When BACP adopted SCoPEd, we entered a period of implementation, where we’ll be updating our processes and systems (such as our CRM database, website and online application forms) to reflect the SCoPEd framework.
SCoPEd implementation is taking place across three carefully planned stages – preparation, transition and integration. We’ve completed preparation and are now in the transition period.
By February 2026, when the SCoPEd integration phase starts, our existing membership and accreditation schemes will have been revised, and our membership categories will be fully aligned to the standards of the SCoPEd framework columns.
This means our:
- registered membership category will be aligned to column A
- accredited membership category will be aligned to column B
- revised senior accredited membership category, which will open in 2024, will be aligned to column C
We expect that the majority of BACP accredited courses and approved qualifications will already meet the standards of the SCoPEd framework. Those who need to make adjustments will have until 31 January 2028 to ensure their courses are fully aligned. We’ll support our training providers and qualification partners in helping them to align their training programmes to SCoPEd where required.
For more information relating to your organisation, click on the header below for training providers offering:
About SCoPEd
The Scope of Practice and Education (SCoPEd) is a ground-breaking shared standards framework developed and adopted by six Professional Standards Authority accredited bodies, including BACP, which represent approximately 75,000 counsellors and psychotherapists.
The framework maps the core competences and practice standards for counsellors and psychotherapists working with adults.
BACP’s SCoPEd implementation will take place in three stages - preparation, transition and integration. Preparation is now complete and we’re in the transition stage.
We’ll continue to support training providers and qualification partners with regular updates and to work with members and partners throughout transition and integration.
To find out more about the background to SCoPEd, visit the SCoPEd section of the BACP website or read our SCoPEd FAQs.
BACP accredited courses
What this means for accredited course providers
Training providers offering BACP Accredited courses will need to demonstrate that their provision is aligned to the SCoPEd framework column B training standards and will have until 31 January 2028 to do so.
As is the case now, students may complete the 450 practice hours following completion of the course in order to apply for individual accreditation. We recommend you start to consider any adjustments that may need to be made in advance of this date. We’re aware some courses may want to align to column C training standards and we’re looking at how this could be recognised.
Our accreditation team will be in regular contact with accredited course providers to support and guide them through this process, enabling you to plan for full implementation by 2028.
What this means for your students
Throughout this implementation period, when a student from a BACP accredited course successfully completes their training, they will be able to become a registered member, just as they can now.
They'll be able to apply for individual accreditation if they choose, once they have completed the required 450 supervised practice hours.
After the transition period, which is expected to finish in early 2026, all our membership categories will be fully aligned to the SCoPEd framework columns.
New accreditation schemes with new routes to move between membership categories will be available at this point. These routes will consider training and CDP alongside other existing skills and experience. More details will be published in due course.
It’s likely that the individual accreditation application for graduates from accredited courses will be more streamlined than those from other routes, as applicants will have completed a course that is aligned to the SCoPEd framework column B standards.
If you’d like to know more about SCoPEd visit www.bacp.co.uk/SCoPEd or contact us by emailing accred.course@bacp.co.uk
You can also view our SCoPEd: Transition period: what does it mean to members event which took place on 1 September 2023, which outlined the temporary accreditation mechanisms. This is available to view on our on-demand web page.
BACP approved qualifications
What this means for approved qualification partners
Approved qualification partners will need to evidence that their qualification is aligned to the SCoPEd framework column A training standards. We’re already engaging with relevant partners to support them in this.
While approved qualification partners and awarding bodies will have until 31 January 2028 to fully align themselves with the SCoPEd framework column A training standards, we recommend any adjustments that need to be made are considered in advance of this date.
What this means for your students
The process for students graduating from any BACP approved qualification and applying to become a BACP member will be the same.
If you would like to know more about SCoPEd please visit www.bacp.co.uk/SCoPEd or contact us by emailing approvedqualifications@bacp.co.uk
Non-BACP affiliated training providers or awarding bodies
What this means for you and your students
From February 2026 our membership eligibility criteria will be changing.
If you want students completing your course to remain eligible for BACP membership, you need to ensure that any course starting after February 2026 meets the revised criteria below.
Students and individuals wishing to join BACP must be on or have completed a course that:
- is a minimum Level 4 qualification (or equivalent)
- is a minimum of two years - whether full or part-time
- has a minimum of 300 guided learning or tutor contact hours
- is either:
- 100% face to face classroom-based tuition or,
- includes at least 70% face to face classroom-based tuition with the remaining tuition delivered as live synchronous online training - includes an integral, supervised placement of at least 100 client hours, of which at least 51% must be face to face delivery
They will also need to pass our Certificate of Proficiency to become a registered member.
If you would like to know more about SCoPEd please visit www.bacp.co.uk/SCoPEd or contact us by emailing professional.standards@bacp.co.uk
