CPD Credit Hours (CCH) – IQN Framework
IQN framework defines how CPD Credit Hours (CCH) are calculated and assigned to CPD activities.
Definition of CPD Credit Hours (CCH)
1 CPD Credit Hour (CCH) = 1 hour of verified, structured learning
Only effective learning time is counted.
The following activities count towards CPD Credit Hours:
• instructor-led teaching
• guided learning activities
• structured discussions
• supervised practical exercises
• assessments linked to learning
The following must NOT be included:
• breaks (tea, lunch, etc.)
• registration or administration
• networking sessions
• opening/closing ceremonies
• travel time
• unrelated activities
Learning Types and Weighting
All CPD activities can be classified into one of the following categories:
Structured learning such as classroom training, workshops, and instructor-led sessions with active interaction carries the highest weight of 1.0, as it provides the strongest level of engagement and direct learning support.
Live webinars are real-time online sessions where learners participate virtually with an instructor. These are assigned a weight of 0.75, as they provide strong learning value but usually involve slightly less direct interaction than face-to-face structured learning.
Self-paced learning includes recorded courses, independent online modules, and learning completed individually without live instructor support. These activities are assigned a weight of 0.5, reflecting moderate learning value and lower real-time engagement.
Informal learning includes activities such as reading professional articles, self-study, and other unstructured learning without formal teaching or supervision. These are assigned a weight of 0.25, as they provide useful development but with the lowest level of structure and verification.
CPD Credit Hour (CCH) Calculation
CPD Credit Hours = Learning Hours × Weight
Examples
Example 1: Workshop
6 hours (excluding breaks) × 1.0 = 6 CPD Credit Hours
Example 2: Webinar
2 hours × 0.75 = 1.5 CPD Credit Hours
Example 3: Self-Paced Course
10 hours × 0.5 = 5 CPD Credit Hours
CPD Credit Hour (CCH) Integrity Rules
CPD Credit Hours must be based on actual instructional time, realistic learning duration, and appropriate delivery method, as discussed above.
The following are not permitted:
❌ overstating duration
❌ including non-learning time
❌ assigning equal credits to low-engagement activities
Providers must be able to justify the declare CPD Credit Hours (CCH): IQN may request supporting evidence at any time. IQN reserves the right to review and change assigned CPD Credit Hours (CCH). CPD Credit Hours (CCH) represent verified professional learning.
Learning Level Classification
All CPD activities should be classified by level:
Level & Description
Level 1: Introductory / Awareness
Level 2: Intermediate / Practical
Level 3: Advanced / Specialist
This classification of learning level does not change CPD Credit Hours (CCH), but indicates the depth and complexity of learning.
Verification Levels
CPD activities should define how participation is verified:
Attendance means the participant was present during the CPD activity. This confirms physical or virtual presence, but it does not necessarily show active involvement in the learning process.
Participation means the learner actively engaged during the activity through discussion, questions, group work, or other forms of involvement. This shows stronger learning engagement than simple attendance.
Completion means the participant successfully finished the full CPD activity or programme. This confirms that the learner completed all required parts of the learning process.
Assessed Completion is the highest verification level. It means the learning outcomes were formally assessed through quizzes, assignments, practical evaluation, or other assessment methods. This provides the strongest evidence of real learning and professional development.
This classification of verification levels does not change CPD Credit Hours (CCH), but indicates the strength and credibility of learning participation and achievement.
