Opening in February 2026, our registered member to accredited member (SCoPEd column A to B) Route 2: Recognition of prior learning route (RPL), will be for registered members who’ve successfully completed core training that meets the eligibility for individual accreditation but haven’t completed either a BACP accredited course or a BACP accredited or approved column B progression training course since initial qualification.

The RPL route to individual accreditation is aimed at experienced practitioners who have gained significant knowledge, skills and experience overtime. RPL routes to BACP accreditation enable those with a wealth of experience who are not in a position to complete further training, to gain recognition that supports their progression and professional journey.

More details about eligibility requirements and guidance to determine your readiness to apply via this RPL route are available below.

Eligibility criteria overview

To apply you’ll need to: 

  • be a registered member of BACP
  • have completed a core training course or a BACP approved practitioner course
  • be practising as a counsellor or psychotherapist. You must have been in practice for at least three years when you apply for accreditation
  • have successfully completed and received an award for practitioner training that:   
    - included at least 450 hours of tutor contact hours  
    - included 450 training hours (direct tutor contact) – this can use a combination of awards, such as your core training and your certificate training hours. All hours need to be from practitioner training courses, and we need to see a clear progression through the training you submit 
    - was carried out over at least two years (or one-year full time if training started prior to February 2026)
    - had a supervised placement as an integral part of the training
    - covered theory, skills, professional issues and personal development
  • have at least 450 hours of supervised practice accumulated within three to six years (they don't have to be consecutive years):   
    - of the 450 hours, at least 150 hours of supervised practice must be after the successful completion of your practitioner training, which are calculated from the date on the award certificate
  • have an ongoing current contract for counselling or psychotherapy supervision for a minimum of 1.5 hours per month
  • have been supervised for at least 1.5 hours per month throughout the period of practice submitted

How to apply

You’ll be able to apply from February 2026. To do so, you’ll need to complete the application form which includes reflective practice criteria and a portfolio of evidence to enable you to demonstrate the SCoPEd framework column B competences. The portfolio asks for information regarding your professional experience and/or continued professional development (CPD) activities.

Your supervisor will need to verify the information you include in the portfolio before submitting your application.

You’ll also need to submit a statement from your supervisor that comments on your reflective practice criteria.

Guidance and academic writing handbook

The application fee will be £310. There is financial support available for eligible members. 

You can still apply for individual accreditation to move to accredited membership (which is aligned to column B of the SCoPEd framework) during the SCoPEd transition period, if you meet the eligibility criteria and feel ready to do so. Transition period applications will close on Friday 30 January 2026. If you choose to apply during the transition period, we’d encourage you to apply well ahead of the closing date. Visit our accreditation webpages to find out more. 

Looking ahead

We’ll be holding an online event on Thursday 28 August, to introduce the accreditation routes that will be available from February 2026, and to answer any member questions. Find out more or book your place.  

If you have any questions, visit our SCoPEd FAQ page or contact customer services.