Reflective Account vs CPD Log: What's the Difference for NMC Revalidation?

If you're preparing for NMC revalidation, you've probably heard about both CPD logs and reflective accounts. Whilst they're both essential components of your revalidation portfolio, they serve very different purposes. Understanding the distinction between them is crucial for meeting NMC requirements and demonstrating your professional development effectively.

What is a CPD Log?

A CPD (Continuing Professional Development) log is a factual record of all the learning activities you've completed during your three-year revalidation cycle. Think of it as a diary or timeline of your professional learning.

What Your CPD Log Should Include

For each CPD activity, your log should document:

• The activity: What you did (e.g., attended a course, completed online training, read a journal article, participated in a workshop)
• The date: When the activity took place
• The duration: How many hours it took
• Relevance: How it relates to your practice and the NMC Code
• Type: Whether it was participatory or non-participatory learning

NMC CPD Requirements

You need to complete 35 hours of CPD over your three-year revalidation cycle, with at least 20 hours being participatory learning. Participatory learning involves interaction with other professionals, such as courses, workshops, or study days, whilst non-participatory learning includes activities like reading journals or online research.

CPD Log Example

"15th March 2024 - Attended 'Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults' training course at City Hospital. Duration: 3 hours. Participatory learning. Relevant to NMC Code: Prioritise People. This training updated my knowledge on identifying and reporting safeguarding concerns."

What is a Reflective Account?

A reflective account goes much deeper than a CPD log. It's a written reflection that demonstrates critical thinking about your learning and how it has impacted your practice. Reflective accounts show that you haven't just attended training—you've thought about it, analysed it, and applied it to your work.

What Your Reflective Account Should Include

Each reflective account should explore:

• What happened: The CPD activity or feedback you're reflecting on
• What you learned: Key insights and new knowledge gained
• How it relates to the Code: Explicit links to relevant sections of the NMC Code
• Critical analysis: Your thoughts, feelings, and professional judgement
• Impact on practice: How the learning has changed or will change your practice
• Future development: What you'll do differently going forward

NMC Reflective Account Requirements

You need five written reflective accounts for revalidation. These can be based on your CPD activities, practice-related feedback, or a combination of both. Each must clearly relate to the NMC Code and demonstrate genuine reflection.

Reflective Account Example

"The safeguarding course made me realise I had been too passive in my approach to identifying vulnerable patients. I felt uncomfortable acknowledging this gap in my practice, but it was an important learning moment. This directly relates to the Code's requirement to 'prioritise people' and 'preserve safety.'

I've now changed my initial assessment approach to include specific safeguarding questions for all patients, not just those I immediately identify as vulnerable. This has already led to two referrals I might have missed previously. Going forward, I plan to attend annual safeguarding updates and share my new assessment approach with colleagues during our next team meeting."

Key Differences Between CPD Logs and Reflective Accounts

Purpose

CPD Log: Proves you've completed the required learning hours
Reflective Account: Proves you've thought critically about your learning and applied it to practice

Content

CPD Log: Factual, descriptive, straightforward documentation
Reflective Account: Analytical, evaluative, demonstrates critical thinking

Focus

CPD Log: What, when, where, and how long
Reflective Account: So what? What now? How has this changed me?

Tone

CPD Log: Objective and factual
Reflective Account: Personal, thoughtful, and analytical

Length

CPD Log: Brief entries, usually a few sentences per activity
Reflective Account: More detailed, typically several paragraphs

How CPD Logs and Reflective Accounts Work Together

These two components complement each other in your revalidation portfolio. Your CPD log provides the foundation—the evidence that you've engaged in professional learning. Your reflective accounts build on this foundation by demonstrating that you've processed that learning and integrated it into your practice.

You can (and often should) base your reflective accounts on activities recorded in your CPD log. For example, if your CPD log shows you attended a medication safety course, one of your reflective accounts might explore what you learned from that course and how it's changed your medication administration practice.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Treating Them as the Same Thing

Don't simply copy your CPD log entries into your reflective accounts. The NMC wants to see genuine reflection, not just description.

Being Too Brief in Reflective Accounts

Whilst your CPD log can be concise, your reflective accounts need depth. Show your thinking process and demonstrate real reflection.

Forgetting to Link to the Code

Both your CPD log and reflective accounts should relate to the NMC Code, but this is especially critical in reflective accounts. Make explicit connections.

Not Showing Impact

Your reflective accounts must demonstrate how learning has influenced your practice. Don't just say what you learned—show what you did with that learning.

Tips for Success

Keep Both Updated Regularly

Don't wait until your revalidation is due. Update your CPD log as you complete activities, and write reflective accounts whilst the learning is fresh in your mind.

Use Reflective Models

Consider using established reflective frameworks like Gibbs' Reflective Cycle, Driscoll's model, or Rolfe's reflective model to structure your reflective accounts.

Be Honest and Genuine

The best reflective accounts acknowledge areas for improvement and show genuine professional growth. Don't be afraid to discuss challenges or gaps in your knowledge.

Use Quality Templates

Having well-designed templates for both your CPD log and reflective accounts ensures you include all necessary information and meet NMC requirements.

Get Your NMC Revalidation Templates

Make your revalidation process easier with professionally designed CPD log templates and reflective account forms. Our templates ensure you capture all required information in the correct format, saving you time and reducing stress.

Understanding the difference between CPD logs and reflective accounts is essential for successful revalidation. Your CPD log shows what you've done, whilst your reflective accounts show who you've become as a professional. Together, they paint a complete picture of your professional development and commitment to excellent practice.