Program Details
This section provides guidance for completing the Program Details portion of your accreditation application. These questions help define the structure, scope, and delivery of your continuing medical education (CME) activity.
You’ll find explanations and practical tips for questions related to the type of accreditation, faculty development focus, program logistics, and delivery format. This includes support for identifying your program’s educational domain, setting consistent titles and dates, and clarifying how and where your activity will be delivered.
Whether your program is a one-time event or offered multiple times, in-person or online, this page will help ensure your responses are accurate, consistent, and aligned with accreditation requirements.
Acknowledgement: Application Fees and Audits
Short Explanation:
This checkbox confirms that you understand and accept both the fee policy and the audit requirements associated with submitting your CPD accreditation application. It ensures transparency about the financial and procedural responsibilities involved.
Hints for Answering:
✅ You must check this box to proceed with the application. It serves as a formal acknowledgment of the following:
- Fee Policy: Application fees are charged once the application is submitted for review. These fees are non-refundable, even if the application is withdrawn or not approved.
- Audit Policy (effective for applications newly submitted after June 13, 2025): Approved programs may be audited. If selected, you are responsible for making the necessary arrangements to support the audit process. Meals are not required for auditors, and audit requests must be honored.
💡 These policies help ensure fairness, accountability, and quality assurance in the accreditation process.
Tips:
- Ensure you have budget approval or financial authorization before submitting your application.
- Be prepared to accommodate an audit if requested—this may include providing access to the activity, or documentation.
- If you have questions about fees or audits, contact the CPD Office before submitting.
Need more help? Email CPD
1. What type of accreditation are you applying for?
Short Explanation:
This question asks you to identify the specific type(s) of continuing medical education (CME) accreditation you are seeking for your activity. Different types of accreditation correspond to different learning formats and requirements, so it’s important to select the one(s) that best match your program’s design and objectives.
Hints for Answering:
- ✅ Mainpro+ Certified Activity:
Choose this if your activity is designed for family physicians and meets the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) standards for certified group learning. - ✅ Mainpro+ Certified Assessment Activity:
Select this if your activity includes structured assessment components (e.g., quizzes, peer feedback) and is intended for CFPC members. - ✅ MOC Section 1:
Use this for group learning activities (e.g., conferences, rounds) that meet the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) standards. - ✅ MOC Section 3 Self-Assessment:
Choose this if your activity includes self-assessment tools that provide feedback to participants about their knowledge or performance. - ✅ MOC Section 3 Simulation:
Select this if your activity involves simulation-based learning (e.g., clinical scenarios, role-playing) with feedback and debriefing.
Tips:
- You can select more than one option if your activity qualifies under multiple categories.
- Review the accreditation standards from CFPC and RCPSC to ensure your activity meets the criteria for the selected type(s).
- If unsure, consult with your CME office or accrediting body for guidance.
Need more help? Email CPD
2. Is this a Faculty Development program?
Short Explanation:
This question determines whether your activity is intended to support the professional development of faculty members. At the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Faculty Development refers to activities offered to assist faculty to develop and improve their Schulich roles and responsibilities. These activities advance knowledge, skills, and behaviours related to teaching, educational scholarship, research, leadership, and administration.
Hints for Answering:
- ✅ Yes:
Select this if the primary audience includes faculty members and the content focuses on enhancing skills such as teaching, curriculum development, leadership, mentorship, or academic scholarship. - ❌ No:
Select this if the activity is not specifically designed for faculty development, even if faculty members may attend.
Tips:
- Faculty development programs often include workshops, seminars, or courses on topics like effective teaching strategies, assessment methods, or academic career advancement.
- If your activity is part of a broader CME event but includes a faculty development component, consider whether that component is substantial enough to warrant this designation.
- Clarifying this helps reviewers understand the context and intended impact of your program.
Need more help? Email CPD
3. Identify the faculty development domain for which this program is designed
Short Explanation:
This question helps categorize your program based on the specific role or competency it aims to develop in faculty members. These domains reflect the diverse responsibilities faculty may hold in clinical and academic settings.
