Self-reflection CPD offers SQPs a flexible way to recognise relevant learning that supports their professional role, but it is important to understand when to use it, how to record it, and what makes a good reflection.

Self-reflection CPD enables SQPs to record relevant learning that supports their AMTRA SQP role, when that learning has not been formally AMTRA-accredited. It is designed to recognise the valuable professional development that can happen through a wide range of activities, from seminars and meetings to reading, teaching others or learning a new skill.

For many SQPs, it offers a practical way to capture learning that is directly relevant to day-to-day advice, prescribing decisions and customer conversations, but which has not gone through AMTRA’s accreditation process.

What counts as self-reflection CPD?

Self-reflection CPD can be used for CPD that is relevant to the SQP role but is not already AMTRA-accredited. Examples might include attending a relevant seminar or meeting, reading around a subject, teaching or training others, or developing a new skill that supports your professional practice.

It is optional: existing routes for AMTRA-accredited CPD remain the main and simplest way to collect points. Self-reflection CPD is there to add flexibility where learning is useful and relevant but has not been through the AMTRA accreditation process.

Key points to remember

• SQPs may claim up to 30% of their overall CPD target through self-reflection CPD; this increases to 50% for veterinary nurses.
• Self-reflection CPD must be relevant to the AMTRA SQP role.
• It must be recorded within three months of the learning taking place.
• AMTRA CPD points are awarded at a rate of 4 points per hour of Self Reflective CPD, subject to the overall cap.
• A proportion of self-reflection CPD claims will be reviewed by the AMTRA office, and SQPs may be contacted to discuss what has been submitted.

When not to use self-reflection CPD

Self-reflection CPD should not be used for CPD that is already AMTRA-accredited. This includes everything hosted on the AMTRA website, SQP Learning, OverTheCounter magazine or website, Equestrian Trade News, and most SQP-focused CPD from pharmaceutical and nutrition companies.

How to create a useful CPD reflection

A reflection does not need to be complicated or lengthy. It should simply show what you learned and how that learning relates to your role as an SQP. A few clear sentences are usually enough, provided they demonstrate genuine thought about the CPD and its relevance to professional practice.

A helpful way to start is to use short sentences beginning with “I”. For example:

• I learned... What were the key points or messages from the CPD?
• I realised... Did anything change or reinforce your understanding?
• I will use this by... How might it affect the advice you give, the questions you ask, or the way you approach prescribing or product recommendations?
• I would like to learn more about... Has the CPD highlighted any gaps in your knowledge or areas for further learning?

Try writing the reflection soon after the CPD has taken place, while the learning is still fresh in your mind. Although claims can be submitted within three months, completing the reflection promptly will usually make it easier to produce a clear and meaningful summary.

Recording self-reflection CPD on the AMTRA website

Self-reflection CPD claims must be submitted through the AMTRA website using the self-reflection CPD form. You will need to include the date the CPD took place, details of the activity, the time spent, and your reflection on the learning.

In short, self-reflection CPD is a useful and flexible option for relevant non-AMTRA-accredited learning, but it should be used appropriately, recorded promptly, and treated with the same professional care as any other CPD record. To submit a self-reflection CPD claim, visit the AMTRA website and use the self-reflection CPD section (or from the SQPs menu of the website).

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