CPD and CET

What is the difference between CPD and CET?

Continuing Education and Training (CET) is the GOC's scheme for ensuring that you maintain the up to date skills and knowledge you need to practise safely and effectively throughout your career. It is based on the Stage 2 core competencies the GOC sets for optometrists. You are required to obtain a certain number of points over a three-year cycle for activities that have been approved by the GOC for that purpose.

CET is a mandatory requirement and maintains your professional knowledge and skills at the current entry level of competence for re-registration. CPD (Continuing Professional Development) includes CET but is broader. It is centred upon your individual goals, and developing your professional practice, thus driving up standards of patient care.

CPD is a combination of approaches that help you manage your learning and development after qualification.  It can be formal or informal, embracing anything from courses and workshops to reading articles and discussions with colleagues. It can be clinical, but could also relate to business practice, professional work or teaching and assessment.

CPD Online keeps track of both your CET and your CPD activity in one location.