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FAQs IN CATEGORIES: CLICK FOR THE SECTION YOU WANT
What do I need to become accredited for the first time?
The detailed criteria for accreditation at all levels are available on the ACC web site or in hard copy from Head Office. At all levels there is a specified amount of training and supervised practice required, a case study, references and the need to produce specific logs as evidence. See the accreditation menu item in the public area of the web site.
What do I do when I am ready to apply?
The current set of application forms for accreditation are available on the ACC web site or can be requested via Head Office. It is important to read them and the additional documentation carefully before filling them out.
Is there a time limit set for accumulating the material for my accreditation
portfolio?
Yes & No. There is no time limit for the training and supervised practice hours; however the case study must be from the last year of practice and references must be current.
Does accreditation with another professional body count towards accreditation with ACC?
ACC accepts elements of accreditation from both BACP and from COSCA. There are three basic requirements for entry via this method, a copy of the accreditation certificate already held, a church leader’s reference and, if the training is not ACC recognised, a 2000/3000 words essay entitled ‘How my faith informs my practice’. Other organisations’ accreditation systems will be assessed in the future.
Where can I get a copy of ACC’s Code of Ethics?
This is available on the ACC web site or in hard copy from Head Office. Download.
Do I need to be a member of ACC to apply for accreditation?
Yes. Membership must be current when you apply and subsequently maintained.
How long does accreditation last?
Four years and then there is a maintenance system for renewing, details of which are available on the ACC web site or in hard copy from Head Office.
I have had my accreditation forms for some time, can I still use them?
You are advised to check either via the web site or Head Office whether the forms you hold are in the current format. Members can download forms from the Members Area.
Can I send my membership and accreditation applications at the same time?
Yes.
Do I have to be a member for a certain period of time before I can apply for accreditation?
No.
Once I am a member does that mean I am also accredited?
No. Accreditation is a separate process.
Do I have to be a member whilst working towards accreditation?
No.
How long before I can apply for accreditation?
There is no time limit but you will need to have accumulated ACC’s specified amounts of training and supervised practice.
Do I have to be in practice at the time of my application?
Yes.
Do you accept supervised private practice, agency work and voluntary work?
Yes.
I have just returned to practice after a break – can I apply?
Yes but we would expect you to have been with your supervisor for at least 6 months and be able to produce a case study from the last year of practice.
Can I use distance learning courses?
ACC does accept some distance learning courses but in order to gain accreditation there must be some face to face skills experiences in the training portfolio. This will be dealt with on a case by case basis.
Should my main training course include a placement?
Yes, most recognised, face to face diploma courses include an assessed placement as an important part of a counsellor’s development.
When will I know whether I have been successful?
The Accreditation Committee meets regularly throughout the year, usually every 6 to 8 weeks. If an application is received 3 weeks before a scheduled meeting, normally the application will be processed at the next meeting. This means that it can vary between 4-8 weeks.
How many clients should I have?
There is no specified minimum.
How much does accreditation cost?
The fees are reviewed each year and published on the web site. Check the current fees list.
Can I hand write my application?
Yes but please make it legible.
Can I use my computer?
Yes but you will need to print off the completed form, sign it and send it to the ACC Accreditation Office.
How many copies of the application do I have to send?
ACC only requires 1 copy of your application.
Do I need to keep a copy of my application?
Yes.
Will I get my application back?
No.
How can I make sure my application arrives safely?
You can send it by regular post or by recorded delivery but please be sure you pay the correct postage. As an extra precaution your parcel should show a return address.
Should my references be enclosed with my application?
Yes, except in exceptional circumstances. Ideally, references should be discussed with the referee before sending them in.
What is the process for accreditation?
The application is received and checked, sent to an assessor, a report is presented to the Accreditation Committee meeting and a decision is made.
How will I be notified?
A letter is sent out informing the applicant of the Committee’s decision and necessary action, if appropriate, as soon as possible after the meeting date.
Will I receive a certificate?
If successful, a certificate will be issued reflecting the Committee’s decision.
How often do I have to renew my accreditation?
You are asked to renew every 4 years. The cost of renewal is stated on the web site and reviewed annually.
What records should I keep?
Counselling practice and supervision logs – templates and samples of which are available from the Accreditation Folder in the Members Library – and relevant training certificates.
Does finishing my diploma automatically give me accreditation?
