Most Professional Regulatory Authorities require registered professionals to complete a certain number of hours of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) or some call it Continuing Professional Education (CPE) as a requirement for renewal of registration. A log is required to provide proof of compliance.
This is quite tedious for most busy professionals. Acquiring CPD hours does not only cost the professional’s time and effort but also for the company. Some Professionals just consider this as ridiculous.
Being a practicing professional for decades now, I consider CPDs as a good chance for professionals to update their knowledge to the technological development of their industry. Based on my past experiences, I needed up-to-date knowledge on international standards, new technologies or methodologies.
It was quite awhile now since I was involved in site testing and commissioning. During that time, the only means to test a high voltage cable was to use DC High Potential testing. We are aware that DC Hipot has detrimental effects on the cable reliability but due to unavailability of alternative methods, we need to use the DC Hipot method for testing.
With the advancement of technology, alternative methods became possible. Without the knowledge of new technologies, there will be no chance of knowing that such alternative technology exists. That an international standard is available to provide guidelines in these alternative methods.
Only in CPDs that a professional will learn about these new techniques. Bear in mind that CPDs are only gained in formal room lectures or seminars. It could be done in your own time reading or asking experts you know in the field.
For safe, reliable, sustainable and economical designs, professional need to keep up with technology, that is what CPDs are for.