Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Framework
National Institute of Caregivers (NIC Nigeria)
Regulatory Framework Manual
Part XIII — Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Framework
**Version:** 1.0
1. Purpose
The Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Framework establishes the standards, principles, and processes through which members of the National Institute of Caregivers (NIC Nigeria) maintain, improve, and expand their professional knowledge, skills, and competence throughout their careers.
The Framework recognises that professional learning is a lifelong responsibility and is essential to maintaining safe, effective, ethical, and evidence-based caregiving practice.
2. Objectives
The objectives of this Framework are to:
Promote lifelong learning.
Maintain professional competence.
Improve the quality of caregiving services.
Encourage continuous improvement.
Support career progression.
Promote innovation and evidence-based practice.
Prepare members for emerging developments in caregiving.
3. Scope
This Framework applies to:
Professional Members.
Certified NCNA Professionals.
Approved Instructors.
Senior Approved Instructors.
Master Instructors.
Accredited Training Partners.
Accredited Care Facilities.
Accredited Care Agencies.
Student Members are encouraged, but not required, to participate in CPD activities.
4. Guiding Principles
Continuing Professional Development shall be:
Relevant.
Accessible.
Practical.
Evidence-based.
Ethical.
Learner-centred.
Flexible.
Focused on improving professional practice.
5. Approved CPD Activities
NIC Nigeria may recognise a wide range of professional learning activities, including:
Workshops.
Conferences.
Seminars.
Webinars.
Short courses.
Specialist training programmes.
Research activities.
Professional presentations.
Publication of professional articles.
Participation in approved committees.
Community health education programmes.
Mentoring.
Instructor development programmes.
Self-paced online learning approved by NIC Nigeria.
Additional activities may be approved by the Institute from time to time.
6. CPD Credits
NIC Nigeria may assign CPD credit values to approved activities.
Credit allocation shall consider factors such as:
Duration.
Educational value.
Learning outcomes.
Professional relevance.
Level of participation.
The Institute shall publish CPD credit guidelines separately.
7. Recording CPD
The NIC Nigeria Portal shall maintain an electronic CPD Record for every participating member.
The record may include:
Activity title.
Provider.
Date completed.
CPD credits earned.
Supporting documentation.
Verification status.
Members shall be able to view and download their CPD history through the Portal.
8. Recognition of External Learning
NIC Nigeria may recognise relevant learning completed through external organisations, provided that:
The activity is relevant to caregiving or professional practice.
Evidence of completion is submitted.
The activity meets standards established by NIC Nigeria.
The Institute reserves the right to determine the CPD credit value of externally completed activities.
9. Responsibilities
NIC Nigeria shall:
Develop CPD opportunities.
Approve external CPD activities where appropriate.
Maintain CPD records.
Publish CPD guidance.
Promote lifelong learning.
Members shall:
Take responsibility for their own professional development.
Maintain accurate CPD records.
Participate honestly in CPD activities.
Apply learning to professional practice.
Accredited Organisations shall:
Encourage staff participation in CPD.
Support workplace learning.
Promote professional development opportunities.
10. Recognition of Achievement
NIC Nigeria may recognise exceptional commitment to professional development through awards, digital badges, certificates, or other forms of recognition.
Examples may include:
CPD Excellence Award.
Lifelong Learning Recognition.
Distinguished Professional Development Award.
11. Future Mandatory Requirements
NIC Nigeria recognises that Continuing Professional Development is essential to maintaining professional standards.
At the time of adoption of this Framework, participation in CPD is encouraged but is not a mandatory condition for maintaining professional certification or membership.
The Governing Council may, following adequate consultation and sufficient availability of approved CPD opportunities nationwide, prescribe minimum CPD requirements for specified categories of members.
Any future mandatory requirements shall be communicated well in advance and implemented in a phased manner.
12. Compliance
Members who voluntarily participate in CPD shall ensure that information submitted to NIC Nigeria is accurate and truthful.
Submission of fraudulent CPD records may constitute professional misconduct under the Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct.
13. Relationship with Other Frameworks
This Framework supports:
The Training & Education Framework.
The Instructor Approval Framework.
The Professional Certification Framework.
The Code of Ethics & Professional Conduct.
Where CPD becomes mandatory for specific categories of members, compliance shall also support accreditation, instructor renewal, or certification renewal requirements as prescribed by NIC Nigeria.
14. Review
This Framework shall be reviewed periodically by the Governing Council of the National Institute of Caregivers (NIC Nigeria) to ensure that Continuing Professional Development remains relevant, accessible, and responsive to the evolving needs of the caregiving profession.
Need Support with Compliance?
Our registry department provides technical guidance for facilities to meet these national standards.