CPD (Continuing Professional Development)
Definition
The ongoing training requirement attached to most professional credentials. For forensic accounting credentials, CPD typically covers emerging fraud schemes, changes in evidentiary rules, and new analytical tools.
- Applies to
- Most professional credentials, including forensic accounting
- Typical content
- Emerging fraud schemes, evidentiary rule changes, new analytical tools
- Nature
- Ongoing requirement, not a one-time qualification
Common questions
Why is CPD required even after a professional has already earned their core credential?+
Fraud techniques, applicable law, and analytical software all continue to change after certification, so a credential earned years earlier does not guarantee current competence. CPD requirements ensure certified professionals keep pace with new schemes and tools rather than relying solely on knowledge from their original exam.
What happens if a certified forensic accountant fails to complete required CPD hours?+
Credentialing bodies typically place a lapsed member on inactive status or ultimately revoke the credential until the required hours are made up, which can affect the professional's ability to hold themselves out as certified or to testify with that designation in court.
Related terms
- CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner)
- The primary fraud-specific credential, awarded by the ACFE. Covers financial transactions, law, investigation methodology, and fraud prevention. Available to accountants, lawyers, investigators,...
- CFF (Certified in Financial Forensics)
- An AICPA credential restricted to CPAs in good standing. Covers the full forensic accounting scope: fraud, litigation support, valuation disputes, bankruptcy, and...
- IIA (Institute of Internal Auditors)
- Global professional body for internal auditors, awarding the CIA (Certified Internal Auditor) credential. Its standards and guidance on fraud risk (IIA Standard...
- Independence
- The requirement that an expert's opinion is formed solely on the evidence and the expert's own professional judgment, free from pressure from...
- PCAOB
- Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, established by SOX to set auditing standards and inspect audit firms performing public-company audits. It replaced the...