Are registration and accreditation the same thing?
Accreditation and senior accreditation is an additional membership level. Our accredited membership is aligned to column B of the SCoPEd framework. Our senior accredited membership is aligned to column C of the SCoPEd framework.
Registered members (aligned to column A of the SCoPEd framework) can apply for either accredited membership or senior accredited membership.
Accredited members can apply for senior accreditation.
The accreditation route that’s right for you will be dependent on your training and experience and you’ll need to meet our eligibility requirements. More information is available on our accreditation webpage
All practising BACP members must be registered or working towards registration.
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.
Do I have to be a BACP member to apply for accreditation?
Yes - only registered members of BACP are eligible to apply for accreditation or senior accreditation.
Can I apply for accreditation before I register?
No - you'll need to become a registered member before you can apply for accreditation or senior accreditation.
What accreditation route should I apply for?
A key aim of the accreditation schemes is to enable members to move to the membership category that best aligns with their training, experience, knowledge and skills. The route right that’s right for you will be dependent on your training and experience and you’ll need to meet our eligibility requirements. Registered members can apply for accreditation or senior accreditation and accredited members can apply for senior accreditation.
Do I need to complete an accredited course to apply for accreditation?
No, you don’t need to complete an accredited course to apply for individual accreditation or senior accreditation. The accreditation route that’s right for you will be dependent on your training and experience and you’ll need to meet our eligibility requirements. More information is available on our accreditation webpage.
What's the difference between accreditation and a BACP accredited course?
Accredited membership is the next step for registered members who've been in practice for at least three years. Gaining accreditation demonstrates to clients and employers that you've achieved high standards of knowledge, experience and development.
An accredited course is a training course for prospective counsellors and psychotherapists that has been assessed by BACP to ensure that it guarantees a standard of training accepted for BACP membership and registration. See Course accreditation.
If I’ve completed the CoP, can I apply for accreditation via the streamlined route?
Completing the CoP enables registration only. It does not provide eligibility for any accreditation route. The Certificate of proficiency (CoP) enables individual members (from core training courses that are not BACP accredited) to become a BACP registered member.
Only graduates from BACP accredited courses, or registered members who successfully complete a BACP accredited or approved progression course (aligned to column B of the SCoPEd framework) can apply for accreditation via the registered membership to accredited membership route 1: streamline route.
To view other accreditation routes that are available please visit our individual accreditation webpage.
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 senior accreditation application however, they should have the necessary knowledge and skills needed for supervising work that aligns with the SCoPEd column B competences. They will also need to be familiar with the SCoPEd framework so they can comment on your overall competence for the Supervisor Statement they’ll complete as part of the application.
Can I get any support with my application?
If you identify as living with a disability, learning difference or long-term health condition, we can offer support to help remove any barriers you may experience with the application process. Please see support with your application for details.
Do I need to submit copies of my training certificates, as I've already provided this evidence when I applied for BACP membership?
If you've successfully completed a BACP accredited course, you won't be asked to resubmit a copy of your award certificate. If you've completed a non BACP accredited course, please include a copy of your certificate with your application.
I have more than one setting for my current practice. How do I submit the details?
You'll need to add each setting separately, as you'll be asked to allocate your current supervisor or supervisors to each setting later on in the application form.
What is the cost of applying for individual or senior accreditation?
The cost of applying for individual or senior accreditation will depend on which route you apply for. The accreditation routes vary in size and complexity and so the amount of time it takes to process and assess applications varies significantly across the different routes. The application fees reflect this variation.
Financial support is available for eligible members.
What discounts do you offer on the accreditation fee?
We offer the following options for members:
- £25 administrative fee for members on reduced membership fees
- a percentage reduction which matches the sliding scale reduction a member has received
- a reimbursement up to 50% of the application fee for costs incurred for additional support due to a learning difference or disability
- contact our support and inclusion officers at accreditation@bacp.co.uk for more details
Can I apply for more than one discount?
You can only apply for one discount to be deducted from the accreditation fee.
Please contact the accreditation team to discuss the best option for you.
I’m entitled to a reduction. Will this automatically be applied when I am ready to pay for the accreditation fee?
Please contact the accreditation team and we’ll issue you with a voucher which you can apply in the cart when you submit your application.
If you are not sure, please contact us and one of the team will help you.
Who assesses my application?
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.
Our accreditation assessors are all professional, accredited or senior accredited practitioners, with high standards of knowledge and experience in counselling and psychotherapy.
A random selection of applications are put forward for moderation. Our moderators are practitioners with a wealth of experience of our accreditation criteria and assessment standards. The purpose of moderation is to ensure the standard of assessment remains constant. The moderation decision is final.
Successful applicants will be awarded accreditation from the date of the moderation decision and not the initial assessment decision, as the application is still in progress during this necessary process.
How long will it take to process my application?
Accreditation assessment is a thorough and detailed process. We have rigorous measures in place to uphold the integrity and high standards of BACP accreditation. This requires significant input from our team and involves multiple layers of quality assurance to ensure each application is reviewed with the utmost care and consistency.
Each member’s journey is unique, and therefore the timing of results may differ. Please be assured that your outcome will be shared with you as soon as it is ready. This ensures that your experience remains personal, timely, and aligned with your individual progress.
When will I get my accreditation or senior accreditation certificate and authentication letter?
We'll notify you by email as soon as it's confirmed that your application has been successful.
You can log in and download your accreditation certificate from your account on this website. Your certificate will be updated every year when you renew to confirm your continued accreditation. This certificate replaces the letter of authentication you may have received previously.
How do I renew my accreditation?
We process all renewals online you'll need to log into your account and click on the renew now button. This will be shown from 60 days before your renewal date to 31 days after.
Even if you pay by direct debit, you'll need to follow this process as you must sign the terms and conditions. The accreditation statement is now included in the Register terms and conditions.
Are accreditation and membership renewed at the same time?
Yes. When you renew online, you’ll complete all the declarations and terms and conditions at the same time.