No. Achieving a diploma is part of the way to accreditation. Experience needs to be accumulated and if the training course is not ACC recognised then an essay will also be required.
How do I prove that I have done the training?
ACC asks for photocopies of all relevant certificates and we reserve the right to contact training providers for confirmation that the training has been undertaken.
I did a course but do not have a certificate?
You will need to obtain the appropriate certificate(s) from your training provider.
How do I know whether my training was ACC recognised?
The training provider should be able to answer this question but if there is any doubt, information is available via the ACC Head Office.
Can I apply using a course that is not ACC recognised?
Yes, but it will need to be approved by a recognised UK educational establishment. If this is so, the applicant will need to submit a 2000 word essay entitled ‘How my faith informs my practice’ in addition to the normal criteria.
Can I use qualifications from overseas?
Potentially yes. Each training portfolio will be assessed individually. Initially a transcript of the course content would be required and should be sent to the Director of Professional Standards at the Accreditation Office, who will give an early indication of comparative educational value.
How do I prove my practice hours?
ACC needs to see counselling logs for the last year and a signed summary sheet for the rest of the hours. The summary should be signed by the appropriate supervisor or agency Director.
Can I use practice from before I finished my main training course?
Yes, provided it was supervised.
Can there be breaks in my practice?
Yes, however a letter explaining any break(s) would be required.
Can I use counselling via technology for practice hours?
ACC is formulating a policy on this subject and will be publishing those findings shortly.
Can I count co-counselling?
Yes, as long as there is an understanding that both counsellors are equal in the sessions or you are the lead counsellor.
Can I count group work?
Yes, if you are the facilitator but ACC would like to see a balance of 1 to 1 work in an applicant’s portfolio.
How much supervision do I require?
ACC published guidelines regarding supervision in the Spring 2010 edition of accord, a copy of which can be found in the Accreditation Folder in the Members Library.
Can I count peer or group supervision?
Yes, using the following method :-
If the group is four or less, half the time can be counted; if the group is more than four, count the time divided by the number in the group.
Can I add different types of supervision together to meet the monthly requirements?
Yes.
Is supervision using technology accepted?
ACC is formulating a policy on this subject and will be publishing those findings shortly.
Is there a required ratio of supervision to practice hours?
Yes, practitioners are asked to see supervision guidelines which should not fall below the prescribed minimum. This can found in the Spring 2010 edition of accord, a copy of which can be found in the Members Llibrary in the Members Area.
How old can my case study material be?
A case study submission must be taken from the last year of practice.
What about confidentiality?
All case study material should be kept anonymous but we do not need you to obtain written permission from the client.
What format should my case study be in?
The format for a case study submission is included in the accreditation application forms and can be viewed in the Members Area of the web site. The suggested word counts can be in prose or bullet points as long as assessors can make sense of the submission.
Do I have to use a completed case?
No, but applicants should cover all elements mentioned in the case study format.
Can I use a case study I have written for something else?
Yes, as long as it adequately covers the elements mentioned in the case study format.
Do the assessors understand my model?
Yes, the assessors are all experienced and have a wide understanding of many modalities. If a case should arise where the model is not known then ACC will source a competent, modality-specific individual to help with the assessment.
Is the word count fixed?
The guideline is there because the assessors believe that an adequate case can be presented using the numbers outlined. If the case study is too long, too short or does not reach the required standard, the Accreditation Committee reserve the right to ask for a re-submission.
Is there an appeals process?
Yes. In the first instance to the Director of Professional Standards who will review your application, take appropriate professional advice and then refer it back to the Committee. If you are not satisfied with the outcome, an appeal can be made to the Board via the Chair.
Does work with children count towards my accreditation?
For supervised practice hours ACC does not specify that work should be done with adults. Our preference is that there is a balance of both. Ethically, you should be appropriately trained, competent and/or properly supported in whichever field you work.
If accredited, will my name appear on any directories etc?
If you are successful, your name will appear in the next issue of Accord and you will be asked whether you want to be listed on the ‘Find a counsellor’ part of the ACC web site.
What happens to my application after it has been assessed?
The bulk of the file is shredded and only salient summary sheets are retained for future reference.
Do you run accreditation workshops?
Workshops are available free of charge on request via the UK Network representatives. There is also a workshop offered at the ACC biennial conference.