What are the benefits?
Although you are responsible for your own CPD, it is not something you are expected to do all on your own.  In addition to the benefits you gain from doing CPD, there are also benefits for your employer and for your clients/customers.  It is therefore a partnership between you and your employer, with the support and involvement of PRISA and the Business Chamber of the Services Sector Education & Training Authority (SETA).

"Taking part in CPD is worthwhile for many reasons.  These include career development, maintaining and improving standards of practice, expanding your areas of expertise, facilitating and managing change, and assuring quality of service."

The benefits to you
CPD promotes a systematic approach to the process of learning and development, which means you will:

• be more likely to keep up to date with new developments
• have improved professional competence through the development of technical knowledge and skills
• increase your personal effectiveness through the development of broader skills
• have enhanced career prospects and increased job satisfaction
• have greater flexibility at work and find it easier to adapt to change
• have a detailed portfolio to help with updating your CV and preparing for appraisals and interviews
• be able to upgrade your professional practice level after completion of a cycle of CPD
• have an competitive advantage in the eyes of clients and employers
• receive recognition in the PRISA publication, Communika
• have a structured way of addressing your training/skills needs as they relate to your career aspirations
• have control of your career progression
• be able to demonstrate your commitment to exploring the latest ideas and methodologies
• have a road to internationally recognised Accreditation (APR registration)
• be required to complete CPD for the maintenance of APR registration
• be an ambassador for the profession and promote its value
• be an active contributor to the profession's body of knowledge.

The benefits to your employer
Your employer benefits from supporting your CPD activities by:

• your increased motivation to learn and improve performance, thus contributing to greater effectiveness in achieving business objectives
• having a multi-skilled, efficient and flexible workforce
• increased customer satisfaction and an enhanced reputation of the organisation
• assistance in the achievement of quality standards such as Investors in people or ISO
• participation creates a workforce which is serious about is profession and thus its organisation and clients
• it provides a training/skills and development record to link to the Workplace Skills Plan and also to performance reviews
• it promotes a culture of mentoring and coaching in the workplace.