Healthcare professionals licensed in Qatar must earn Category 1 CPD points to renew their professional licenses.
The key update for 2026 is that Category 1 CPD points can be earned online for free, provided the activity meets the official requirements set by Qatar’s healthcare regulators.
This guide explains, in clear and simple terms, what Category 1 CPD means, who needs it, how many points are required, where to find verified free online CPD, and how to avoid common mistakes that lead to rejection during license renewal.
To avoid missing limited-seat webinars and short-notice programs, Meem regularly shares verified opportunities through its WhatsApp CPD updates channel.
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Join NowWhat Are Category 1 CPD Points in Qatar?
Category 1 CPD points are structured, formally accredited learning activities that comply with the professional development standards enforced by the Department of Healthcare Professions under the Ministry of Public Health.
These points are mandatory for license renewal across all healthcare professions in Qatar.
If you need support with DataFlow or Quadrabay verification, contact our healthcare licensing experts.
Category 1 vs Category 2 CPD Points
| Category 1 CPD | Category 2 CPD |
|---|---|
| Structured learning activity | Self-directed learning |
| Delivered by an accredited provider | Reading or informal study |
| Defined learning objectives | No formal objectives |
| Attendance or assessment tracked | No tracking |
| Certificate issued | Often no certificate |
| Mandatory for renewal | Limited acceptance |
Category 2 CPD cannot replace Category 1 requirements.
Who Needs Category 1 CPD Points in Qatar?
Almost all licensed healthcare professionals are required to complete Category 1 CPD, including:
- Doctors and medical specialists
- Dentists
- Nurses and midwives
- Pharmacists
- Allied health professionals
While the total CPD target differs by profession, Category 1 points form the core requirement for everyone.
How Many Category 1 CPD Points Are Required in 2026?
Exact targets depend on the profession and license category, but the following rules apply universally:
- Category 1 CPD is compulsory
- Points must be earned within the active CPD cycle
- Certificates must be retained for audit purposes
- Excess points usually cannot be carried forward
Failure to meet Category 1 requirements can delay or block license renewal through the Qatar Council for Healthcare Practitioners framework.
Can You Earn Category 1 CPD Points Online for Free in Qatar?
Yes. Free online Category 1 CPD points are accepted in Qatar, provided the activity satisfies approval criteria.
A free CPD course must:
- Be delivered by a recognized provider
- Clearly state CPD accreditation
- Include defined learning objectives
- Track attendance or participation
- Issue a valid completion certificate
If any of these elements are missing, the CPD is at risk of rejection.
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Join NowFor any medical licensing services in Qatar, feel free to reach out to Meem Business Services.
Verified Sources for Free Category 1 CPD Points Online in Qatar (2026)
Government and Semi-Government Programs
These programs have the highest acceptance rate:
- Public health webinars
- Patient safety and quality initiatives
- Regulatory awareness sessions
Hospitals and Healthcare Institutions
Many teaching hospitals offer:
- Clinical case discussions
- Quality improvement sessions
- CME and in-service training
These are often free and open to external professionals.
Universities and Academic Medical Centers
- Research-based lectures
- Evidence-based practice sessions
- Academic CPD webinars
Strong academic credibility improves approval reliability.
Professional Associations and Specialty Groups
- Discipline-specific webinars
- Ethics and guideline updates
- Scope-focused training
These are especially useful when aligned with your licensed role.
International Platforms
Some international CPD programs are accepted only if they meet Qatar’s Category 1 structure and documentation rules. Always verify before relying on them.
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Join NowHow to Check If a Free CPD Course Qualifies as Category 1
Before enrolling, confirm that:
- CPD accreditation is clearly stated
- The provider is recognized
- Learning objectives are listed
- Attendance or assessment is tracked
- A completion certificate is issued
If even one item is unclear, acceptance is uncertain.
Common Reasons Category 1 CPD Points Get Rejected
Most rejections happen due to avoidable errors:
- Course wrongly classified as Category 1
- Certificate missing CPD details
- Provider not recognized
- No evidence of structured learning
- CPD completed outside the approved cycle
Tips to Earn Category 1 CPD Faster Without Paying
- Select high-credit webinars
- Focus on scope-relevant topics
- Attend live sessions where possible
- Save certificates immediately
- Maintain a dedicated CPD folder
Meem shares verified high-credit free CPD opportunities as soon as registration opens.
Join our WhatsApp Community to get instant CPD Updates.
Join NowFrequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Clear answers about free Category 1 CPD points in Qatar, certificates, and avoiding rejection during license renewal.
Can I earn Category 1 CPD points online for free in Qatar?
Yes. Free online Category 1 CPD is accepted in Qatar if the activity is structured, delivered by a recognized provider, and issues a valid completion certificate with CPD/accreditation details.
What makes a CPD activity “Category 1” in Qatar?
Category 1 CPD is structured learning with clear objectives, an accredited/recognized provider, participation tracking (attendance or assessment), and a certificate that shows the CPD details.
Do webinars count as Category 1 CPD in Qatar?
Yes, webinars can count as Category 1 if they are accredited, attendance is tracked, and the certificate includes the required CPD information.
Are international CPD certificates accepted in Qatar?
Some international certificates may be accepted, but only if the program meets Category 1 requirements (structured learning, recognized provider, tracking, and a compliant certificate). Always verify before relying on it.
Who needs Category 1 CPD points in Qatar?
Most licensed healthcare professionals need Category 1 CPD for renewal, including doctors, dentists, nurses, midwives, pharmacists, and allied health professionals. The exact target varies by profession.
How do I check if a free CPD course qualifies as Category 1?
Before enrolling, confirm all of the following:
- Accreditation/CPD approval is stated clearly
- Provider is recognized
- Learning objectives are defined
- Attendance or assessment is tracked
- A completion certificate is issued
What are the most common reasons CPD gets rejected?
Common reasons include:
- Course is incorrectly categorized
- Certificate is missing CPD details
- Provider is not recognized
- No evidence of structured learning or tracking
- CPD was completed outside the allowed CPD cycle
Can Category 2 CPD replace Category 1 CPD in Qatar?
No. Category 2 CPD is usually limited in acceptance and cannot replace the Category 1 requirement for license renewal.
Is there a limit to how many free CPD points I can earn?
There is typically no fixed limit on earning CPD, as long as the points are earned within your active CPD cycle and meet Category 1 requirements.
What should I do if my CPD points are rejected during renewal?
Complete a valid Category 1 CPD activity from a recognized provider and ensure the certificate includes the required CPD details. Keep all certificates stored for audit and re-upload as needed.
Conclusion: Do Not Miss Free Category 1 CPD Opportunities in 2026
Free Category 1 CPD points in Qatar are legitimate and widely available in 2026, but only when chosen carefully. Early planning, verified sources, and proper documentation are essential to avoid renewal delays.
For healthcare professionals who want to stay compliant without constant searching, Meem provides ongoing updates, reminders, and verified CPD links through its WhatsApp channel.
Join the WhatsApp CPD Updates Channel to receive free CPD alerts, webinars, and renewal guidance throughout 2026.
