Relevant
Outcomes respond to an identified professional, workplace, ethical, technical, or public need.
CPE standards
Learning outcomes that guide meaningful professional development
Well-formed outcomes describe what a learner should be able to know, do, judge, or apply after completing the activity.
Key considerations
The framework at a glance
Observable
Language is specific enough to guide learning activity and determine achievement where assessed.
Aligned
Content, learning methods, effort, assessment, and completion requirements support the outcome.
Framework chapters
Quality principles in practice
01
Define the intended change
Outcomes should describe the expected change in capability rather than merely list topics covered. They should be appropriate for the audience’s role, baseline knowledge, and context.
02
Align the learning design
Program content and activities should give learners a realistic opportunity to achieve each outcome. Claimed learning time should reflect the effort required.
03
Evaluate achievement and relevance
Assessment or other completion evidence should relate to the outcomes. Providers should also evaluate whether outcomes remain current as professional practice changes.
Attendance alone may be an appropriate record for some activities, but it should not be represented as evidence of competence where competence was not assessed.