Division of Coaching Psychology - careers

In November 2021, the Special Group in Coaching Psychology was re-designated as the Division of Coaching Psychology. With this came routes to becoming a Chartered Member of the BPS through training and experience in coaching psychology.

Becoming chartered

There are two routes to becoming a Chartered Member of the BPS through coaching psychology.

The accompanying flowchart is intended to assist in identifying which route is most appropriate for a candidate, given their existing status and experience.

If you already hold Chartered Member status and you are on the Register of Coaching Psychologists (or you believe you were eligible to be on the Register in November 2021) then you may be eligible for the Peer review route to full Divisional membership.

The Transfer for Chartered Members page includes full details and access to the application form.

Consult our FAQs for more information.

In both cases, applicants must be undergoing supervision of their coaching psychology practice and be able to demonstrate 8 sessions within the last 2 years, and must hold current professional indemnity insurance (or be covered by an employer’s provision).

1. BPS Qualification in Coaching Psychology Stage One and Two (in development)

Stage One: A BPS accredited Masters degree in Coaching Psychology

We are currently working with Higher Education partners towards accrediting a number of Masters programmes in coaching psychology

Stage Two: A BPS Qualification

We are currently developing a 2 year doctoral level qualification which will lead to eligibility for Chartered Membership of the society, and full Divisional membership of the Division of Coaching Psychology.

2. Professional recognition route

A professional recognition route has been developed in order to recognise the professional training and experience of those who have significant training and experience in coaching psychology, but who are not already Chartered members of the BPS.

All those wishing to achieve full Divisional membership will be required to demonstrate alignment with the Level 8 Standards in Coaching Psychology.

Full professional recognition route (permanent route)

The Professional Recognition route is available to all members holding GBC who have at least three years training and experience in coaching psychology. Candidates will be required to submit a full portfolio of evidence demonstrating alignment with each element of the Level 8 Standards in Coaching Psychology.

Successful applicants will achieve both Chartered Member status of the society and full Divisional membership of the Division of Coaching Psychology

Find out more about the full professional recognition route

Accelerated route (temporary route)

The Accelerated route is an abbreviated version of the full Professional Recognition route, and is available for members who hold GBC and who are already able to demonstrate five years full time (or part-time equivalent) experience as a coaching psychologist.

Candidates will be required to submit a reduced portfolio demonstrating alignment with the top-level standards in the Level 8 Standards in Coaching Psychology and specific second-tier standards that address ethical autonomous practice.

Successful applicants will achieve both Chartered Member status of the Society and full Divisional membership of the Division of Coaching Psychology.

This route is currently open and will remain open until 31st December 2024.

Read the Accelerated Route applicant guidelines.

Candidates wishing to apply for the Accelerated Route will need to complete the application form below.

An application fee of £744.88 + VAT (£893.86 inc. VAT) is payable. Once the application fee has been processed, and eligibility for the route confirmed, applicants will be provided with access to the route via BPS Learn.

They will then be able to download all relevant forms and documentation in order to prepare their submission.

Apply for the Accelerated Route for Full Divisional Membership

Candidates who are interested in either the Accelerated or Full Professional Recognition (PRR) route can attend a Q&A session with our Portfolio Advisor.

Q&A Sessions for Accelerated Route:

  • 26 February 2024: 09:00-10:00
  • 10 April 2024: 09:30-10:30
  • 04 July 2024: 09:30-10:30
  • 29 August 2024: 09:30-10:30

Q&A Sessions for Professional Recognition Route:

  • 04 March 2024: 14:00-15:00
  • 13 June 2024: 09:30-10:30
  • 05 September 2024: 09:30-10:30
  • 05 December 2024: 09:30-10:30

Candidates can book onto the Q&A sessions via our Booking Form.

For any enquiries, please email the Assessment and Awards team.

Audience blurred listening to speaker

Register of Coaching Psychologists

This register allows members with specialist expertise in Coaching Psychology to be recognised and differentiate their services.