cpd points for nurses online

When I first needed to complete my CPD requirements, I was honestly confused. The Nursing Council of Kenya mandates 20 CPD points annually, and I wasn’t sure where to start.

Step 1: Understanding the Two Portals

Here’s what tripped me up initially – there are two separate systems you need to know about:

NCK Online Services Portal (osp.nckenya.com) – This is where your official license information lives. Think of it as your “home base” with the Council. You’ll see your license status, renewal dates, and accumulated CPD points here.

WCEA CPD Platform – This is where you actually take the courses. NCK partnered with the World Continuing Education Alliance to deliver free accredited training.

Step 2: Getting Started on WCEA

I clicked through to the WCEA platform via the NCK website. The registration was straightforward, but here’s the critical part I wish someone had told me: if you’re practicing in Kenya, the courses are completely free. I nearly paid for a subscription because I didn’t read carefully enough.

However, if you’re a Kenyan nurse working in the diaspora (UK, US, Middle East, etc.), you need a paid subscription. The platform clearly asks your practice location during signup.

Step 3: Navigating the Course Library

Once logged in, I was overwhelmed by the sheer number of courses. Hundreds of options across specialties – maternal health, critical care, infection control, mental health, wound care, you name it.

The interface shows you:

• Course duration (usually 30 minutes to 2 hours)
• CPD points awarded
• Provider (Johns Hopkins, WHO, LSTM, etc.)
• Whether it has dual accreditation (important for diaspora nurses)

Step 4: Completing a Course

Here’s my typical workflow:

Watch the video or read the materials. Most courses are self-paced, so I could pause and come back. Some have downloadable PDFs – I saved these for offline study during night shifts.

Take the post-test. You need to pass (usually 70% or higher) to earn your certificate. Failed my first test on infection prevention protocols. Don’t rush it.

Complete the evaluation survey. This unlocks your certificate – don’t skip this step like I did the first time.

Step 5: The Certificate Magic

Within minutes of finishing the evaluation, my certificate appeared in the “Certificates” section. What amazed me was that my CPD points automatically synced to my NCK portal profile. No manual uploads, no paperwork. I checked my osp.nckenya.com account the next day and saw the points reflected there.

Real Challenges I Faced

Internet connectivity – Some courses have large video files. I learned to download content when I had good WiFi rather than streaming on mobile data.

Multiple accounts confusion – I accidentally created two accounts using different emails. My certificates were scattered. Use the “forgotten username” feature if courses seem to disappear.

Diaspora payment issues – My colleague in the UK struggled with the payment gateway. She eventually used Stripe with her international card. M-PESA only works for local payments.

Tools That Helped Me

The mobile app is a game-changer. I downloaded it and could complete courses during my commute. The offline mode meant I wasn’t burning through data.

Screenshot tracking – I started taking screenshots of my certificate downloads and point totals. Never know when you might need proof during license renewal.

Learning paths – These are curated course bundles. Instead of random courses, I followed the “Emergency Nursing” pathway which gave me a structured 15-point program.

My Current System

I aim for 10 points per quarter rather than cramming all 20 in December. The platform also offers weekly webinars (worth 2-3 points each) and research article reviews (1 point each). These helped me hit my target without burnout.

The certificates look professional enough that I’ve included them in my CV for job applications. The dual international accreditation (ANCC, AANP) adds credibility.

Bottom Line On cpd points for nurses online

If you’re registered with NCK and practicing in Kenya, there’s literally no excuse not to complete your CPD. It’s free, flexible, and integrates seamlessly with your license records. The 20-point requirement isn’t as daunting as it sounds when you break it down across the year.

Just remember: WCEA for courses, OSP for official records, and always complete those evaluation surveys to unlock your certificates.

You can also get assistance on cpd here