Kaplan Professional says advisers should embrace “lifelong learning” rather than the current process-driven approach to professional education.

It has called for advisers to implement a new continuing professional development (CPD) framework to utilise innovations in education methodology and technology.

The training organisation has published a white paper – Lifelong Learning: the Future for Professional Financial Advisers – that offers a practical framework for adviser CPD requirements, assessment and accreditation.

It recommends a points-based system to determine an individual’s CPD requirements.

Points are based on learning outcomes, rather than time spent or number of words produced.

Kaplan Head of CPD Jennifer Hornsey says a points-based system allows learning to be acknowledged on a quality and thinking basis.

“This enables a scale of differentiation between learning activities,” she said.

“Allocating CPD points based on learning outcomes allows and encourages all levels of learning because advisers choose the learning that best suits their needs.”

Ms Hornsey says the white paper aims to improve on the status quo and lift the standard of CPD training across the industry.

“We want to change the value of CPD beyond compliance and standardise recognition and accreditation models while recognising innovative CPD delivery methods,” she said.