CPCAB’s PC-L5 Diploma Now Fully Aligned to the SCoPEd Framework’s Column B Competences

As a training provider, you play a vital role in guiding counsellors as they develop their professional practice. Delivering qualifications that support practitioners’ growth is key and CPCAB’s Level 5 Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling (PC-L5) provides exactly that.

This qualification now not only meets the enhanced competences defined within the SCoPEd framework’s Column B, but also helps your learners strengthen their skills, confidence, and readiness for complex counselling work. By offering this diploma, you are enabling your learners to build rich, fulfilling careers, while also providing them with sector-wide recognition that can open doors across many professional settings. Together, we can continue to inspire and empower those who make a real difference in people’s lives.

What are the PCPB and SCoPEd?

The Partnership of Counselling and Psychotherapy Bodies (PCPB) is a collaboration of six leading organisations, each with registers accredited by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA). Collectively, these bodies represent approximately 75,000 practising therapists. Beyond upholding professional standards, the PCPB shares a vision of making counselling and psychotherapy more visible, trusted, and valued by the public, employers, commissioners, and healthcare services. The PCPB originated through a partnership that led to the creation of the Scope of Practice and Education for Counselling and Psychotherapy (SCoPEd) framework, a groundbreaking agreement on shared professional standards across the sector. The SCoPEd framework defines core, enhanced, and further enhanced levels of competence, alongside training and practice requirements. Column B identifies the enhanced competences required for post-qualifying practice, offering an important benchmark for advanced professional development. This represents an important step in supporting high-quality, accessible mental health care.

Updated Qualification: Aligning to Column B competences from September 2025

From 1st September 2025, CPCAB’s Level 5 Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling will be updated for all new learner registrations. These refinements ensure the qualification is fully mapped to the competences outlined in SCoPEd Column B and continues to reflect the evolving realities of counselling practice. Updates include expanded coverage of topics such as diversity, suicide prevention, and digital therapy. Following a full review process and valuable tutor feedback, CPCAB has introduced two new assessment criteria, revised the wording of three existing criteria, and refreshed tutor and candidate guidance. Centres are advised to incorporate these changes into their delivery and assessment plans from the start of the new academic year. By delivering this qualification, you will enable learners to demonstrate the enhanced skills and knowledge required at Column B, preparing them for career advancement and broader professional opportunities.

Consistency and Recognition:

The SCoPEd framework helps unify professional standards, giving your learners a qualification recognised and respected across the profession.

Improved Career Prospects:

Graduates will hold a qualification that supports both private practice and enhanced employment opportunities across multiple sectors, including:

• NHS services, schools, and educational institutions
• Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs)
• Charitable and voluntary sector organisations
• Specialist counselling and therapy agencies

Supporting Centres in Teaching and Delivery

As a centre, you can confidently inform your learners that the CPCAB Level 5 Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling is fully mapped to the competences outlined in SCoPEd Column B. 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