Pre-Accredited Membership
Pre-Accredited Membership is available to those who have qualified from an IACP Accredited Course and are actively working towards Accreditation.
A Pre-Accredited Member may use the title "Pre-Accredited Member IACP" (an exact phrase only) on documentation. They may not represent themselves as an Accredited Member and may not use the initials MIACP.
Pre-Accredited Members must abide by the IACP Code of Ethics and Practice and are subject to the IACP Complaints Procedure.
Pre-Accredited and Accredited members are encouraged to protect the value of counselling by, where possible, working only where payment is offered.
Membership of this category does not guarantee IACP Accreditation.
Eligibility
Only applicants who have successfully completed an IACP Accredited course are eligible to apply for IACP Pre-Accredited Membership. A list of IACP accredited courses can be viewed here: https://iacp.ie/register-of-accredited-courses.
An applicant will be considered to be eligible following the issue of a final transcript of results that has been ratified by the exam board.
Applicants from Non-IACP Accredited courses, including applicants from outside Ireland, may still apply for First Time Accreditation by applying directly to the Accreditation Committee (once they have completed all the necessary client hours etc.)
IACP Garda Vetting
It is an IACP requirement that all Pre-Accredited Members must have current and valid IACP Garda Vetting. IACP Garda vetting remains valid for a period of 3 years.
The IACP are responsible for their own Garda vetting of all members, regardless of whether they have recently been vetted through another organisation.
A processing fee of €30 applies per IACP Garda Vetting application. Vetting applications may take from 4 weeks up to 20 weeks to complete. Waiting time depends on the level of demand in the National Vetting Bureau at the time of application. For more information, click here.
How To Apply
1. Click on the ‘Apply Now’ tab on the right side of this page (or the 'Join Us' tab at the top of the page if using a mobile device)
- Please tick the box for ‘Already a Student member’ only if currently an active Student member
- Please tick the box for IACP Garda vetting only if you do not have current and valid IACP Garda vetting
- Following payment completion, check all inboxes (including spam/ junk folders) to receive a link to your online application form. If applicable, your Garda vetting application forms will be attached to this email.
2. Complete and submit your online application form, which includes uploading the following 3 documents:
- Evidence of successful course completion (certificate/ final transcript/ graduation letter)
- Proof of professional liability insurance
- Contract of supervision or a letter/email from your supervisor confirming same
3. You will then receive an email acknowledgement of your application. If there are no queries on the application, the processing time is approximately 1 month. If there is a query on the application, you will be notified by email.
Pre-Accredited Membership Fees
All IACP memberships run from January 1st to December 31st each year. The cost of IACP Pre-Accredited membership is €194 per annum.
If you apply for membership during the year, a reduced pro rata fee will apply and will cover membership only until December 31st. The full membership fee will apply for the following year.
When changing your IACP membership category from Student to Pre-Accredited membership, a pro rata fee will be payable in addition to your previously paid Student membership fee. The full Pre-Accredited membership fee will apply for the following year.
If you would like a list of these pro rata fees, please contact iacp@iacp.ie .
CPD Requirements
It is an IACP requirement that all Pre-Accredited Members log 10 hours of CPD per annum. For more information, click here.
Supervision Requirements
Pre-Accredited Members must comply with IACP Supervision Requirements. For more information, click here.
Benefits of IACP Membership
Formal recognition of your qualifications and experience through our accreditation process.
Professional Support on Standards of Practice and Education: IACP assists with all types of member enquiries and puts you in touch with the right experts. Members can access a range of information from the office and receive information (by speaking to someone, viewing online or receiving printed guidelines) on practical, ethical, and professional matters. Members can also access IACP publications ranging from the latest professional guidelines to public information leaflets.
Representation: The IACP champions the contribution of Counsellors, Psychotherapists and the profession. We strongly lobby (Government, Political parties, Department of Health and Children, Health Committee’s, Allied Health Professions and other National Bodies) on key issues and priorities. The central aim of the Statutory Regulation of Counselling and Psychotherapy forms a large part of this work. We also influence policy development and plans through Responses and Submissions.
Continuing Professional Development (Free Members Seminars): IACP provides several free seminars and webinars for members annually.
IACP Workshops at reduced Rates: IACP supports the provision of workshops countrywide by the IACP regional committees. These workshops cover a wide range of interesting topics. Members receive a discounted rate for all IACP Regional Workshops.
Reduced Professional Insurance: IACP negotiated professional indemnity insurance schemes. O’Brien Finlay: Qualified Therapist - €75 discount, Students - €160 discount.
E-news: Regular e-mail circular containing information and employment/placement opportunities.
Quarterly Journal: The IACP journal, 'The Irish Journal of Counselling & Psychotherapy' including articles, ‘Notice Board’ and Advertising is sent to members four times a year.
Attendance at AGM: The AGM is an excellent opportunity for you to ensure that you are fully informed of current policies, standards and activities. It is also a great opportunity to network with colleagues and fellow members.
Reduced rate to attend the IACP Annual Conference: The new annual conference is a great opportunity to meet other members, hear keynote speakers, attend the Gala Dinner with Carl Berkeley Memorial Award, and participate in different Counselling & Psychotherapy workshops.
Regional Support: Support and networking opportunities are available at regular Regional meetings nationwide.
Regional Participation: All members are also automatically members of their Regional branch and can network with local colleagues and help influence the Association’s priorities.
Awards: Members are eligible for nomination for Carl Berkeley Memorial Award that recognises outstanding contribution to counselling and psychotherapy development.
International Representation: The IACP represents members’ views internationally and continues to work with the BACP (with whom we have full reciprocity), the International Association for Counselling, Counselling in Scotland (COSCA), amongst others.
Publicity: One of IACP’s main aims is to inform the public of Counselling and Psychotherapy benefits. We do this through our public relations and communications strategy, which concentrates on public events, press releases, interaction with the media and direct advertising. Our communications work highlights the importance of Professional Standards and the services that IACP and its members offer the public.
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