BACP’s current individual accreditation application process will close for around three months by 12 noon on Tuesday 31 October 2023.

The closure of applications to the current accreditation scheme is necessary to enable BACP to finalise its preparation for the SCoPEd transition stage, which is expected to begin in early 2024.

The transition stage will feature new temporary mechanisms enabling members to become accredited and move between membership categories mapped to the standards of the SCoPEd columns.

Members can still apply for accreditation before Tuesday 31 October

Any eligible member who wants to apply using the current online application process can still do so before 12 noon on Tuesday 31 October 2023.

You can find out how to apply, or continue your current accreditation application on the BACP website.

You'll have to complete and submit your application before 12 noon on Tuesday 31 October 2023, to apply for accreditation under the current system.

From this date, we won’t be accepting new accreditation applications for around three months.

Time is needed to complete the assessment of accreditation applications submitted under the current scheme, make changes to the online application form and prepare staff for the new transition period.

Details of the temporary mechanism that will enable members to become accredited and move between membership categories during the transition period will be confirmed by September 2023. The temporary mechanism will reflect the importance of BACP’s quality accreditation standards and the competences within the SCoPEd framework.   

You can find out more on our accreditation closure FAQs web page or by contacting our customer services team on 01455 883300 or by email.  

Caroline Jesper, BACP’s Head of Professional Standards, would like to reassure members: "We know that some members will be working towards accreditation now, which is why we’re giving six months’ notice of this October 2023 closure date for accreditation applications.

Our advice to any member thinking about applying in the next six months is to look at the accreditation information on our website or email our accreditation team to discuss the best option for them. What is right for someone who is just starting the process might be totally different to someone who is almost ready to submit their application."

She added: "Accreditation applications will be closed for around three months, after which we will launch a new temporary mechanism that will allow members to move to the membership category that best represents where they sit on the SCoPEd framework (i.e. column B or C). This temporary mechanism will be open for the two-year transition period ahead of the new permanent accreditation schemes and routes opening early 2026."

About SCoPEd

SCoPEd is a competence framework that maps the core competences and practice standards for counsellors and psychotherapists working with adults. It was adopted by BACP, along with five other PSA registered membership bodies, in February 2023.

BACP’s SCoPEd implementation comes in three stages - preparation, transition and integration. These are outlined in our graphic. 

We’ll continue to support members with regular updates and to work with partners as we progress through these stages.  

If you want to find out more about the background to SCoPEd – please visit the SCoPEd section of the BACP website or read our SCoPEd FAQs.

SCoPEd implementation timeline

Find out more...