Hints for Answering: You may select more than one domain if your program addresses multiple areas. Here’s what each domain means:
-
✅ Clinical Coach
Focuses on developing skills for supervising learners in day-to-day clinical practice. This includes giving feedback, role modeling, and guiding learners in real-time patient care. -
✅ Competency Coach
Supports faculty in mentoring learners over time, helping them reflect on progress, set goals, and navigate their training journey. Often involves longitudinal coaching relationships. -
✅ Teacher Outside the Clinical Setting
Applies to faculty who design and deliver educational sessions such as lectures, workshops, or seminars outside of direct patient care environments. -
✅ Educational Programmer
Involves designing, developing, and evaluating educational curricula or programs. This includes aligning learning objectives with assessments and accreditation standards. -
✅ Educational Administrator
Targets leadership and management roles in educational settings, such as program directors, site leads, or department chairs. Focus is on governance, policy, and organizational leadership. -
✅ Educational Scholar
Emphasizes research and scholarship in medical education. This includes designing studies, publishing findings, and contributing to the academic field of education.
Tips:
- At the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Faculty Development refers to activities offered to assist faculty to develop and improve their Schulich roles and responsibilities. These activities advance knowledge, skills, and behaviours related to teaching, educational scholarship, research, leadership, and administration.
- Match your program’s learning objectives and content to the domain(s) that best describe its focus.
- If your program spans multiple domains, check all that apply and consider briefly explaining how each is addressed in your supporting documentation.
- This classification helps reviewers understand the intended impact and scope of your faculty development initiative.
Need more help? Email CPD
4. Program Title
Short Explanation:
This is the official title of your Continuing Professional Development program. It will be used in all formal documentation and communications related to the accreditation process.
Hints for Answering:
- 📝 Be Consistent:
Use the exact same title across all documents, including:- The agenda or program schedule
- Certificate of attendance or completion
- Promotional materials
- Application forms
- 📤 Official Submission:
This title will be submitted to the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) and the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC). It must be clear, professional, and accurately reflect the content of the program. - ✅ Avoid Last-Minute Changes:
Finalize the title early in the planning process to avoid inconsistencies or delays in accreditation.
Tips:
- Keep the title concise but descriptive.
- Avoid abbreviations or acronyms unless they are widely recognized.
- Double-check spelling and formatting before submitting.
Need more help? Email CPD
5. Program Start Date
Short Explanation:
This is the official date when your accredited Continuing Professional Development activity begins. It is a key detail used for scheduling, accreditation timelines, and participant documentation.
Hints for Answering:
- 📅 Enter the exact calendar date when the program will start. If the program spans multiple days, this should be the first day of the activity.
- 🕒 Plan ahead:
Ensure the start date allows enough time for the accreditation review process. CPD requires applications to be submitted at least 4 weeks in advance before the start date. - 📄 Consistency is key:
The start date should match what appears on:- The agenda or program schedule
- Promotional materials
- Certificate of attendance
Tips:
- Avoid placeholder dates—only submit the application when the date is confirmed.
Need more help? Email CPD
6. Program End Date
Short Explanation:
This is the final date on which your Continuing Professional Development activity concludes. It defines the duration of the program and is essential for accreditation records, certificates, and reporting.
Hints for Answering:
- 📅 Enter the exact calendar date when the program ends. If the activity is a single-day event, the start and end dates will be the same.
- 📄 Ensure consistency:
The end date should match what appears on:- The agenda or program schedule
- Certificate of attendance
- Any promotional or registration materials
Tips:
- If your program spans multiple days, double-check that the end date reflects the last day of educational content (not setup or social events).
- Avoid placeholder dates—only submit the application when the schedule is finalized.
Need more help? Email CPD
7. How many times will this program be delivered
Short Explanation:
This question asks how many times your Continuing Professional Development activity will be offered. It helps the accrediting body understand the scope and scheduling of your program, especially if it’s being repeated for different audiences or at different times.
Hints for Answering:
- 🔘 Select 1, 2, or 3 if your program will be delivered that exact number of times.
- 🔘 Select “Other” if your program will be delivered more than three times or on a flexible/rolling schedule. A text box will appear where you can enter the total number of planned deliveries.
Tips:
- Be as accurate as possible. If the number is not yet finalized, provide your best estimate.
- If the program content, format, or faculty will vary between deliveries, you may need to submit separate applications or provide additional documentation—check with the CPD Office.
- This information is important for scheduling reviews and ensuring compliance across all sessions.
Need more help? Email CPD
8. Estimated Number of Participants per session
Short Explanation:
This question asks you to provide an estimate of how many individuals will attend each session of your Continuing Professional Development activity. This helps the accrediting body understand the scale of your program.
Hints for Answering:
- 🧮 Enter a numerical estimate in the text field (e.g., 25, 100, 300).
- 📊 This number should reflect the average or expected attendance per session, not the total across all sessions.
- If your program is repeated multiple times, provide the estimate per delivery, not cumulative.
Tips:
- Use historical data or registration trends from similar past events if available.
