Confirmation of qualification category: requirements for continuous professional development

Confirmation of the qualification category for healthcare professionals is based on the results of continuous professional development (CPD) accumulated over the past 5 years. According to the current Rules, it is required to accumulate at least 210 credit units. The regulatory document can be accessed via the following link: https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/V2000021843 The structure of credit units includes three complementary components: additional education, non-formal education, and the development of additional professional competencies. Additional education includes advanced training programs, training cycles, and other educational programs. Non-formal education covers participation in seminars, workshops, conferences, webinars, and training sessions. Additional competencies are developed through participation in professional events, expert activities, as well as educational and research-practical projects. Minimum CPD requirements are differentiated depending on the level of qualification category. For specialists without a category and those with a second category, the requirement is at least 150 credit units (hours) of additional education, at least 50 credit units of non-formal education, and at least 10 credit units of additional competencies. For the first category, at least 120 credit units of additional education, at least 50 credit units of non-formal education, and at least 40 credit units of additional competencies are required. For the highest category, the requirements are: at least 60 credit units of additional education, at least 60 credit units of non-formal education, and at least 90 credit units of additional competencies. Systematic and timely planning of continuous professional development ensures the timely confirmation of the qualification category, maintenance of up-to-date professional knowledge, and improvement of the quality of medical care. It is recommended to form an educational trajectory in advance and not postpone the accumulation of credit units until the final year.