Guides and Tutorials

This resource hub is designed to support applicants as they navigate the accreditation process. Here, you’ll find step-by-step guides, practical checklists, and detailed tutorials that clarify the accreditation application. These documents aim to simplify requirements and promote best practices. Our goal is to ensure transparency, consistency, and confidence throughout your accreditation journey. We encourage you to explore the materials and reach out with any questions. Let’s work together to uphold the highest standards in continuing professional development.

Accreditation Application

CPD Activity Planning Guide

This guide has been developed to assist faculty and departments in improving CPD activity quality, and to outline the process of developing and accrediting / certifying a CPD activity.

Please note: This planning guide is currently undergoing review and update to incorporate the new CFPC Mainpro+ standards. Please contact us if you have any questions.

 

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Accreditation Application Submission Overview

This guide is a quick overview of the application submission process.

 

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Accreditation Application Review Process

You should plan to submit your application as early as possible, as the review process can take 2-4 weeks. Ideally, an application should be submitted at least six weeks in advance of the activity date. Below is a step-by-step breakdown of the review process.

  1. Submission
    Applicant completes the accreditation application through the CPD Online Services Portal and submits it with the required documentation.

  2. Application Review
    • The CPD Office reviews the application content for completion.
    • Modifications may be identified for the applicant to clairfy how the standards have been met.
    • The process of review and feedback continues until all the necessary information has been obtained to grant a decision.
  3. Peer Review (Mainpro+ only)
    • CFPC Mainpro+ applications undergo a peer review by a CFPC faculty member. Further feedback may be provided after this step.
  4. Decision
    • A final decision is made on accreditation/certification.
    • If approved, the CPD Office sends a letter of accreditation/certification to the applicant and notifies the College(s) of the approval to facilitate physician claiming credits.
    • Fees for accreditation is collected regardless of the decision on the application.
  5. Post-activity
    • The activity is delivered and evaluated.
    • Summary evaluation and attendance sheets are submitted to the CPD Office within one (1) month of the activity.

We recommend contacting us at cpd.credits@schulich.uwo.ca or 519.661.2111 ext. 81577 early in the event planning process to answer any questions (i.e. about conflict of interest, processing time, sponsorship requirements, etc.) so the application review process is straightfoward. 

The review process used by the CPD Office verifies that all standards have been met in order to provide official approval.

 

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Conflict of Interest

SPC & Presenter COIs

Scientific Planning Committee members MUST submit their COIs using the CPD Online Services Portal.

Presenters and facilitators can use the portal or the following forms:

These forms do not have to be submitted with the accreditation application but must be kept by the provider for 6 years.

 

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Quick Tips

CPD created this brief two-page guide to assist with identifying, disclosing, and sharing potential conflicts of interest.

 

#coiquicktips

Printed Instructions for Completing COI Forms Online

Follow these steps to submit new COI forms or renew existing ones on the CPD Online Services Portal.

 

#coiinstructions

Video Tutorial: 1. Creating a New Account

 

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Video Tutorial: 2. Resetting Your Password

 

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Video Tutorial: 3. Submitting a New COI

 

#newcoi

Video Tutorial: 4. Updating a COI

 

#updatecoi

Learning Objectives

Quick Tips

Well formulated learning objectives provide participants with an understanding of the knowledge, skills, behaviours, or attitudes they will gain as an outcome of the activity.

 

#quicktips

Chatbot Help with Learning Objectives

 

AI chatbots are not always correct but our office can further refine your learning objectives if required during the review of your application.

 

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Sponsorship

Quick Tips

CPD has developed this quick tips to outline the requirements for sponsorship related to CPD activities.

 

#sponsorshipquicktips

Additional Information

Submission of an Application

The completed application form and supporting documentation must be submitted using the CPD Online Services Portal.

Complete submission packages should be received no later than 4 weeks in advance of your program date. Applications received later than this will incur additional charges (see fee chart in tab above). The application review process can take 2-4 weeks. Ideally, applications should be submitted at least 6 weeks in advance. See the Application Review Process for more information.

Planners cannot advertise that an event has been accredited until an application has been approved.  

Planners cannot state that 'accreditation is pending' on their promotional materials.

CPD cannot accredit activities retroactively.

Planning Committee Members

Planning committees must include a minimum of 3 members of the target audience. Administrative staff cannot be counted as one of these 3, unless administrative staff are included in the target audience. Planning committee composition:

For Mainpro+ certified group learning activities, there must be a minimum of 1 member of the CFPC.

For Mainpro+ certified online programs, there must be a minimum of 3 members of the CFPC.

For MOC Section 1 programs, there must be a minimum of 1 member of the RCPSC. 

Branding

Logos and branding which reflect the acceptable physician organization developing, or co-developing, the program should be used consistently on all documentation.

Programs developed, or co-developed, by a clinical department or educational unit of the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University must comply with the school’s branding guidelines. More information

Activity Audits

Approximately 10% of accredited CPD activities will be audited annually. Selection will be random and organizers will be advised a few days in advance if their activity has been selected. If your activity is selected, you will be sent additional information about the audit process. Items considered during the audit may include: SPC and speaker COI disclosures; adherence to the approved agenda; opportunities for participant interaction; sponsorship influence, etc. This is not meant to be a punitive activity and is designed help improve future CPD activities.