BACP CPD Requirements for Counsellors and Psychotherapists

Counselling and psychotherapy are not regulated by statute in the UK in the same way as nursing or medicine. Instead, professional bodies such as the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) set standards for their members, including how they keep their knowledge up to date. If you are a counsellor, a student, or an employer of counsellors, you need to know what BACP expects and how to evidence it. This guide covers the main points.

It is general information, not professional advice. Check the BACP website for current membership standards, because policies can change, and other bodies such as UKCP and NCPS have their own requirements.

The headline requirement: 30 hours a year

According to published guidance on CPD for the mental health and wellbeing sector, BACP members must undertake at least 30 hours of CPD a year. The emphasis is on what you gain from the activities, rather than on collecting hours for their own sake. That aligns with the wider move towards outcomes-based CPD that you will also see in other professions, such as in our HCPC CPD requirements guide.

Keep an up-to-date record

BACP members are expected to keep an accurate record of their CPD, and to provide it for audit if asked. The BACP learning centre or a template can be used. A useful record includes:

• the date and length of each activity
• a short description of what it was
• what you learned and what you will do differently
• how it links to your client work or your development plan

Our CPD audit preparation guide explains how to build a record that can stand up to scrutiny.

What can count as CPD?

Counselling CPD is wide-ranging. Examples include:

• training courses and workshops on specific approaches or client groups
• reading research, books and journal articles
• peer groups and reflective practice meetings
• conferences, webinars and online learning
• writing, presenting or teaching
• learning from supervision, where it leads to new knowledge or skills

Choose learning that reflects your client group. A counsellor who supports people who have experienced trauma, for example, may want to build skills in line with our trauma-informed care guide.

Supervision is separate but linked

Counsellors are expected to have regular supervision as part of ethical practice. Supervision supports reflection on client work and helps identify learning needs, which then feed into your CPD plan. Check your own membership category and your employer's rules for the specific supervision requirements that apply to you.

What happens if you do not meet standards?

The published guidance is clear that members who do not meet the standards, and who do not engage with CPD, can be removed from the register and from membership. That has practical consequences, because many employers, insurers and funders require BACP membership or accreditation. If you are struggling to complete your hours, speak to BACP early, not at the point of an audit request.

Planning a year of CPD

• Start with a gap analysis. Which client groups, issues or approaches are you least confident with?
• Mix formats. Combine training, reading and peer learning so that it is not all taken in one burst.
• Link to ethics. Include learning on boundaries, confidentiality and equality, not only clinical techniques.
• Review quarterly. Check your hours and adjust the plan.
• Look after yourself. Therapy work can be demanding, and wellbeing learning has a place in CPD.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Logging everything in one sitting. Entries written months later tend to be vague, and they are the ones that struggle under audit.
• Counting hours without reflection. The emphasis is on outcomes, so a certificate on its own says little about what changed in your work.
• Relying only on passive learning. Reading and webinars have their place, but live discussion, peer groups and practice-based learning often shape practice more.
• Forgetting client confidentiality. Never put identifying client details in a CPD record. Describe themes and learning, not individuals.
• Leaving gaps in a membership year. If illness or caring responsibilities make it hard to complete your hours, contact BACP and keep a note of the circumstances.

For employers and services

If you employ counsellors or run a counselling service, you can help by protecting time for CPD, funding relevant training and checking that records are up to date. Include CPD in appraisals and ask for evidence of learning, not only certificates. See our CPD hub for options across health and care.

Frequently asked questions

How many CPD hours does BACP require?

According to published CPD guidance for the sector, at least 30 hours a year. Check BACP's current membership standards, as requirements can be updated.

Do I need to keep a CPD record?

Yes. BACP members are expected to keep an up-to-date, accurate record and to provide it for audit on request.

Does supervision count as CPD?

Supervision supports your development, and learning from it can feed into your CPD, but check BACP's guidance on what can be counted.

What if I am also registered with another body?

Meet the requirements of each. Other bodies, including UKCP and NCPS, may have different hour requirements and recording rules.

Learnsignal will update this guide when BACP publishes new standards.