Level 4 top up route (SCoPEd column B) accreditation
Elevating your professional standing through accreditation
Welcome to ACC’s level 4 top up accreditation route for SCoPEd column B accreditation. This pathway is designed specifically for ACC registered counsellor members who have successfully completed level 4 (or equivalent) core training, meet the training and supervised practice hours required for column B of the SCoPEd framework, and have completed ACC’s SCoPEd column B top up training or an equivalent SCoPEd column B progression training since initial qualification and are submitting your application within two years of completing the top up training.
To register your interest in receiving details of the next SCoPEd column B top up training, please email registrar@acc-uk.org.
Eligibility criteria overview
To apply you’ll need to have:
- Active Membership. You must hold active, registered counsellor membership with ACC and be fully compliant with our ethics and practice standards.
- Recognised Level 4 Diploma or higher in counselling
- Evidence of 450 Guided Learning Hours (GLH)
- A minimum of 70% of these must be face to face
- Any online learning must be synchronous (i.e., in real time with a tutor leading the training as a live, taught session)
- Shortfalls can be bridged using prior certificate-level courses, post-qualifying modules, or up to 30 hours of structured CPD. Bridging trainings must show progression in training relating to becoming, and developing as, a counsellor/psychotherapist.
- Path 1 – 450 GLH of core counselling training which is formally validated at level 4
- Path 2 – 420 GLH of core counselling training which is formally validated at level 4. Shortfalls of up to 30 hours can be bridged using prior certificate levels, post-qualifying modules, or a maximum of 30 hours of structured CPD
- Path 3 – ACC members who were grand-parented onto the register in 2017-2018 are deemed to have 420 GLH of core training at level 4 (unless they can evidence higher level training and/or GLH). Shortfalls can be bridged using prior certificate levels, post-qualifying modules, or a maximum of 30 hours of structured CPD
- Evidence of 450 supervised practice hours
- over at least three years from the date of first supervised practice session
- include practice hours post-qualification
- ACC accredited SCoPEd column B top up training (or equivalent). Evidence attendance at an ACC accredited SCoPEd column B top up training (or equivalent). Attending the whole training is a mandatory prerequisite for accreditation via this level 4 top up route.
If you have missed a part of the training, an exception may be made for extenuating and exceptional circumstances. Read the guidance notes and contact registrar@acc-uk.org before completing your accreditation application.
Please contact us at registrar@acc-uk.org if you are unsure if your training meets these criteria, or if you may be eligible for the level 5+ top up route because of an incomplete level 5 or 6 course undertaken.
How to apply
To apply for accreditation, you need to submit a completed online accreditation application form, which is in several parts. Detailed guidance of each of these parts is available here.
- Part 1: Personal and professional details
- Part 2: Counselling training – You will be prompted to upload qualification evidence of your CPD and SCoPEd column B top up training.
- Part 3: Counselling experience – This is a record of your most recent 450 hours of supervised practice.
- Part 4: Checklist for good practice
- Part 5: Supervision – You will be asked to share the link to an online reference form with your supervisor. This is a compulsory part of your application, so please ensure your supervisor completes it promptly.
- Part 6: Evaluation of the Churchill Framework
- Part 7: Counselling theory in practice – You will be prompted to upload assignments and documents.
Viva
Our auditing panel evaluates your work and if your application needs more clarity we will invite you to a 60/90-minute Viva over video. This is an evaluative discussion where assessors review your case material with you to determine whether SCoPEd column B markers have been fully met.
Application form
ACCREDITATION APPLICATION – Level 4 top up route (SCoPEd B)
Guidance notes
More details about the eligibility requirements and guidance are available here.
Fees
Fees for accreditation assessments are set annually. There is a variable charge for re-submission based on the extent of re-work required. Details about fees can be found on ACC’s website here.
If you have any questions, please contact registrar@acc-uk.org.