CPD Requirements for IACP Accredited Therapists

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is more than a regulatory obligation; it is a cornerstone of ethical, effective counselling and psychotherapy practice. For members of the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP), CPD is a requirement for ongoing accreditation. But beyond compliance, CPD represents a commitment to personal growth, clinical excellence, and professional integrity. 

This article outlines the current CPD requirements for IACP-accredited therapists, explores why they matter, and considers how structured CPD opportunities can enrich your work with clients. 

IACP CPD Requirements: The Essentials Guide 

The Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP) sets clear expectations for members to ensure therapists remain competent, ethical, and reflective in their practice. 

Here’s what you need to know: 

• Annual CPD hours 

• Pre-accredited members: 10 hours per year 

• Fully accredited members: 30 hours per year (IACP CPD Framework) 

• Recognised activities 
  To qualify as formal CPD, activities must: 

• Be at least one hour in duration. 

• Relate directly to counselling and psychotherapy practice (IACP CPD Points Guidance) 

• Range of learning 
  CPD can include workshops, formal training, peer groups, supervision, personal therapy, or even research. The key is relevance to professional development. 

• Supervision requirements 
  IACP also mandates supervision ratios linked to client contact hours, ensuring ongoing accountability and reflective practice (IACP Supervision Requirements). 

• Documentation 
  Members must keep a CPD log. This isn’t just a checklist; it should show how the learning has influenced your practice. 

Failure to meet these requirements can affect accreditation status. More importantly, it risks limiting both professional growth and the quality of support offered to clients. 

Why CPD Matters in Practice 

CPD is not a box ticking exercise, it ensures therapists are: 

• Clinically effective: Staying updated with evidence-based practices such as trauma-informed care, neurodiversity frameworks, or CBT developments. 

• Ethically grounded: Reflecting on evolving codes of practice and societal changes. 

• Resilient and self-aware: Engaging in reflective practice and self-care to prevent burnout. 

• Responsive to client needs: Adapting approaches to diverse client populations (e.g., LGBTQ+ clients, adolescents, couples). 

In supervision and client work alike, therapists who actively engage in CPD demonstrate confidence and depth, strengthening both outcomes and trust. 

Common CPD Pathways for IACP Therapists 

While the IACP allows flexibility, many therapists combine: 

• Workshops and short courses: Focused training in modalities such as EMDR, CBT, or psychodynamic practice. 

• Professional certificates: In-depth training in niche areas such as family therapy, dual diagnosis, or addiction. 

• Peer learning and supervision: Collaborative reflection with colleagues. 

• Self-directed study: Research, reading, or conference attendance. 

The key is intentionality: CPD should align with your current caseload, areas of interest, and professional development goals. 

CPD Opportunities at PCI College 

At PCI College, we support IACP members in meeting and exceeding their CPD requirements with a wide range of flexible, practice-oriented programmes: 

• Short CPD workshops: Covering topics such as trauma-informed practice, suicide intervention, and mindfulness. 

• Professional certificates: Multi-module training for deeper expertise in areas like addiction, behavioural therapies, or family systems. 

• Specialist trainings: Including integrative approaches and advanced clinical skills. 

All our CPD offerings are designed to be both academically rigorous and practically relevant ensuring that what you learn can be applied immediately in your client work. 

Explore upcoming CPD opportunities here: PCI College CPD Courses 

Conclusion 

For IACP-accredited therapists, CPD is a professional obligation. But more importantly, it is an investment in your competence, confidence, and capacity to serve clients effectively. By engaging with high-quality training and reflective practice, you not only maintain accreditation but also nurture the qualities that make you a skilled, ethical, and adaptive therapist. 

If you’re planning your next steps in CPD, now is the time to reflect on your practice needs, explore emerging areas of therapy, and choose training that inspires both you and your clients. 
 
Dan O’Mahony  
Faculty Lecturer