Entry Criteria for the Advanced Certificate in Clinical Supervision

At a Glance

To enrol on the Advanced Certificate in Clinical Supervision, you need a diploma-level counselling or psychotherapy qualification, at least two years of post-qualification practice (or 450 client hours), membership of a professional body, and appropriate training in online and telephone counselling. A supporting letter from your own supervisor is also required.

Formal counselling qualification

You must hold a diploma-level counselling or psychotherapy qualification (or equivalent), and either:

• Have been in practice for a minimum of 2 years post-qualification, or
• Have a minimum of 450 hours of practice experience

If your qualification is from outside the UK, please contact us — we're happy to look at equivalence on a case-by-case basis.

Professional body membership and ethical framework

You must be a member of a professional body — such as BACP, NCPS, UKCP, COSCA, or equivalent — and be working within its ethical framework.

You must also attend regular clinical supervision in line with your professional body's requirements.

Online and telephone counselling training

You need appropriate training in online and telephone counselling. As part of your enrolment, you receive free access to our 10-hour Introduction to Online and Telephone Counselling course, which meets this requirement.

If you have already completed equivalent training elsewhere, you do not need to complete the included course.

Supervisor's reference letter

Before starting the placement supervision hours, you must supply a reference letter from your own supervisor — the person who will be supervising your supervision practice hours during the course.

• Your supervisor must be a current, active member of a professional association
• Their membership number needs to be included in the letter
• The letter is requested after enrolment — you'll be given clear criteria to share with your supervisor

Already qualified as a face-to-face supervisor?

If you are already qualified as a clinical supervisor in face-to-face practice, this course is well suited to upskilling in supervising online and telephone therapy work.

Language requirement

Fluency in English — both spoken and written — is essential to participate fully and achieve the learning outcomes. If you're unsure whether your level of English is sufficient, please email us at support@counsellingtutor.com — we'll help you assess.

Not sure if you meet the criteria?

If you're weighing it up and want to talk it through with a real person — including any specific questions about non-UK qualifications, experience equivalence, or supervisor letters — email support@counsellingtutor.com and a member of our team will be happy to help.

Want to know more?

You can see full course details — including upcoming intake dates and the course handbook — at the Advanced Certificate in Clinical Supervision page.