ARA Professional Development Programme
The Value and Importance of Continuing Professional Development
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is the ongoing process of learning, practice and reflection that helps you develop your skills, knowledge and experience throughout your career. It keeps your knowledge current, helps you respond to sector challenges, and supports career progression in an increasingly competitive job market.
By setting goals, reflecting on your experience, and building your professional capabilities, CPD helps you make the most of learning opportunities and develop a competitive edge.
CPD is recognised by employers, professional membership organisations and regulatory bodies as essential to maintaining knowledge and skills, making it a defining feature of professionalism. While academic qualifications and apprenticeships provide entry points to a career, CPD promotes continuous improvement throughout your career.
ARA offers a wide range of CPD opportunities to support Members throughout their careers. Our events and training programme includes in-person and online learning, all heavily discounted for Members, alongside a growing resource of recorded webinars.
Members can also develop new skills, knowledge and professional networks through volunteering opportunities within ARA’s local and national committee structure. Whatever stage you are at, use our competency frameworks to help plan your development and career progression.
The ARA Competency Framework
Our competency framework sets national standards for the record-keeping sector and identifies key competencies for all those working and volunteering within archives, conservation and records management. It is the first point of reference for Members when thinking about their own career and professional development. Employers should also use the framework to ensure their staff follow national ARA standards of competence. The frameworks, or individual competencies, can be easily added to existing appraisal processes and performance reviews.
The competency framework also sets the application criteria for ARA professional registration.
Professional registration
Get the recognition your career deserves
ARA professional registration is a key milestone in your career. It demonstrates that you have reached the highest standards of knowledge and competency and are committed to maintaining that competence through CPD and reflective practice.
Professional registration is available to anyone working or volunteering in the archives, archive conservation and records management profession. We offer three grades of registration: Foundation (FMARA), Registered (RMARA) and Fellow. Please visit our registration page for more information.