Individual accreditation

Are registration and accreditation the same thing?

Accreditation is an additional membership level. Accredited membership (aligned to column B of the SCoPEd framework) is the next step for registered members (aligned to column A of the SCoPEd framework) who have been in practice for at least three years. You need to meet our eligibility requirements and complete a detailed application and assessment process to become accredited.

All practising BACP members must be registered or working towards registration. See Registered membership.

Do I have to be a BACP member to apply for accreditation?

Yes - only registered members of BACP are eligible to apply for accreditation.

Can I apply for accreditation before I register?

No - you'll need to become a registered member before you can apply for accreditation. You must also be in practice, seeing at least one client a month and be receiving contracted supervision.

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. See Training routes to accreditation

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.

Individual accreditation - online application form

The online application form is currently unavailable.  

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.

I've completed a BACP accredited course, but went on to complete some specialised training (such as working with children and young people, couples, etc). Where do I include this training course in the application?

Any additional training completed after you first qualified as a counsellor or psychotherapist can be addressed in reflective practice criteria 1, point 1. The theory or theories and approaches that you draw on in your work, and how you bring them together. This should include references to your core training as well as any subsequent training/CPD you have undertaken that have influenced your way of working.    

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 email 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.

Can I include single session therapy (SST) in my hours for accreditation purposes?

Single session therapy hours can be used for accreditation but they must meet the following criteria:

  • clear information must be given to clients about what is being offered, and agreed by both the client and the practitioner. This information or contract should usually be provided in writing so that both you and the client are clear about what is expected
  • the session must be structured in keeping with a single session model, that is with a beginning, middle and ending
  • the aims of the session, goals and desired outcomes must be established
  • the client must have strategies or resources to take away from the session and any next steps should be discussed
  • you should have had appropriate training to work with a SST  approach
  • you should be receiving appropriate supervision for this way of working

If in doubt, please check with the organisation you work for before including these hours.

How do I evidence each completed practice session in the practice log?

For accreditation purposes, you don't need to submit additional evidence of your completed practice. 

How will you know my supervisors have written the report?

Once you've submitted your application for accreditation, we'll email your supervisor confirming we've received your supervisor's statement. 

Accreditation fee support

​As part of BACP’s commitment to provide more support to our members, we now have three different funding mechanisms in place.

​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

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.

How do I apply for a reduction in the accreditation fee?

If you currently receive any reduction on your membership fee or have incurred additional costs as a result of a learning difference or disability, please contact the accreditation team and we’ll confirm the amount you will be discounted and how to apply the discount.

Do I need to provide formal evidence of my financial circumstances?

We don't require any additional evidence, as this will have been sent to our Membership Team, before agreeing a reduction on your renewal fee.

The discount you received will be recorded on your membership record.

Please advise the accreditation team by email that you wish to have the same percentage deducted from your accreditation fee before you submit an application for accreditation.

Do I need to provide formal evidence of any disabilities, long-term health conditions or learning differences that I have?

No there is no need to provide formal evidence. Please contact our accreditation team so that we can provide the additional support you may need with the accreditation process.

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.

What is the membership fee sliding scale?

BACP understands that in some circumstances a member may not meet the eligibility criteria for reduced fee membership but the member may consider themselves to be receiving a low income.

BACP offers a reduced fee policy for adjusted fees based on reduced circumstances.

Prior to the point of membership application or renewal (within 30 days of renewal being due) a member can submit a request in writing for a percentage reduction in the main membership subscription fee.

For further information on how to apply for reduced membership fees, visit the reduced fee policy.

Accredited members

When will I get my accreditation certificate and authentication letter?

When you first become accredited, 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.

I used to receive my accreditation renewal by post. How do I renew now?

You'll no longer receive the accreditation paperwork in the post to complete and return. We now process all renewals online. So 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 will complete all the declarations and terms and conditions at the same time. 

Senior accreditation

Current senior accredited members who wish to apply for revised senior accredited membership (column C) 

I am already a senior accredited member with BACP. Do I need to reapply? 

Yes, you’ll need to meet our revised senior accredited member eligibility requirements and complete the application form. You’ll need to provide details including: 

  • evidence you have a Level 7 or equivalent counselling or psychotherapy qualification 
  • evidence of personal therapy or personal development work you have engaged in that has contributed to self-awareness and is applicable to therapeutic practice
  • a personal statement giving evidence against a range of criteria that reflect the different competences within the SCoPEd framework
  • a supervisor’s statement 

If you are a current BACP senior accredited member and also a UKCP or BPC member aligned to column C of the SCoPEd framework with one of those partners, please contact our customer services team for more information about the process to move to our revised senior accredited membership category, if you wish to. 

Why are current senior accredited members not automatically in column C? 

Our previous senior accredited scheme doesn’t align with the SCoPEd column C competences and practice standards. We’ve revised the scheme during the transition period and additional routes will also be available from February 2026.  

During the transition period current senior accredited members can apply using the temporary mechanism process if you have a Level 7 or equivalent counselling or psychotherapy qualification. There will be no application cost associated with this option. 

I don’t have a level 7 qualification. Can I apply for senior accreditation? 

During temporary mechanisms from February 2024 to early 2026, you'll need a Level 7 qualification to apply for senior accreditation (aligned to column C of the SCoPEd framework). 

If you don’t have a Level 7 or equivalent counselling or psychotherapy qualification, you’ll have the opportunity to apply for the new revised senior accredited membership category when our permanent accreditation routes are available from February 2026. This route will consider training and CPD alongside other existing skills and experience. If you meet the eligibility criteria and wish to apply via this route, it’ll be free for the first 12 months after the scheme opens. 

If you’re a BACP senior accredited member and also a UKCP or BCP member aligned to column C please contact our customer services team for more information about the process for you to move to the revised senior accredited membership category (if you wish to).  

For more information visit the SCoPEd where will I be represented or to apply visit our senior accredited membership page.  

What is equivalent to a Level 7?

  • UK Postgraduate certificate, Postgraduate diploma, or Masters award
  • Level 9 National Framework of Qualifications for Ireland
  • Level 11 The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework
  • international qualifications that are equivalent to a UK Level 7
  • the level of the award needs to be formally validated
  • this can also include a Level 7 counselling or psychotherapy supervision qualification 

Accredited member to senior accredited member (column B to C)  

I don’t have a level 7 qualification. Can I apply for senior accreditation? 

During temporary mechanisms from February 2024 to early 2026, you will need a level 7 qualification to apply for senior accreditation (column C). 

If you don’t have a Level 7 or equivalent counselling or psychotherapy qualification, you’ll have the opportunity to apply for the new revised senior accredited membership category when our permanent accreditation routes are available from February 2026. This route will consider training and CPD alongside other existing skills and experience. If you meet the eligibility criteria and wish to apply via this route, it’ll be free for the first 12 months after the scheme opens. 

If you’re a BACP senior accredited member and also a UKCP or BCP member aligned to column C please contact our customer services team for more information about the process for you to move to the revised senior accredited membership category (if you wish to).  

For more information visit the SCoPEd where will I be represented or to apply visit our senior accredited membership page.  

What is the senior accreditation fee? 

For accredited members applying for the revised senior accreditation (aligned to column C of the SCoPEd framework), the application fee is £230, and financial support is available  for eligible members. 

There is no fee during transition for current senior accredited members to apply for the revised senior accredited membership category.