When you're completing your SMA CPD (Sports Massage Association Continuing Professional Development) hours, the idea of a free course can be appealing. After all, CPD can add up in both time and money. But are free CPD courses really worth your time?

The answer depends on what you're hoping to get out of them.

The Pros of Free CPD Courses

Free CPD courses can serve a purpose, especially if you're:

• New to a topic and looking for an overview

• Trying to decide whether a subject is worth deeper study

• Exploring areas outside your usual scope of practice

They’re easy to access, often short in length, and can introduce basic ideas or concepts without commitment. Some are even produced by reputable organisations or journals.

The Limitations of Free CPD

However, when it comes to meeting SMA CPD requirements, free courses often fall short in several key areas:

• No recognised certificate or proof of completion

• Lack of depth—many are too superficial for meaningful professional development

• No formal assessment, making it hard to demonstrate learning

• Not always accepted by professional associations (including the SMA or CNHC)

• No support or ability to ask questions if you need help with the content

If you're counting on a course to be included in your annual CPD log or to genuinely develop your practice, it's important to make sure it’s fit for purpose.

The Value of Paid CPD (Without the Sales Pitch)

At The Therapy Web, we offer knowledge-based online CPD courses that strike the balance between convenience and credibility. While they aren't free, they are:

✔ Affordable
✔ Self-paced
✔ Designed specifically for manual therapy practitioners
✔ Created with SMA, CNHC, and other association standards in mind

They also include downloadable certificates, clear learning outcomes, and support if you get stuck.

Final Thoughts

Free CPD courses can be a helpful supplement—but they rarely stand alone as credible, association-recognised CPD. If you're working towards your SMA CPD hours, it's best to use free resources as a starting point, not a substitute.

For CPD that helps you learn, grow, and meet your annual requirements with confidence, consider investing in high-quality, therapist-designed courses.