This article provides an overview of the current state of continuing professional development (CPD) in Iran and attempts to map the national and local initiatives, procedures and challenges found in higher education institutions. It reports on the findings of a multiple sources design, analyses of relevant documents and policies and interviews with 14 faculty members at a well-known Iranian higher education institution. The findings present valuable insights into faculty development procedures, challenges and paradoxes that seem to shape faculty development in these institutions. Moreover, the findings highlight the need for structural modifications to simplify and harmonise the policies and procedures and harness profession development. To conclude, the initiatives and action plans that could contribute to faculty development and reshape the Iranian higher education landscape are discussed. The applications and implications are also seen as being relevant for similar higher education systems in developing countries.