Continuing Professional Development for CGeogs and Applicants
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) demonstrates your professional integrity and expertise to employers and clients. It also shows your commitment to developing your knowledge, skills, and experience.
This page outlines CPD expectations for both:
- approved Chartered Geographers (CGeogs), and
- applicants working towards Chartered Geographer status
Guidance differs for each group—please refer to the relevant sections below.
Submitting CPD to maintain your CGeog status
This section applies to active Chartered Geographers maintaining their status.
From 2026, all CGeogs will be required to use the online CPD system, MyCPD, to submit their annual record. MyCPD is currently offline while updates are being made. In the meantime, you should record your CPD using the RGS-IBG templates:
If you have more than one professional accreditation, such as Chartered Surveyor or Chartered Scientists, and wish to submit your CPD records in a format other than MyCPD, please contact cgeog@rgs.org to discuss options for 2026.
You will receive written confirmation for all annual CPD submissions. Feedback is also available on request.
How much CPD is expected to maintain CGeog status?
Chartered Geographers are expected to complete 35 hours of CPD each year.
A CPD record of 35 hours would normally include:
- 15 hours of CPD completed internally (e.g. offered by your employer).
- 20 hours of CPD completed externally.
No more than five hours may be recorded for a single day, even if an activity lasts longer. If an activity spans multiple days, up to five hours may be recorded per day.
The hours allowance for some activities, for example preparing for and delivering publications and presentations, will vary and are difficult to define. We will consider these in light of the work required and evidence of their wider professional impact.
Chartered Geographers who are working part-time or job-sharing, based overseas, on long-term leave (e.g. parental leave), unemployed or retired are normally expected to provide evidence of CPD or professional engagement during the course of the year in order to retain their status, but it may be pro-rated or exempted for particular circumstances.
Chartered Geographers who require adjusted annual CPD requirements or a CPD exemption can apply through MyCPD.
Please contact us on cgeog@rgs.org for advice and view our general guidance for CPD.
What types of CPD are expected?
A broad range of activities can support professional development. Examples include formal training courses, on-the-job learning, self-directed learning, offering or receiving mentoring and coaching, consultancy and expert advice, writing publications, participating in conferences, workshops, presentations and discussions, and promoting geography and Chartered Geographer.
Chartered Geographers are encouraged to continuously reflect on how their professional development activities support their development in relation to the Chartered Geographer Framework of Competencies and relate to the career goals and development objectives agreed with their employer (especially any internal development frameworks).
CPD review and certification
The Society confirms receipt of, and checks the content of, all CPD records submitted by Chartered Geographers each year. This confirmation can be used to confirm to your employer and clients that you are engaging in appropriate professional development.
Over and above this check, the Society also offers CPD certification to current Chartered Geographers and those on the Professional Pathway. In return, your CPD record will be reviewed with constructive feedback provided. This will include written confirmation that the record has been reviewed.
The option to request a more comprehensive review of your CPD log will be given in your annual confirmation. From 2025 onwards, CPD certification requests will only be accepted via MyCPD.
Professional development opportunities with the Society
The Society offers a range of meetings and events in London and around the UK. When browsing our online listings, look for the Chartered Geographer 'CPD mark' to identify those that are suitable for professional development.
How should CPD be recorded for CGeog applications?
Chartered Geographer applicants are expected to submit three years of CPD as part of their application. This should be recorded using the Society's Chartered Geographer CPD template, which has been designed to support you in reflecting upon your professional development activities.
However, it is a guide only and you may choose to use your own format and one preferred by your employer. CGeog applicants are not expected to use MyCPD.
Applicants are expected to meet the same annual CPD expectations outlined above (35 hours, including internal/external split and daily limits) for each of the three years submitted.
Applicants should regularly reflect on their CPD throughout, outlining key learning outcomes and how these will be applied in their professional practice. See here for how reflective practice maximises the benefits of professional development.
If you prefer to use your own structure and layout for recording CPD, please ensure that you include as a minimum:
- A title and short description of the CPD, and whether it was external or internal.
- The number of hours accrued.
- A self-evaluation statement that reflects on your progress and plans for the year ahead.
You should refer to the Chartered Geographer Framework of Competencies and your employer’s professional development frameworks, for possible areas of focus appropriate to your role, organisation, sector and career stage.
CPD mark for employers and professional development providers
Find out about our CPD mark for CPD from employers and professional development providers
Chartered Geographer CPD Guidance
Please review our guidance below for details on exceptions and reasonable adjustments designed to assist you in applying for and maintaining your Chartered Geographer status.