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Continuing competence5 min read

CPD records vs continuing competence for solicitors

"CPD" and "continuing competence" are often used interchangeably, but they aren't the same. Understanding the difference helps firms keep the right evidence — and use the right terminology.

A quick note on spelling: it's CPD (continuing professional development) and continuing competence — not "COPD".

The old CPD regime

Historically, solicitors had to complete a set number of CPD hours each year. The focus was on the quantity of activity — hours logged — rather than its relevance or impact.

The continuing competence approach

The SRA replaced fixed hours with continuing competence: solicitors reflect on their practice, identify learning needs, address them, and record what they have done. The emphasis shifted from counting hours to demonstrating relevant, ongoing competence.

What this means for records

  • Capture relevant learning, not just hours
  • Link learning to actual roles and obligations
  • Record acknowledgement of policy and regulatory updates
  • Keep evidence organised and exportable

Reglo helps firms keep this evidence organised and audit-ready — humans approve every change. AI drafts and organises; your compliance team decides.

This guide is general information for compliance teams, not legal or regulatory advice. Always refer to the SRA's current guidance and take your own professional advice where needed.

Common questions

Should we still call it CPD?

Many firms do, and it's widely understood, but the SRA framework is continuing competence. Reglo supports both terms with records that evidence relevance, not just hours.

See how Reglo keeps this evidence ready

Book a demo and we'll show you how Reglo keeps your policies, training, attestations, and audit-ready evidence aligned for SRA reviews — with humans approving every change.

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