PC-L5 and Your Career Progression via the SCoPEd Framework: Your pathway from core training to professional accreditation

This qualification builds on the strong foundations of the Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (TC-L4), supporting you to step into advanced, independent counselling work. With its recent updates, the PC-L5 helps you grow into a confident practitioner who is ready to handle more complex client needs, work with increased responsibility, and pursue new professional opportunities.

What are the PCPB and SCoPEd?

The Partnership of Counselling and Psychotherapy Bodies (PCPB) is made up of six leading professional organisations, each with registers accredited by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA). Together, they represent around 75,000 practising therapists across the UK. The PCPB developed the Scope of Practice and Education for Counselling and Psychotherapy (SCoPEd) framework — a sector-wide agreement that defines the competences required at three levels:

• Column A: Core competences for qualified counsellors (e.g., CPCAB’s TC-L4).
• Column B: Enhanced competences for post-qualifying practice (e.g., CPCAB’s PC-L5).
• Column C: Further enhanced competences for advanced psychotherapy training.

By achieving the PC-L5, you demonstrate the enhanced competences of Column B — a key benchmark for advanced professional development, and a vital step toward contributing to high-quality, accessible mental health care.

What’s New from September 2025?

From 1st September 2025, CPCAB has updated the PC-L5 qualification to reflect evolving professional standards and to fully embed the Column B competences. For learners, this means:

• Expanded coverage of essential areas including diversity, suicide prevention, and digital therapy.
• Two new assessment criteria to strengthen your ability to evidence advanced skills.
• Three revised criteria for improved clarity and relevance.
• Updated tutor and candidate guidance for a smoother learning journey.

These changes are designed to prepare you for the realities of contemporary counselling practice, ensuring your qualification remains robust, relevant, and highly respected.

Why does this matter to you?

Professional Recognition

Completing the PC-L5 means you are officially recognised as meeting Column B competences within the SCoPEd framework. It is important to note that while the qualification aligns with the current competences, the PCPB is continuing its review of associated practice requirements for Column B. Some additional practice requirements may be introduced that sit outside the scope of this qualification. We encourage centres and learners to stay informed about future updates as the framework continues to evolve. A full mapping document, demonstrating how the qualification aligns with SCoPEd competences, is available to download here.

Full Mapping Document

Career Progression and Employability

With enhanced competences, you’ll be ready to take on more responsibility and autonomy in a wide range of roles, such as:

• NHS services and primary care networks
• Schools, colleges, and universities
• Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs)
• Charitable and voluntary organisations
• Specialist counselling and therapy agencies
• Private practice

Employers and clients alike will recognise your advanced qualification, giving you a competitive edge in the sector.

Client Confidence

Clients want to know their counsellor is trained to the highest standards. By holding a qualification mapped to Column B, you demonstrate your ability to work ethically, effectively, and safely — even in complex situations.

Discover CPCAB Training

At CPCAB, we are passionate about supporting learners to become skilled, compassionate, and reflective practitioners. The PC-L5 not only deepens your technical and clinical expertise but also enhances your confidence to work independently and ethically.

By choosing CPCAB, you’re joining a community that values human connection, professional excellence, and lifelong learning. You’ll gain a qualification that is widely recognised, fully aligned to national standards, and designed to propel your career forward.

Take your next step with confidence. Explore the CPCAB Level 5 Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling (PC-L5) today and see how it can shape your future.

Use our Centre Finder or call us on 01458 850350 to find the perfect training location!

CPCAB Progression Route