CPD Ireland vs The CPD Group
A factual comparison for Irish training providers choosing between CPD Ireland and The CPD Group, or considering a move at renewal.
Compare the operating model, not just the badge
The CPD Group is a UK accreditation organisation with a large international provider base and a provider-approval-plus-activity-accreditation model. CPD Ireland is Dublin-based, publishes annual course-volume plans and is building its service specifically around Irish providers and learners.
| Area | CPD Ireland | The CPD Group |
|---|---|---|
| Base & focus | Operated from Dublin, with an explicit focus on providers operating in Ireland. | UK head office in Rothwell, Northamptonshire, with an international provider base. |
| Provider entry | Annual provider plans cover a defined volume of course accreditation activity and the associated provider tools. | States that becoming an approved CPD Provider is free. Fees then apply when individual activities are submitted for accreditation. |
| Commercial model | Published annual plans: €2,500 for up to 10 courses, €4,500 for up to 25, and €7,500 for up to 50, excluding VAT. | States that activity fees vary by format and volume and asks providers to contact the team for a tailored quote. |
| Course/activity assessment | Each submitted course is independently assessed against the public CPD Ireland Course Accreditation Standard. | States that every activity is individually assessed against its A.C.C.R.E.D.I.T.E.D Framework rather than receiving blanket accreditation. |
| Register & verification | Public CPD Register, provider profiles, course records and online learner-certificate verification. | Approved providers and accredited activities are listed on The CPD Register with verifiable provider/activity numbers. |
| Third-party certification claim | CPD Ireland does not claim certification by The CPD Register. Its assurance rests on its own published Standard, assessment process, assessor controls and public records. | States that it is certified by The CPD Register under a voluntary certification scheme and describes the two organisations as separate companies. |
| Scale | A newer Irish accreditation service focused on the Irish provider and learner network. | States that more than 13,000 approved providers worldwide use its service. |
| Switching to CPD Ireland | Existing accreditation/course evidence can be mapped against the CPD Ireland Standard, reducing avoidable duplication. A fresh CPD Ireland decision is still required. | Providers should check their current accreditation dates, terms and renewal position directly with The CPD Group before changing service. |
You want a clearly priced Irish alternative
- You prefer Dublin-based support and an Irish-market focus
- You want to see annual volume pricing before speaking to a salesperson
- You want the Provider Portal, learner certificates, verification and MyCPD to operate as one CPD Ireland workflow
- You want a structured route for moving existing accredited courses at renewal
Free provider entry and its certification model matter most
Its public proposition emphasises free provider approval, individual paid activity accreditation, listing on The CPD Register, a large provider community and certification of The CPD Group by The CPD Register.
Those are substantive differences. The right choice depends on the number and type of activities you accredit, the quote you receive, and which service model matters most to your organisation.
What this comparison is based on
Competitor information was checked against The CPD Group's own public website on 23 August 2026. Services, claims and pricing can change, so confirm current terms directly before making a purchasing decision.
- The CPD Group — Become a CPD Provider
- The CPD Group — Course Accreditation
- The CPD Group — Accreditation FAQs
- The CPD Group — CPD Register Certification
- The CPD Group — Contact / Head Office
The CPD Group, The CPD Register and their marks are owned by their respective proprietors. CPD Ireland is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by The CPD Group or The CPD Register.
See what a move to CPD Ireland would involve.
Show us your current setup and we’ll explain how your existing evidence can be used in a CPD Ireland review.