If you're a practising sports massage therapist in the UK, staying compliant with your professional obligations is crucial. The Sports Massage Association (SMA) sets Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements for its members to ensure therapists maintain high standards of care. Whether you're newly qualified or have been practising for years, understanding the SMA’s CPD expectations will help keep your membership in good standing and support your long-term professional growth.

CPD Requirements for SMA Members

The SMA divides its members into three categories: Student, Associate, and Full. Each level comes with different CPD expectations:

• Student Members are not required to complete CPD until they upgrade their membership.

• Associate Members are encouraged to begin recording CPD, though it is not mandatory.

• Full Members must complete a minimum of 30 hours of CPD every year, with at least 10 hours being hands-on or practical in nature.

CPD activities should align with the SMA’s standards and must contribute to professional knowledge, skill development, or client outcomes.

Accepted Types of CPD

The SMA recognises a wide variety of CPD activities, including:

• Online and in-person professional development courses

• First aid refreshers

• Relevant academic study or reading

• Attending workshops, conferences, or webinars

• Peer learning and case discussions

• Clinical supervision or mentoring

As a general rule, the SMA values both formal (certified) and informal learning, as long as it contributes meaningfully to your scope of practice.

Keeping Records of Your CPD

SMA Full Members are expected to maintain clear records of all CPD activities, including:

• Course name and provider

• Date and duration

• Summary of learning outcomes

• Proof of completion (e.g., certificate, attendance record)

These records may be requested as part of periodic audits or when renewing membership.

Is Your CPD Recognised by the SMA?

When selecting a CPD course, SMA members should ensure that:

• The course content is relevant to soft tissue therapy or musculoskeletal care

• The provider is reputable and can issue a certificate of completion

• The course supports the therapist’s scope of practice and development goals

For therapists also registered with the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC), it’s useful to choose CPD that aligns with CNHC’s professional standards, as this can strengthen compliance across both bodies.

At The Therapy Web, we offer online CPD courses specifically designed for manual therapy practitioners in the UK. While we don’t currently offer free courses, our options are affordable, fully online, and eligible for SMA and CNHC recognition. We also offer discounted bundles, so you can save while staying up to date.

FAQs About SMA CPD

How many CPD hours do SMA members need per year?
Full members must complete 30 hours of CPD annually.

Can I do CPD online for the SMA?
Yes — online CPD is accepted, provided it's relevant and contributes to your professional development.