Nationally Accredited Standards in Therapy

The SHTC only accepts members with an appropriate standard of professional training, to nationally accredited standards. We do not accept members with independently accredited awards.

Many training bodies and associations in the UK and abroad claim to "accredit" courses and therapists. Most of these are themselves independent organisations. Some are of a high standard, but the consumer has no guarantee of this.

We only accept members who have awards that have a direct line of accreditation back to nationally recognised standards. In practice this works in two ways:

• Some Qualifications are themselves directly recognised according to national standards. These include University Degrees and NVQ (SNVQ in Scotland) awards.
   
• Some qualifications are awarded by independent colleges, but are subject to accreditation by awarding bodies who are themselves approved by the QCA (Qualification Curriculum Authority) / SQA (Scottish Curriculum Authority). Thus although provided by an independent provider, that provider meets the standards required for the award to be equivalent to a specified standard on the National Qualifications Framework.

When assessing membership applications, we also check the level of the award. Introductary awards may be appropriately accredited, but do not meet the level of award required for competent practice. Therefore our members must have at least a Level 3 award in order to apply for the lower grade of membership, and Level 4 or 5 for full membership.

It is generally accepted that Level 3 is equivalent to basic competence, therefore appropriate for carefully supported practice. Levels 4 and 5, and University Degrees are considered professional level qualifications.

Levels 1 and 2, and university accredited "introduction" or "basic foundation" courses may be accredited, but are not of a sufficiently high standard for membership.

Only qualifications directly related to the practice of the therapy or coaching in question are considered valid for membership. Being highly qualified in a non related field is not relevent to applications.

Associate members of the SHTC (ASHTC) have Level 3 awards, and are offered additional support to ensure competent service provision.

Full members of the SHTC (MSHTC) have Level 4 or 5 awards or appropriate degrees, or have Level 3 awards with five years of post qualification experience.

Fellows of the SHTC (FSHTC) have level 4 or 5 awards or appropriate degrees, and over five years experience (those with initially level 3 awards, this is in addition to the five years to gain full membership). They must also be recommended by a Fellow of the SHTC or appropriately qualified health professional at equivalent level.

Unsure if your award is to the required standard? Check whether the awarding body is accredited: Complete list of QCA approved awarding bodies HERE.

Further information can be found off-site, via our links section.