- If the number is uncertain, provide a reasonable range or best estimate (e.g., “approximately 50”).
Need more help? Email CPD
9. Delivery Method of Program
Short Explanation:
This question identifies how your Continuing Professional Development activity will be delivered to participants. Understanding the delivery method helps the accrediting body assess the learning environment and ensure the program meets relevant standards for engagement and accessibility.
Hints for Answering: You can select more than one option if your program uses a blended or hybrid format. Here’s what each option means:
-
✅ Live In-Person
The program is delivered face-to-face at a physical location, such as a conference room, classroom, or clinical site. -
✅ Live Webcast (Online, Synchronous)
The program is delivered in real time over the internet (e.g., via Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or another platform), allowing participants to interact with presenters and each other during the session. -
✅ Online Self-Study
The program is delivered asynchronously, allowing participants to complete the material on their own schedule (e.g., through recorded videos, online modules, or reading materials).
Tips:
- Be accurate and inclusive—select all formats that apply to your program.
- If your program includes both live and self-paced components, describe how they are integrated in your supporting documents.
- The delivery method may influence how you structure evaluations, attendance tracking, and interactivity.
Need more help? Email CPD
10. In what language(s) do you intend to deliver the program?
Short Explanation:
This question identifies the language(s) in which your Continuing Professional Development activity will be delivered. It ensures that the program is accessible to your intended audience and that all materials, including presentations and evaluations, are appropriately prepared.
Hints for Answering:
- 🔘 English: Select this if all sessions, materials, and communications will be delivered exclusively in English.
- 🔘 French: Select this if the program will be delivered entirely in French.
- 🔘 Both: Choose this if the program will be offered in both English and French, either simultaneously (e.g., bilingual delivery) or through separate sessions.
Tips:
- If selecting “Both,” be prepared to provide documentation (e.g., agendas, slides, evaluations) in both languages.
- Consider your audience’s language preferences and regional requirements.
- If translation or interpretation services will be used, note this in your supporting documents.
Need more help? Email CPD
11. Where will this program be delivered?
Short Explanation:
This question identifies the geographic location(s) where your Continuing Professional Development activity will take place. It helps determine jurisdictional requirements and ensures the program aligns with the appropriate accreditation standards.
Hints for Answering: You can select one or both options depending on your program’s delivery plan:
- ✅ Inside Canada: Select this if the program will be delivered at any location within Canada, whether in-person or virtually to a Canadian audience.
- ✅ Outside Canada: Select this if the program will be delivered at a physical location outside of Canada or targeted primarily to an international audience.
Tips:
- For virtual programs, consider the location of the primary audience when deciding which box to check.
- If your program is delivered in multiple locations (e.g., a national tour or international conference), select all that apply.
- Some accrediting bodies may have additional requirements or considerations for programs delivered outside Canada—check with the CPD Office if unsure.
Need more help? Email CPD
20. Do you intend to deliver this program in Quebec?
Short Explanation:
This question determines whether your Continuing Professional Development activity will be delivered in the province of Quebec. Programs delivered in Quebec may be subject to specific provincial requirements.
Hints for Answering:
- 🔘 Yes: Select this if your program will be delivered in Quebec in-person or virtually to a mainly Quebec-based audience.
- 🔘 No: Select this if your program will not be delivered in Quebec in any form.
Important:
Please contact the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Office for more information and guidance if you have any questions about this.
Need more help? Email CPD
21. Quebec Program Delivery
Short Explanation:
This checkbox confirms that you have reviewed and understood the specific requirements for delivering a Mainpro+ certified program in the province of Quebec, as outlined by the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC).
Hints for Answering:
- ✅ You must check this box to proceed with the application if your program will be delivered in Quebec.
- 📘 Before checking the box, carefully review the section titled “Mainpro+ certification of programs delivered in the province of Quebec” in the Understanding Mainpro+ Certification guide.
- ⚠️ If your program does not meet the Quebec-specific requirements, it cannot be certified as Mainpro+ in Quebec, and CFPC members will not be eligible to claim certified credits for attending.
Important:
If you are unsure whether your program meets the requirements, or if you need help interpreting the guidelines, please contact your CPD Office before proceeding.
Need more help? Email CPD
22. Is your target audience from a single province/territory?
Short Explanation:
This question helps determine whether your Continuing Professional Development program is intended for a provincial/territorial or national audience. This distinction affects the composition requirements for your Scientific Planning Committee (SPC) under Mainpro+ certification guidelines.
Hints for Answering:
- 🔘 Yes: Select this if your program is designed specifically for participants from one province or territory.
