, such as:
• Prioritising people
• Practising effectively
• Preserving safety
• Promoting professionalism and trust

When planning your CPD, ask:
• Does this learning enhance my current role?
• Can I apply it in practice?
• How does it link to the NMC Code?

Recording and Evidencing CPD

Recording CPD doesn’t have to be time-consuming – the key is consistency. Every activity should include:
• Date and title
• Hours completed (and whether participatory)
• A brief summary of what you learned
• How it relates to your practice and the NMC Code
• Evidence, such as a certificate or signed attendance sheet

Recommended Tools and Templates

There are several tools available to help you keep everything organised:
✔ NMC CPD Log Template – simple and free to download
✔ CPD Launchpad – free online CPD portfolio and revalidation tool
✔ CPDme, FourteenFish, or even spreadsheets and notebooks – whatever works for you

Evidence Examples

Accepted evidence includes:
• Certificates of completion
• Signed notes from a workshop or study day
• Screenshots or PDFs from online learning
• Reflective notes that link learning to the NMC Code
➡️ nmc.org.uk: CPD evidence requirements

Reflective Accounts and Feedback

While reflective accounts are a separate revalidation requirement, linking them to your CPD strengthens both. Reflect on:
• What you learned
• How it affected your practice
• Which part of the NMC Code it relates to
You’ll need to write five reflective accounts and discuss them with a registered nurse in a reflective discussion.
➡️ RCN Reflection Templates & Guidance

Tips for a Smooth Revalidation
✔ Start early – don’t leave it until the last few months
✔ Log activities as you go – even short learning moments count
✔ Use templates or apps to stay organised
✔ Link everything to your practice and the NMC Code
✔ Ask your manager or team for support
Nurse managers and educators can help staff prepare with portfolio templates, access to learning resources, and regular CPD discussions.
➡️ MedicsPro: Supporting nurse revalidation

Further Resources
✔ NMC Revalidation Guidance
✔ RCN Revalidation Hub
✔ CPD Launchpad – Free Portfolio
✔ NHS Trust Revalidation Toolkits
✔ MedicsPro CPD & Training Opportunities

Revalidation is an opportunity, not a hurdle. With a bit of planning and the right tools, recording your CPD can be simple and rewarding. Whether you’re refreshing your clinical skills, leading service improvements, or mentoring others, every learning experience counts.

Stay confident. Stay current. Start your CPD journey today.