The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) is introducing a revised Continuing Professional Development (CPD) framework from January 2026, designed to make professional learning more meaningful and easier to manage.
The updated framework was developed after extensive consultation with members and approved by the RICS Standards and Regulation Board.
Here’s a quick look at what’s changing.

A More Flexible, Outcomes-Based Approach
The new framework focuses less on simply logging hours and more on learning that supports your professional role and career development.
Members are expected to:
Identify their learning needs
Plan relevant CPD activities
Reflect on how the learning improves their professional practice.

Mandatory Topics Every Three Years
To ensure professionals stay current with industry changes, RICS members must cover key topics on a three-year rolling basis, including:
Ethics and professional standards
Sustainability
Data, technology and AI.

Annual CPD Requirements Remain
The core CPD requirement remains unchanged:
20 hours of CPD per year
At least 10 hours must be structured learning.
However, members will now need to confirm annually that their CPD is relevant and appropriate to their role.

New RICS Member App
To make CPD easier to manage, RICS is launching a new member mobile app.
The app will allow members to:
Record CPD activities on the go
Track progress toward annual requirements
Access CPD history anytime.
The web portal will still be available, but the app offers a simpler way to plan and record professional development.

Increased Focus on CPD Quality
RICS will also review a higher proportion of CPD records each year, focusing on the relevance and quality of learning undertaken by members.
This reinforces the profession’s commitment to maintaining high standards and public trust.

Final Thoughts
The revised CPD framework represents a shift toward more meaningful professional development rather than just counting hours.
With mandatory topics, improved digital tools, and greater emphasis on reflection, RICS aims to help its global membership stay relevant in an industry rapidly evolving through technology, sustainability, and changing client needs.

Read on RICS Website!