How to choose the right CPD for performance interpreting

Choosing the right CPD isn't just about ticking points toward your annual NRCPD requirement. It's about identifying the gaps in your practice and finding training that closes them in a way that sticks.

Start with where you are. Be honest about which domains you can already work confidently in (theatre, music, festival, broadcast, political, sport) and which feel like a stretch. CPD that overlaps too much with what you're already strong at is a comfortable choice — but rarely a transformative one.

Pick by trainer, not just topic. Performance interpreting is a craft that benefits enormously from learning alongside experienced practitioners. Look at who's delivering the course, what they've worked on, and whether their style of feedback suits you. The same topic taught by two different trainers can be a wildly different experience.

Mix formats over a year. A single-day workshop builds awareness. A multi-day residential builds depth. Ongoing mentoring builds longevity. Aim for at least one of each across your CPD year — the cumulative effect is significantly greater than any one format alone.

Choose discomfort intentionally. The most valuable CPD usually feels slightly intimidating before you commit to it. Notice what you're avoiding — and consider whether that's the thing you most need.

Reflect after, not just during. The learning happens in the days and weeks after a course, as you start applying it on the job. Make space to debrief — with a mentor, with a supervisor, or in writing — so the insights translate into changed practice rather than fading.

If you're not sure where to start, the Personalised Pathways programme is designed exactly for this conversation.