What is the difference between structured and self-directed CPD?
Short answer
Structured CPD has defined learning objectives, a set duration and independent evidence of completion — accredited courses, conferences and formal e-learning. Self-directed CPD is learning you organise yourself, such as reading, research, mentoring or reflection. Most professional bodies require a minimum proportion of the annual total to be structured.
The distinction exists because evidence quality differs. A certificate from an accredited course states what was covered, how long it took and that you completed it. A note that you read a journal states only that you say you did.
Many bodies set a split — for example, requiring that a defined share of annual hours be structured or "verifiable". Where a split applies, front-load the structured activity in your year: it is the harder component to make up in December.
Accreditation is what makes an activity reliably structured in a regulator's eyes, because the objectives, duration and completion evidence have been checked by someone with no commercial interest in the outcome.