CPD events: recording attendance

Say what the session covers and how long the learning is, record who actually attended (not just who booked), and give each person a certificate with their name, the session, the date and the hours. Whether it counts is for each person’s professional body to say.

Reviewed 12 November 2026. A 5 minute read.

Planning an event
Photo: Headway, Unsplash

Before the session

Write the learning in the listing: what it covers, who it suits and how long it is. Check what the professional bodies of your audience ask for.

On the day

Check people in as they arrive, and note anyone who leaves early. Booked is not attended.

The record

Keep the attendance list with the session details: title, date, length and who led it.

The certificate

Name, session, date, hours and who signed it. Send it within a week.

General information as at 12 November 2026. It needs review before you rely on it, and it is not legal, tax or financial advice; ask a professional about your own situation.

Goes with it

Certificate of attendance template

Fill in the name, the session, the date and the hours. The certificate is drawn as you type, ready to print. Nothing is sent or kept.

Make a certificate

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