National Alliance of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (NACP)

Certified Membership is the highest level of recognition awarded by the NACP. It represents a commitment to ethical practice, professional development, and real-world therapeutic competence. This level is designed for qualified counsellors and psychotherapists who practise with integrity, reflectiveness, and responsibility — regardless of how their training was delivered.

Eligibility Criteria

1. Hold a Recognised Qualification

To apply for Certified Membership, you must have completed a Level 4 Diploma (or equivalent) in Counselling or Psychotherapy from a recognised training provider that clearly meets the following criteria:

Your course must have included:

  • A substantial face-to-face component, such as in-person workshops, observed group practice, or secure video-based experiential learning
  • A combination of written coursework/essays and formal assessments/exams
  • Coverage of ethical frameworks, therapeutic theory, diversity, and reflective practice
  • Evidence of being supervised and assessed in clinical work on multiple occasions with real or volunteer clients, either in person or remotely

We accept online/blended routes, provided they meet these professional standards.

2. Maintain Professional Supervision

All certified members must engage in regular supervision to ensure safe, ethical practice.

  • A minimum of 2 hours of supervision per calendar month is required
  • This may be reduced to 1 hour per month if you are practising 15 hours or fewer per week
  • Supervision must be conducted by a suitably qualified supervisor
  • Members may be asked to submit a supervision log upon request for audit or review purposes

3. Meet Ongoing CPD Requirements

  • You must complete a minimum of 30 hours of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) annually
  • Your CPD log should demonstrate variety and reflection, covering theoretical, ethical, or practical development
  • Acceptable CPD may include formal training, webinars, professional reading, peer learning, or specialist workshops

4. Provide Two Character References

Applicants must provide two recent character references from individuals who can speak to your professionalism, conduct, and suitability for Accredited Membership.

Referees do not need to be therapists but must be able to comment meaningfully on your ethical awareness, communication, and integrity in a professional or training context.

5. Submit a Reflective Practice Statement

(Only applies if you are not applying through an NACP-approved training provider)

If you are not applying through an NACP-approved provider route, you must submit a short reflective statement (500–750 words) covering:

  • Your approach to client work
  • How you apply ethical principles in practice
  • Learning gained through supervision and CPD
  • Your awareness of client diversity and intersectionality
  • An example of how you handled a challenging situation ethically and responsibly

6. Acquire Appropriate Insurance

All members must hold suitable professional indemnity insurance once accepted.

  • Insurance must cover the scope of your counselling or psychotherapy practice
  • You have up to 4 weeks from joining to obtain insurance
  • The NACP may request evidence of coverage at any time

7. Uphold NACP Standards

All Certified Members must agree to:

  • Abide by the NACP Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct
  • Engage with the NACP Complaints and Disciplinary Procedure if required
  • Meet annual CPD and supervision requirements
  • Maintain ethical, respectful, and non-discriminatory practice at all times

🧾 How to Apply

If you are confident that you meet the criteria, you should purchase membership by clicking here. Once your payment is processed, a membership team member will make contact with a secure link for you to supply your evidence of eligibility.

If you are unsure whether you are eligible for membership please contact our team at membership@nacp.co.uk BEFORE purchasing membership through our site. Those who purchase membership and fail eligibility checks will receive a refund minus an administration fee of £30.