RIBA Core Curriculum CPD Topics

RIBA Chartered Members must complete at least 35 hours of CPD every year, with 20 of those hours drawn from the ten mandatory RIBA Core Curriculum topics. These topics reflect the knowledge and skills architects need to practise effectively, now and in the future.

Each topic is supported by a set of suggested learning areas, giving you a wide range of starting points for your annual CPD. The right CPD for you will depend on your own development needs, the requirements of your practice, and the regulatory context in which you work.

All CPD on RIBACPD.com is mapped to at least one Core Curriculum topic, so you can search by subject and find relevant, RIBA-assessed materials quickly. Select a topic below to explore approved CPD from RIBA CPD Providers.

01 Architecture for social purpose

Architecture for social purpose CPD helps you understand the social value and economic benefits that architecture creates for individuals and communities. It covers changes that improve lives, support social cohesion and wellbeing, and addresses the knowledge and skills needed to make informed, fair and ethical choices, and to influence the project team and supply chain.

02 Health, safety and wellbeing

Health, safety and wellbeing CPD helps you understand your legal, professional and ethical duties in relation to construction site and workplace safety. It covers the responsibilities of designers, principal designers, architects and employers, including compliance with CDM regulations and the Building Safety Act, and the strategies and systems needed to manage health, safety and wellbeing across all project stages.

03 Business, clients and services

Business, clients and services CPD covers the principles of good business practice and service provision, and the legal frameworks that underpin them. It addresses the knowledge and skills needed to manage a practice competently, ethically and efficiently, with sound financial and quality management in place, and the processes and procedures that support well-run architectural businesses.

04 Legal, regulatory and statutory compliance

Legal, regulatory and statutory compliance CPD covers the legal, regulatory and policy frameworks that underpin architectural practice, business and construction. It addresses the importance of staying current with legislation, including planning law, building regulations and the Building Safety Act, and of applying that knowledge confidently across all areas of practice and the other Core Curriculum topics.

05 Procurement and contracts

Procurement and contracts CPD covers the legal and regulatory basis of the procurement system, including public and private sector routes. It addresses how to negotiate consultant appointments, win work, and ensure the right building contracts or professional services agreements are in place for a project, including the knowledge needed to administer RIBA standard forms of contract effectively.

06 Sustainable architecture

Sustainable architecture CPD covers the legal and regulatory basis for climate change mitigation and adaptation, including legislation relevant to the built environment. It addresses low-carbon and low-energy design across the full life cycle of a building, with effective client briefing and management, and covers whole-life carbon assessment and the use of environmental data to support net zero design decisions.

07 Inclusive environments

Inclusive environments CPD covers the legislation and principles that apply to creating spaces which meet the diverse needs of all users. It addresses the Equality Act 2010 and associated design standards, and the knowledge and skills needed to develop and implement inclusive design strategies and methods at all spatial scales, from individual rooms to masterplans and public realm.

08 Places, planning and communities

Places, planning and communities CPD covers the legal, regulatory and policy frameworks for creating successful urban and rural places, including the National Planning Policy Framework and relevant planning procedures. It addresses how architects can engage effectively with the planning system and stakeholders, and the knowledge and skills needed to create successful buildings within the context of neighbourhoods, towns and cities.

09 Building conservation and heritage

Building conservation and heritage CPD covers the legislative framework and principles that underpin conservation practice, including the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 and national heritage policy. It addresses the knowledge, skills and techniques needed to work on conservation, repair and maintenance projects, and on historic or listed buildings and places, and when to engage specialist consultees.

10 Design, construction and technology

Design, construction and technology CPD covers the technical, design, engineering, services and digital issues that shape contemporary architectural practice. It addresses the importance of staying current with construction materials and systems, building performance standards, specification practice, and the technologies transforming how buildings are designed and delivered, and the skills needed to manage a successful building process.