Here you can find answers to some commonly asked questions about SCoPEd – this page focuses on applying for individual accreditation.
1. What is the benefit of going through the accreditation process?
2. When can I apply for accreditation?
3. If my application is deferred during the transition period, will I be able to resubmit it?
4. If I’m unsuccessful during the transition period, will I be able to appeal?
5. Are guidance documents and videos available to help complete the application forms?
6. Is it better to apply for individual accreditation during the transition period or wait until the new schemes open in 2026?
7. Are you holding telesurgeries during the transition period?
8. Is support available for those who identify as having additional needs?
9. How much does it cost to apply for individual accreditation during the transition period?
10. Is financial support available to apply for accreditation?
11. I’m in a different SCoPEd framework column to my supervisor, is that ok?
12. What if my supervisor is unaware of the SCoPEd framework and unable to confirm my overall competence?
13. Do I need a client's written permission if I write case material about them for my accreditation application?
14. Who assesses the accreditation applications?
15. How long will it take to process my application?
16. Will the new schemes make it harder to become accredited?
1. What is the benefit of going through the accreditation process?
Applying for accreditation is entirely your decision and will likely depend on your own individual circumstances. It does, however, have many benefits. It can be a valuable developmental opportunity as your career progresses, and a consolidating form of self-reflective CPD.
Our accredited membership category is aligned to column B of the SCoPEd framework so BACP members in this category can promote themselves as aligning to column B in their advertising and promotional materials.
2.When can I apply for individual accreditation?
Applications can be submitted now, visit our accredited membership webpage for further details and to apply.
5. Are guidance documents and videos available to help complete the application forms?
Yes, written guidance documents to support your accreditation application during the transition period are available on our applying for individual accreditation webpage and videos will be available soon.
You can also contact accreditation@bacp.co.uk or customer services for further guidance.
6. Is it better to apply for individual accreditation during the transition period or wait until the new schemes open in 2026?
It’s important that you feel ready to apply for accreditation when you prepare and submit your application. Whether that’s during the transition period or in 2026 when the other routes open will depend on your readiness to go through this process. You won’t be disadvantaged either way.
A key aim of the accreditation schemes and the transition period is to enable members to move to the membership category that best aligns with their training, experience, knowledge and skills. Members will be able to apply for accreditation at any time during the transition or afterwards by evidencing they’ve met the accreditation standards.
7. Are you holding telesurgeries during the transition period?
Yes, these offer support to applicants needing guidance with the reflective practice criteria who would benefit from speaking one-to-one with an assessor. Sessions last 30 minutes and cost £25. Please email the accreditations team to book an appointment.
8. Is support available for those who identify as having additional needs?
Yes, as was the case previously, our Support and Inclusive Officer for the accreditation team will be available to help members who need this service.
For more information, our Support and Inclusive Officer, Liz Gascoigne, discusses the support available in her increased access to accreditation blog.
9. How much does it cost to apply for individual accreditation during the transition period?
If you’re a registered member you can apply for individual accreditation for £230 – the same as it was previously. There is financial support available for eligible members.
10. Is financial support available to apply for individual accreditation?
Yes, members who have already been awarded a full reduced fee membership will only pay a £25 administration fee at the time of applying. A reduced accreditation application fee can also be offered to those who are already in receipt of the reduced membership fee on the sliding scale.
For more information, please visit the support with your application page on our website.
11. I’m in a different SCoPEd framework column to my supervisor, is that ok?
Your supervisor doesn’t need to be aligned with a particular SCoPEd framework column to support your accreditation application. They will need to be familiar with the SCoPEd framework and be able to comment on your overall competence for the Supervisor Statement they’ll complete as part of the application.
12. What if my supervisor is unaware of the SCoPEd framework and unable to confirm my overall competence?
The SCoPEd framework is available to view on our website. If you’re considering applying for accreditation during the transition period, you may want to share the framework with your supervisor and explore with them where you are in terms of the competences.
Our Supervisor requirements FAQs may also provide useful information.
13. Do I need a client's written permission if I write case material about them for my accreditation application?
It’s up to you whether you ask for consent from a client you're going to write about. But you must do so if required by the agency or organisation you're working for. It's not a BACP requirement because we ask you to completely anonymise any case material you send us in accordance with our Ethical Framework. This means you must ensure your clients confidentiality is protected. We delete everything once you've been awarded your accreditation.
14. Who assesses the accreditation applications?
Our accreditation officers will check the applications when we receive them to make sure you meet the eligibility criteria. They’ll also check we have all the information we need before allocating to an accreditation assessor, who are qualified practitioners. We also use an external moderation process to ensure standardisation of assessment.
16. Will the new schemes make it harder to become accredited?
It’s important you feel that you’re ready to apply for accreditation when you prepare and submit your application. Whether that’s during the transition period or waiting for the permanent schemes to open in early 2026. When you apply will depend on your readiness to go through this process. You won’t be disadvantaged either way.
A key aim of the accreditation schemes and the transition period is to enable members to move to the membership category that best aligns with their training, experience, knowledge and skills. Members will be able to apply for accreditation at any time during the transition or thereafter by evidencing they have met the relevant standards.
Contact us
Please contact customer services if you have any further questions.
Related links
SCoPEd
The SCoPEd framework is a ground-breaking shared standards framework, developed by six Professional Standards Authority accredited bodies, including BACP, which represent over 75,000 counsellors and psychotherapists
SCoPEd frequently asked questions
Answers to the most commonly asked questions about SCoPEd
SCoPEd framework
Read the January 2022 version of the SCoPEd framework