The Role of Continuous Professional Development in ACCA Careers


Continuous Professional Development (CPD) is an essential component of the ACCA qualification. It is crucial in preparing students for their future careers and ensuring they remain relevant and current in a constantly evolving business landscape. ACCA requires its members to complete CPD every year to maintain their membership.  

Why CPD is Important for ACCA Members? 

The accounting profession is ever-changing, with new regulations, technologies, and market trends emerging every year. As such, ACCA members must continue learning and developing their skills to stay ahead of the game. 

Here are some reasons why CPD is important for ACCA members: 

  • Maintaining professional competence: By participating in CPD activities, ACCA members can stay updated with the latest developments and regulations in the accounting industry. This helps them to maintain their professional competence and continue providing high-quality services to their clients. 
  • Keeping up with industry changes: As mentioned earlier, the business landscape is constantly evolving, and CPD allows ACCA members to stay informed about these changes. This enables them to adapt quickly and effectively to new industry developments. 
  • Enhancing career opportunities: Employers today value employees who are committed to continuous learning and development. By actively participating in CPD, ACCA members demonstrate their dedication to self-improvement, which can enhance their career opportunities. 
  • Networking and knowledge sharing: CPD activities also provide an excellent opportunity for ACCA members to network with other professionals in the industry. This allows them to share knowledge, exchange ideas, and learn from each other’s experiences. 

Types of CPD Activities 

ACCA recognizes various CPD activities members can engage in to fulfill their CPD requirements. Some examples include: 

  • Courses and training programs: These can be online or in-person courses covering a specific topic or skill related to accounting. 
  • Seminars and conferences: These events bring together professionals from various industries to discuss current issues, share knowledge, and network with each other. 
  • Webinars and podcasts: With advancements in technology, ACCA members have many opportunities to participate in webinars or listen to podcasts on relevant topics. 
  • Reading and research: Reading articles, journals, books, or researching industry-related topics also count towards CPD. 

In short, any activity that contributes to developing an ACCA member’s professional knowledge, skills, and values can be considered CPD. Members must choose activities relevant to their career goals and interests. 

Receive ACCA Training in Dubai from the Experts at Kaplan Professional ME 

At Kaplan Professional ME, we offer comprehensive training programs for candidates who want to pursue ACCA. The courses and materials we offer have been accredited by ACCA, establishing us as leaders in accounting and finance training on a global scale, as well as within the GCC region. Our delivery methods include: 

  • Classroom training – Interactive ACCA classes led by experienced tutors in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, providing an engaging learning experience alongside peers.
  • Online training – Live Online is a virtual learning method that delivers traditional classroom training through a digital platform, led by our dedicated full-time faculty.
  • ACE Subscription – Experience a flexible and personalized learning journey with our unique subscription model, designed for continuous access and perfectly aligned with your need for flexibility.  

Contact us now to learn more about our ACCA UAE programs, and start investing in your professional development today!