CITMA Paralegal CPD - Frequently Asked Questions

After careful consideration and review of our Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programme over the past six years, our Council has decided that all CITMA Paralegal members who previously opted out will now be required to complete an annual CPD submission from 2026 onwards.

1. Why is CITMA removing the opt-out provision now?

Since introducing CPD in 2019, we've seen the significant benefits it brings to CITMA Paralegals at all career stages.

The scheme has enhanced professional standards, supported career development, and strengthened the recognition of CITMA Paralegals across the IP profession.

After six years of successful operation, our Council has determined that standardising CPD requirements across all members will ensure consistency in professional standards and demonstrate our collective commitment to excellence.

This aligns with practice across other parts of the profession where demonstrating professional development is a universal requirement.

2. What happens if I don't want to be part of the CPD scheme?

If you choose not to participate in the CPD scheme from 2026, you will no longer be able to maintain your CITMA Paralegal membership.

This means you would lose the right to use the CITMA Paralegal title and would no longer have access to member benefits such as events discounts, resources, and professional recognition.

However, we encourage you to consider the flexibility of the scheme - CPD can be tailored to your specific needs and career stage, and many qualifying activities may already be part of your professional routine.

3. What exactly do I need to do each year?

You need to complete a minimum of eight hours of CPD each year and submit an annual declaration confirming you've met this requirement when renewing your membership.

The CPD must be relevant to your work as a CITMA Paralegal but there's no requirement for specific subjects - you can choose activities that best suit your role and career aspirations.

4. What activities count as CPD?

As it is self-certifying you can decide what is relevant. CPD activities could include attending CITMA events or conferences, participating in in-house educational meetings, attending webinars, reading relevant articles or case reports, undertaking personal study, speaking at events, preparing articles or reports, and serving on relevant committees.

Up to 50% of your requirement (four hours) can be fulfilled through personal study activities.

The scheme is flexible and designed to accommodate different learning preferences and career stages.

5. I'm very experienced - how will CPD benefit me at this stage of my career?

CPD is valuable at every career stage.

For experienced professionals, it offers opportunities to stay current with legislative changes, explore new areas of practice, develop leadership skills, or share your expertise by speaking at events or mentoring others.

Our updated CITMA Paralegal Competency Framework includes advanced competences specifically designed for experienced professionals, covering areas such as leadership, strategic thinking, and complex case management.

6. I work part-time - are there different requirements for me?

No, the CPD requirement remains eight hours per year regardless of whether you work full-time or part-time.

However, we recognise that part-time workers may need more flexibility in how they earn their CPD, and the variety of qualifying activities means you can find options that fit your schedule and working arrangements.

7. What if I have a career break, maternity leave, or extended illness?

We understand that life circumstances can affect your ability to complete CPD.

You can apply for a waiver if you haven't been working for a significant period due to illness, maternity/paternity leave, sabbatical leave, or career breaks. Applications must be made in writing.

We may require you to complete a programme of CPD activities upon your return to work.

8. Do I need to keep detailed records of my CPD activities?

While there's no formal requirement to log all activities, we strongly recommend keeping records for your own benefit.

This will help you track your development and will be essential if you're randomly selected for compliance monitoring.

We provide a simple template to help you record your activities, including the date, activity description, learning outcomes, and hours claimed.

9. How much will this cost me?

The CPD requirement itself doesn't carry additional membership fees. However, you may choose to invest in fee-paying activities such as external courses or conferences.

Many CPD activities are free, including CITMA webinars, personal study, and in-house training.

The flexibility of the scheme means you can design a CPD programme that fits your budget as well as your learning needs.

10. When do I need to start and how will I submit my CPD?

You'll need to start earning CPD from 1st January 2026, with your first submission due when you renew your membership in late 2026.

We'll contact you towards the end of 2026 with a link to submit your CPD declaration online - the process takes just a few minutes.

We'll provide comprehensive guidance and support throughout 2025 to help you prepare, including updated resources, webinars, and practical guidance materials.

11. Will we be introducing reflective learning rather than an hours-based approach?

We have considered moving to a reflective learning model similar to IPReg's approach for Registered Trade Mark Attorneys, but we have decided not to implement this change at this time.

We will continue with our current hours-based system, which requires eight hours of CPD annually.

However, we do encourage all CITMA Paralegals to reflect on their learning experiences and consider how their CPD activities have enhanced their knowledge and skills.

This reflective approach can help you maximise the value of your professional development.

Still have questions?

If you have additional questions about the CPD scheme or need support planning your professional development, please contact us at [email protected]. We're here to help make your transition into the CPD scheme as smooth and beneficial as possible.