FAQ - Frequently asked questions

The Scope of Practice and Education (SCoPEd) framework is a shared standards framework, developed and adopted in 2022 by six Professional Standards Authority accredited bodies, including BACP, NCPS and ACC. 

The framework describes the core training, practice elements and competencies the SCoPEd partners have selected as typical requirements for counsellors and psychotherapists working with adults to practice safely and competently.  SCoPEd is designed to support the counselling and psychotherapy profession and enable the public and employers to have a standardised understanding of the typical competencies of a qualified counsellor.

SCoPEd contains 3 columns of competencies reflecting the core training to becoming a qualified counsellor in Column A, Enhanced Training in Column B, and Further Enhanced Training in Column C.

The CPCAB progression route, from the Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills, through the Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies, or Applied Counselling Studies, leading to the Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling is designed to provide a cohesive development of skills leading to qualified counsellor status. This is reflected in the fact that the Level 4 Diploma in Counselling fully maps to Column A of SCoPEd. This qualification will enable graduates to apply for employment opportunities which state they require candidates to have reached SCoPed Column A.

CPCAB’s post-qualifying qualifications, for example the Level 5 Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling provide additional competencies present in Column B.

For full details refer to the Qualification Specification for each qualification which can be found in our useful documents. In this document the ‘Fit For Purpose’ section advises learners about the range of frameworks and occupational mapping that applies to their qualifications.