At Digital Fashion Academy we’re committed to deliver training that is relevant, valuable and recognised by the fashion industry. Our courses are delivered by fashion and luxury professionals currently working for leading fashion brands and with a track record of successful case studies. But we also want to give all the fashion industry professionals a guarantee that DFA alumni can effectively deliver in the workplace. That’s why we’re undergoing the accreditation of DFA fashion courses with CPD Standards.
Enrico Fantaguzzi – Co-founder Digital Fashion Academy
What Is CPD Standards Accreditation and Why It Matters for Your Career
Competition in the fashion and luxury industry is higher than ever. Competition for market share, for attention and for positions in fashion companies. Fashion companies need qualified professionals with proven skills to tackle digital channels and digital fashion professionals are expected to keep learning and adapting.
When fashion professionals take a course at Digital Fashion Academy, they choose courses not only to gain skills but also to earn a certification that strengthens their career profile. But in a crowded training market, not all certificates carry the same weight. The difference often lies in whether a course is accredited by an independent body.
This is where CPD Standards accreditation comes in and why we at Digital Fashion Academy are in the process of becoming an accredited provider.
What Is CPD?
CPD stands for Continuing Professional Development. It refers to the ongoing process by which professionals maintain, improve, and broaden their skills throughout their careers. In many industries — from law to healthcare — CPD is mandatory. But even in fast-evolving fields like digital marketing and e-commerce, CPD is increasingly becoming a standard employers look for.
What Is CPD Standards Accreditation?
The CPD Standards Office is an independent body that evaluates training providers, courses, and events. Accreditation means that a program has been reviewed and approved against professional benchmarks for quality, structure, learning outcomes, and relevance.
When a course is accredited, learners can be confident that it is well-designed, up to date, and provides measurable outcomes. For employers, CPD accreditation offers assurance that staff training is credible and effective.
How Does the Accreditation Process Work?
Becoming CPD-accredited is a structured process:
- Assessment – Course materials, teaching methods, and learning outcomes are reviewed.
- Approval – If the course meets the required standards, it is formally accredited.
- Certification – Students who complete the course receive a certificate with CPD credits or hours.
- Renewal – Courses are periodically reassessed to ensure they remain current and relevant.
At Digital Fashion Academy, this means our courses will not only help you develop skills but also provide you with independently validated evidence of your professional growth.
Why Should You Choose a CPD-Accredited Course?
For learners, the benefits are clear:
- Credibility: Your certificate carries more weight with employers because it’s backed by an independent body.
- Career Advancement: CPD certificates are recognised across industries and can support promotions, job applications, or consultancy opportunities.
- Quality Assurance: Accredited courses guarantee a structured, outcome-focused learning experience.
- Transferable Recognition: CPD is accepted in many sectors, so your certification remains valuable if you move between industries.
- Commitment to Growth: Demonstrates to employers and clients that you are serious about keeping your skills up to date.
For providers like us, CPD accreditation ensures our courses meet the highest standards, giving our students even greater confidence in the value of their training.
Is CPD Standards internationally recognised?
Yes — the CPD Standards Office has considerable international recognition. Here’s what we know from their “CPD Across the Globe” summary:
- The CPD Standards Office supports CPD schemes globally, with an increasing international reputation as a trusted mark of excellence in professional development. The CPD Standards Office
- They have accredited training providers in over 70 countries across multiple continents. The certificates issued by CPD Standards are accepted in many countries and across a variety of professional sectors. The CPD Standards Office
- In regions like Australia & New Zealand, Europe, Middle East, Africa, and the USA, CPD is valued, and there are providers registered with CPD Standards who deliver training locally or internationally. The CPD Standards Office
- For many regulated professions, international bodies, and multinational employers, a CPD accreditation shows that a course meets globally-understood standards of quality, relevance, and structure. While different countries or sectors may use slightly different terminology (e.g., Continuing Education, Continuing Medical Education, etc.), a CPD Standards-accredited certificate often translates well across borders. The CPD Standards Office
So, if you are studying with Digital Fashion Academy and the course becomes CPD Standards-accredited, your certificate is not just locally meaningful—it has credibility in many other parts of the world.
Which courses are being accredited?
Fashion eCommerce Management Course & Certification
Course and certification in e-commerce strategies, tools, KPIs, and best practices to optimize online sales and customer experience. An industry facing course designed by leading fashion professionals to provide you with in-demand skills for your job.
Discover the course programme >>
Fashion Digital Marketing Course & Certification
Designed for fashion and luxury professionals, this comprehensive program delves into digital marketing strategies, tools, and key performance indicators (KPIs) essential for success in the industry. Gain hands-on experience in crafting effective campaigns, optimizing SEO, and leveraging social media to drive e-commerce growth.
Discover the Digital Marketing Course programme >>
Professional Certification in Ecommerce & Digital Marketing for Fashion
Advance your digital fashion career with our expert-led E-commerce & Digital Marketing Course. Gain in-depth skills in e-commerce, digital marketing, SEO, and online store management. Learn flexibly online with top industry mentors and earn a globally recognized certification.
Discover the E-commerce & Digital Marketing programme >>
Visual Merchandising Course for Fashion Retail
Learn visual merchandising best practices and earn a visual merchandising certificate. This course equips fashion professionals with tools, strategies and proved techniques to create engaging displays, optimize customer experience, and boost in-store conversions.
Discover the Visual Merchandising course programme >>
Fashion eCommerce Finance: From P&L to Profitability
Enhance your e-commerce profitability with our Fashion Finance course. Learn financial best practices adopted by global brands, including budgeting, forecasting, cost control, and reporting. This comprehensive program equips you with the tools to master e-commerce P&L management and drive success in the online fashion industry.
Discover the E-commerce Finance Course programme >>
Common Questions
Is CPD the same as a university qualification?
No. CPD accreditation validates the quality of professional training, but it is not the same as a degree or government-regulated qualification.
Will a CPD certificate guarantee me a job?
Not directly — but it significantly strengthens your profile, showing employers you are proactive and committed to learning.
How are CPD hours measured?
Typically, one hour of structured learning equals one CPD point or credit. Accredited courses specify the exact CPD value.
What This Means for Digital Fashion Academy Students
By undergoing CPD Standards accreditation, we are ensuring that your training with us not only gives you the skills you need to succeed in digital fashion but also provides an internationally recognised credential.
This is a key step in our mission: to prepare professionals in fashion e-commerce and digital marketing with both the knowledge and the credibility to stand out in today’s competitive market.
Final Thoughts
In modern disciplines where change is constant, ongoing professional development is not optional — it’s essential. Choosing a CPD-accredited course means choosing a path that is structured, credible, and career-enhancing.
At Digital Fashion Academy, we are proud to be taking this step. We look forward to offering our students not just skills, but skills with recognised value that will support your professional growth for years to come.
Stay tuned as we share updates on our accreditation journey — and what it means for your next step in digital fashion.