Frequently Asked Questions
We're currently compiling a list of frequently asked questions and will keep adding to it as we get asked. If you've got a question that hasn't been answered here please email it to us.
Q: What is the difference between CPCAB and BACP?
A:
CPCAB is a nationally approved awarding organisation (AO) which means it is an examining board like Edexcel, whereas BACP is a professional association which represents the interests of counsellors. AO’s can design, offer, assess and certificate qualifications. CPCAB is a specialist AO offering qualifications in counselling and is regulated by Ofqual - a government organisation responsible for standards in education and training. CPCAB is approved to offer qualifications on the Qualifications & Credit Framework (QCF).
BACP is a professional association which represents the interests of the counselling profession. As such it has a role in setting standards for counselling practitioners and supervisors via its individual and course accreditation processes. BACP does not provide training qualifications.
Q: How many credits do your qualifications hold?
A: Qualifications on the QCF are both unitised and credit based. CPCAB qualifications have the following credit value:
- Level 2 Award in Introduction to Counselling Skills (ISCK-L2) – 5 credits
- Level 2 Award in Effective Listening Skills (ELSK-L2) – 3 credits
- Level 2 Award in Listening Support Skills (LSK-L2) – 4 credits
- Level 2 Award in Understanding Substance Misuse (USM-L2) – 6 credits
- Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills (CSK-L2) – 17 credits
- Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies (CST-L3) – 18 credits
- Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (TC-L4) – 120 credits
- Level 5 Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling (PC-L5) – 46 credits
- Level 5 Diploma in CBT Skills and Theory (CBT-L5) – 39 credits
- Level 6 Certificate in Therapeutic Counselling Supervision (TCSU-L6) – 33 credits
Q: How do CPCAB qualifications equate to Higher Education (HE) level qualifications? I want to transfer them to a university level course.
A: Each HE College or University is a separate organisation and as such will place different values on our qualifications depending on what HE course you are applying for. Therefore it is best to contact the institution you're applying to and ask what their entry requirements are. It is likely that they will ask what counselling qualifications you have completed and want to see your portfolio(s).
Q: I have just completed CPCAB's xxxx qualification. What letters can I put after my name?
A: It is not usual to put anything after your name until level 4 has been reached. The normal letters for the Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (TC-L4) is “Dip Couns”, and for the Diploma in Supervision “Dip Sup”. There would not normally be any separate “letters” for PC-L5.
Qualifications below level 4 would not normally be listed but there would be no objection to “Cert Couns Skills” (CSK-L2) or “Cert Couns Studies” (CST-L3).
Q: I am told that BACP accreditation is universally recognised, but I wanted to check about your accreditation?
A: CPCAB is an awarding organisation and not a membership organisation. Candidates who have successfully completed the CPCAB level 4 qualification have fulfilled the basic training requirements for BACP membership. The process for individual counsellor accreditation will require additional supervised counselling hours which are achieved in the years following completion of the level 4 diploma.
Q: How do I go about becoming a member of BACP?
Q: I am moving to another country, where I will be seeking employment or wishing to engage in further study. How will CPCAB qualifications be rated in terms of equivalence in that country?
A: In terms of the equivalence of qualifications from one country to another, there is currently no coherent accreditation framework in place across the European Union (EU), but instead a variety of patchwork and ad hoc approaches. This applies to most types of qualification (in many different vocational fields), not just to CPCAB qualifications.
However, in the UK there is a body called the National Academic Recognition Information Centre (NARIC) who, despite their name, also deal with vocationally-related qualifications (such as those offered by CPCAB). There is an equivalent to NARIC in each EU country (and in some countries outside the EU) - the contact details for these organisations can be obtained by phoning UK NARIC on 01242 260010 or by visiting their website at www.naric.org.uk.
In general, each country has the responsibility to assess awards themselves. Therefore the acceptance of a qualification is normally dealt with by the relevant authority in the country that the holder of the qualification is going to. In Europe the NARIC/ENIC agency in the country concerned should be contacted for further advice (otherwise contact the relevant embassy or Ministry of Education for assistance).
CPCAB has supplied UK NARIC with information concerning CPCAB qualifications, and they should therefore be able to supply that information to all other Euro-NARICs. Thus, if you are seeking to have a CPCAB qualification rated in terms of local equivalence in a particular country, you will need to contact the local NARIC in the country concerned and send them:
- a photocopy of the CPCAB certificate/diploma concerned;
- a photocopy of the relevant learning-record / mark-sheet, together with an official translation into the language of the country concerned;
- a covering letter written by yourself (giving your full contact details).
The 'NARIC' in that country should then - if they follow the pattern of UK NARIC - issue you with a Certificate of Comparability, a kind of official letter which should formally state the locally-equivalent qualification.
Q: What qualifications do I need to become a counsellor?
A: Once you have completed the CPCAB level 4 Diploma (TC-L4) you are able to work as a counselling practitioner within an agency setting. To be an independent practitioner and have your own practice you are advised to progress on to the CPCAB level 5 Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling which is specifically designed to prepare you to work as an autonomous practitioner.
CPCAB level 4 and 5 qualifications can be used as part of a Foundation Degree with the Open University (click for details)
Q: Why is a psychology degree not an acceptable entry qualification for the Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling?
A: A psychology degree is a knowledge based qualification which requires a high level of academic ability. Counselling is a relational activity which depends on personal qualities, self-awareness and soft skills such as the ability to build a trusting relationship, work with difference and diversity and to convey empathic understanding. These aspects are not included or assessed in most psychology degree programmes and have to be learned and developed in a very different learning context. Unless psychology degree students have other relevant experience it is advisable to start with Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills (CSK-L2).