- ➤ In this case, your SPC must include at least one Practising class CFPC member from that province or territory.
- if your target audience is a single province or territory, but someone happens to attend from outside the province, they can still claim credits.
- 🔘 No: Select this if your program is intended for a national audience (i.e., participants from multiple provinces or territories).
- ➤ For national certification, your SPC must include at least two Practising class CFPC members, regardless of their province.
Tips:
- Be realistic about your audience—if you expect participants from across Canada, select “No.”
- Ensure your SPC meets the appropriate membership requirements before submitting your application.
- If you’re unsure about the classification or how to meet the SPC requirements, contact the CPD Office for guidance.
Need more help? Email CPD
23. Select all the provinces and/or territories in which the program will be marketed
Short Explanation:
This question asks where you plan to promote or advertise your Continuing Professional Development activity. It helps determine the geographic reach of your program and ensures compliance with accreditation requirements based on your target audience.
Hints for Answering:
- ✅ Check all provinces and territories where your program will be actively marketed, including:
- Email invitations
- Website listings
- Social media promotions
- Partner organization communications
- 📍 This is about marketing reach, not necessarily where the program is delivered or where participants are located.
Tips:
- If your target audience is a single province or territory, but someone happens to attend from outside the province, they can still claim credits.
- If your program is promoted nationally (e.g., via a national organization or website), consider selecting all provinces and territories.
- Be consistent with your answer to the earlier question about whether your audience is from a single province/territory.
- This information may affect whether your program is classified as provincial or national, which in turn impacts Scientific Planning Committee (SPC) requirements.
Need more help? Email CPD
24. Would you like help promoting your program?
Short Explanation:
This question offers you the opportunity to request promotional support for your Continuing Professional Development activity. If you choose “Yes,” you’ll be asked to provide additional details so your event can be shared through various professional channels.
Hints for Answering:
- 🔘 Yes: Select this if you would like your program to be advertised through CPD, CFPC, or Royal College organization platforms.
- 🔘 No: Select this if you plan to manage all promotion independently.
If “Yes” is selected, you’ll be asked to provide:
-
Where you’d like your event advertised (select all that apply):
- CFPC website
- Royal College website
- CPD Upcoming Events & Workshops webpage and newsletters
-
Venue Name
- The name of the physical or virtual location where the program will be held.
-
Target Audience Groups
- Indicate which professional groups or specialties the event will appeal to (e.g., family physicians, specialists, residents, educators).
-
Registration Information
- Provide a URL or clear instructions on how participants can register.
-
Contact Information
- Include the name, email, and phone number of the person responsible for inquiries or coordination.
Tips:
- Ensure all promotional details are accurate and finalized before submitting.
- If your program is virtual, include platform details (e.g., Zoom, Teams) in the venue info.
- Promotional support can significantly increase visibility and attendance—take advantage of it if available!
Need more help? Email CPD
25. Promotional Information
Short Explanation:
This section collects details about how you would like your CPD activity to be promoted, as well as key logistical and contact information to help participants find, register for, and attend the event.
Hints for Answering:
- Indicate where you would like the event to be advertised. Options may include:
- CFPC website
- Royal College website
- CPD Upcoming Events & Workshops webpage and newsletters
- All of the above
- Provide the venue name where the event will take place (if applicable).
- Describe the target audience by completing the prompt: “This program will be of interest to…”
- Include the registration URL or instructions on how participants can register.
- Provide a contact name, email address, and phone number for inquiries.
Tips:
- Choose promotional platforms that align with your target audience to maximize visibility.
- If the event is virtual, you may indicate “Online” or provide the platform name (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams).
- Ensure the registration link is active and accessible at the time of submission.
- The contact person should be someone who can respond to participant questions or logistical issues.
Why this is important:
Providing clear and complete promotional information ensures that your CPD activity is visible to the right audience, easy to access, and professionally presented.
Need more help? Email CPD
26. Would you like the CPD office to manage your registrations (e.g. collect names, fees)?
Short Explanation:
This question offers you the option to have the CPD office handle participant registration for your Continuing Professional Development activity. This includes collecting fees and managing registrant information.
Hints for Answering:
- 🔘 Yes: Select this if you would like the CPD office to manage registration on your behalf. You will need to submit your request using the form linked below.
- 🔘 No: Select this if you will manage registration independently.
If “Yes” is selected: You must complete the registration services request form here:
👉 Submit Registration Services Request
What the CPD Office Provides:
- A custom online registration link hosted on the CPD website
- Payment processing (credit card or speedcode)
- Automatic confirmation emails and receipts
- Regular registration reports (names, emails, dietary needs, etc.)
