Our registered member to senior accredited member route 2: Recognition of prior learning (RPL) route 1 is for registered members who’ve completed a BACP accredited core training course (aligned to column B of the SCoPEd framework) and who have met the training and supervised practice hours required for column C of the SCoPEd framework.
This route is aimed at highly experienced practitioners with significant maturity of knowledge, skills and experience gained over time in a variety of settings. While it’s not a replacement for postgraduate training, it enables those with a wealth of experience, who are not in a position to complete further postgraduate training, to gain recognition that supports their professional journey.
If you’re successful in your application you’ll be able to use the designatory letters ‘Registered Member MBACP (Senior Accred)’ and promote yourself as aligned to column C of the SCoPEd framework, alongside the other benefits of accreditation.
You’ll need to demonstrate a combination of training and CPD, reflective practice skills, personal development activities and demonstrate how your knowledge, understanding and practice meets the required SCoPEd framework column C competences.
Two of the criteria in the personal statement are academic essays. Please refer to our Academic Writing Handbook to help you decide if you are ready to apply for senior accreditation using this route.
Eligibility criteria
To apply you’ll need to:
- be a registered member of BACP
- be practising as a counsellor or psychotherapist. You must have been in practice for at least four years when you apply for accreditation
- have completed a BACP accredited core training course (aligned to column B of the SCoPEd framework)
- have completed and received an award or a combination of awards for practitioner training that:
- included at least 500 hours of tutor contact hours. This can use a combination of awards, such as your core training hours 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
- had a supervised placement as an integral part of the training
- covered theory, skills, professional issues and personal development - have at least 500 hours of supervised practice accumulated within four to seven years (they don’t have to be consecutive years)
- of the 500 hours, at least 200 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 completed 160 hours of personal therapy or personal development work that has contributed to self-awareness and is applicable to therapeutic practice
- 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
If you meet the eligibility criteria, you'll need to complete the application form which includes reflective practice criteria and a personal statement to enable you to demonstrate BACP’s standards for senior accreditation and the SCoPEd framework column C competences.
Two of the criteria in the personal statement are academic essays. Please refer to our Academic Writing Handbook to help you decide if you are ready to apply for senior accreditation using this route.
Please make sure you’re ready to submit the following information with your application:
- details of your training with copies of any relevant award certificates
- details of your practice, personal development and supervision
- reflective practice criteria
- personal statement
- supervisor’s statement
When you're ready to start your application, please see the detailed guidance, Academic writing handbook, templates and video resources provided on this page to help you when completing your application form.
Find out more about the assessment process, decisions, resubmissions and appeals.
Additional support
If you identify as living with a disability or learning difference, we can offer additional support to help remove any barriers you may experience with the application process.
Costs
The cost to apply for senior accreditation using registered to senior accredited route 2: Recognition of prior learning (RPL) route 1 is £500.
Financial support is available for eligible members.
Commitments
All BACP members need to read and agree to abide by our Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions and our Professional Conduct Procedure on an annual basis. As an accredited member or senior accredited member, you'll also need to agree to the terms and conditions of the BACP Register every year.
You should also read our Membership policies and protocols.
Find the right route for you
Guidance information
Application form
Registered to senior accredited route 2 application form (docx 155KB)
Registered to senior accredited reflective practice route 2 C1 template (docx 112KB)
Registered to senior accredited route 2 reflective practice C2 template (docx 113KB)
Registered to senior accredited route 2 personal statement template (docx 116KB)
Registered to senior accredited route 2 supervisor statement template (docx 118KB)