Here you can find answers to some commonly asked questions about the SCoPEd framework itself.
1. What type of framework is SCoPEd and what does it represent?
2. Is the January 2022 SCoPEd framework the final version?
3. What themes does the SCoPEd framework include?
4. Why are there no titles in this version of the framework?
5. Will I have to complete additional, expensive training to move between columns in the SCoPEd framework?
6. Is personal therapy included in the SCoPEd framework?
7. Are specialisms included in the SCoPEd framework?
1. What type of framework is SCoPEd and what does it represent?
SCoPEd is a shared competence framework that maps existing evidence-based minimum training standards, knowledge and experience required for counsellors and psychotherapists working with adults.
The framework provides clarity about the wide range of skills, knowledge, training and experience that our members have, and will help counselling and psychotherapy be better understood, valued and trusted by all.
It’s a generic framework, so doesn’t make any distinctions between the different modalities and approaches that exist across counselling and psychotherapy.
It also does not include specialisms, some of which have their own competence frameworks (for example, CYP, Workplace, Online and Phone Therapy, Supervision).
2. Is the January 2022 SCoPEd framework the final version?
The January 2022 (amended 2025) SCoPEd framework has been adopted by six PSA accredited register bodies who are collectively the Partnership of Counselling and Psychotherapy Bodies (PCPB).
The framework document was updated in 2025. The latest version is the SCoPEd framework January 2022 (amended 2025) and can be viewed on the PCPB website
The SCoPEd framework will undergo a review process approximately every five years.
You can more about the partners on the PCPB website.
5. Will I have to complete additional, expensive training to move between columns in the SCoPEd framework?
Membership categories for each partner membership body are aligned to the SCoPEd columns, rather than members being mapped to the SCoPEd columns.
Members who wish to, are able to move between our membership categories, aligned to the standards of the SCoPEd framework columns, where they have the relevant skills, training, knowledge and experience to do so. For routes that are available during the transition period visit our accreditation pages.
From February 2026 there will be new accreditation routes to move between membership categories. These routes will consider training, CPD and experience alongside other existing skills and experience.
For further details visit our SCoPed integration web pages.
6. Is personal therapy included in the SCoPEd framework?
Personal therapy isn’t straightforward because some trainings put more emphasis on personal therapy than others, and these decisions are usually based on the theoretical approach being taught. It therefore hasn’t been possible to map a common standard for personal therapy during core training and it’s possible that this will continue to be an area of difference. However, for BACP's new senior accreditation scheme that is aligned to column C, there is a 160 hour requirement for personal therapy and/or personal development work that is relevant to practice.
7. Are specialisms included in the SCoPEd framework?
No. The SCoPEd framework only maps the generic core competences arranged in five themes, training and practice standards necessary for working with adults.
All of our members are valued and are trusted to use their professional judgement to practise any specialisms in line with our current Ethical Framework and with support from their supervisor, as they do now. This won’t change.