- Management of refunds, edits, and special access codes
- Unlimited registration types and rates
Costs:
- Setup fee: $100
- Processing fees:
- 2.5% for credit card transactions
- 3% CPD administration fee on all payments (including cancellations and refunds)
Tips:
- Ensure you submit your request early to allow time for setup.
- Contact cpd@schulich.uwo.ca with any questions or special requirements.
Need more help? Email CPD
27. Would you like to take part in the Direct Credit Entry program?
Short Explanation:
This question asks whether you would like the CPD Office to report Mainpro+ credits directly to the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) on behalf of your participants. This service simplifies the credit claiming process for CFPC members.
Hints for Answering:
- 🔘 Yes: Select this if you want to participate in the Direct Credit Entry program. You’ll need to follow specific steps to ensure accurate reporting.
- 🔘 No: Select this if participants will report their credits independently.
If “Yes” is selected, you must:
- Collect CFPC Member ID numbers from participants who want their credits reported.
- Complete the Direct Credit Entry Excel file provided by the CPD Office.
- Scanned attendance forms or alternate formats will not be accepted.
- Ensure accuracy: All fields—especially CFPC Member ID numbers—must be entered correctly.
- Email the completed file to the CPD Office.
- Allow a few weeks for processing. If credits don’t appear after four weeks, contact the CPD Office for follow-up.
Tips:
- Refer to the Data Dictionary provided by the CPD Office for detailed guidance on how to complete the Excel file.
- Let participants know in advance that you’ll be collecting their CFPC Member ID numbers for this purpose.
- This service is optional but highly convenient for CFPC members.
Need more help? Email CPD
30. Has this program been previously accredited?
Short Explanation:
This question asks whether the Continuing Professional Development activity—or a version of it—has been accredited in the past. While it does not affect the outcome of your current application, it helps the CPD Office understand your program’s history and manage administrative details like billing and documentation.
Hints for Answering:
- 🔘 Yes: Select this if the same or a similar version of the program has been accredited before, even if under a different title or format.
- 🔘 No: Select this if this is the first time the program is being submitted for accreditation.
Tips:
- If you’re unsure, check with the CPD Office.
- Providing accurate information here helps the CPD Office streamline your application and ensure consistency in records and invoicing.
- If your program has been accredited previously, you can duplicate the approved application to save you time. You still need to review each question to ensure that there are no changes and that the information you provide is current.
Need more help? Email CPD
31. Name of organization which accredited the program previously
Short Explanation:
This question asks you to identify the organization that accredited your program in the past, if applicable. It helps the CPD Office understand your program’s accreditation history and may assist with administrative processes like billing or record matching.
Hints for Answering:
- 🏫 If your program was previously accredited by Western University, enter:
Schulich CPD Office - 🏢 If it was accredited by another institution (e.g., another university, or a different CPD office), please enter the full name of that organization.
Tips:
- Be as specific and accurate as possible—this helps ensure continuity and proper documentation.
- If you’re unsure which organization accredited the program previously, check with your department or the original program organizer.
Need more help? Email CPD
Submitter Comment
Short Explanation:
This is an open text box where you can share any additional information, clarifications, or concerns related to your application. It’s your opportunity to communicate directly with the application reviewer.
Hints for Answering:
- 🗒️ Use this space to:
- Clarify any responses you feel may need context
- Note any pending details or documents
- Ask questions or flag concerns about the application process
- Provide background information that may help reviewers understand your program
Tips:
- Be clear and concise—this field is reviewed by the CPD Office and can help prevent delays or follow-up emails.
- If you’re unsure where to include a specific detail elsewhere in the application, this is a good place to mention it.
Need more help? Email CPD
CPD Reviewer Comment
Short Explanation:
This section is reserved for internal use by the CPD reviewer. It allows the reviewer to provide feedback, suggestions, or required revisions based on their evaluation of the application.
Hints for Understanding:
- Applicants cannot edit this field directly.
- Reviewers may use this space to highlight missing information, clarification requests, or recommendations for improvement.
Tips:
- Although you cannot change the content of this section, you should carefully review and implement any suggested revisions.
- Addressing reviewer comments thoroughly and promptly can help expedite approval and ensure your application meets accreditation standards.
- If you are unsure how to respond to a comment, contact the CPD Office for guidance.
Why this is important:
Reviewer comments provide valuable guidance to help align your application with accreditation requirements. Responding to this feedback demonstrates a commitment to quality improvement and increases the likelihood of your activity being approved.
Need more help? Email CPD