Our Qualification Framework
Understanding more about your qualifications and professional accreditation.
Making the pathway clear
Training in counselling and psychotherapy can sometimes feel complex. At Connexus, we want you to see clearly how each step fits together. Each stage of training contributes towards the next — so the hours you invest in the Foundation Year, for example, count towards the Diploma, and your Diploma hours carry forward into the Advanced Diploma and CTA. Nothing is wasted; every part of your journey builds towards recognised qualifications and professional registration.
Our qualifications are nationally and internationally recognised, and each one is designed to support both your professional development and your personal growth.
TA 101
Certificate (Entry-level)
A two-day introduction to the core concepts of Transactional Analysis. This is the recognised entry point into TA training and is accredited by UKATA.
On completion, you’ll receive the TA 101 Certificate, accepted by TA training institutes worldwide.
Certificate in Transactional Analysis Theory
Stage One: Foundation Year (150 hours)
The Foundation Year deepens your learning beyond TA 101. Over the course of a year, you’ll complete 150 hours of internationally recognised training, either through weekend or Friday sessions.
Assessment is reflective and practical:
- Eight short written reflections (250 words each)
- One presentation
On completion, you’ll receive the Connexus Institute Certificate in TA Theory, which forms Stage One of the professional training pathway.
Who is it for?
The Foundation Year is the natural next step if you plan to go on to the Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling. But it also works as a standalone course, highly valuable for people in a wide range of fields:
- Coaches — apply TA theory to deepen your work with clients.
- Educators — understand classroom and learning dynamics.
- Managers and HR professionals — improve communication, leadership, and conflict management.
- Health and social care workers — add a framework for working more effectively with clients.
- Anyone curious about people — gain insight into relationships, motivation, and your own patterns of behaviour.
Connexus Institute Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling:
Academic Level 6 (SCoPED Column A)
This diploma is accredited by the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS) and assessed via a portfolio approach.
Requirements include:
- 450 hours of training (Stages One, Two (a), and Two (b))
- Minimum 120 hours of supervised client work
- Minimum 24 hours of supervision (at least half with a TA supervisor)
- Minimum 120 hours of personal therapy
- A 4,000 to 4,500-word case study and a viva assessment
On successful completion of the above, you may:
- Use the title Psychotherapeutic Counsellor (Dip Couns.)
- Become an Accredited Registrant (MNCPS Accred) of the NCPS
- Join the Professional Standards Authority Accredited Register
- Apply to BACP via the Certificate of Proficiency test, leading towards MBACP Accreditation
Connexus Institute Advanced Diploma in Adult Psychotherapy:
Academic Level 7 (SCoPED Column C)
This qualification is assessed via a portfolio approach and aligns with the requirements for UKCP registration through UKATA.
Requirements include:
- Four years of psychotherapy training (Stages Two (a), Two (b) and Three)
- Minimum 450 hours of supervised client work (1:6 supervision ratio)
- Minimum 160 hours of personal therapy
- An extended case study (approx. 8,000 words), an oral exam, and submission of a structured portfolio of training
On successful completion you may:
- Publicised your Advanced Diploma in Adult Psychotherapy qualification
- Register with the UKCP as a Psychotherapist via UKATA
- Use UKCP and UKATA membership and registration logos (in line with policy)
Certified Transactional Analyst (CTA):
Academic Level 7 (SCoPED Column C)
The Certified Transactional Analyst (CTA) is an internationally recognised qualification awarded by the European Association for Transactional Analysis (EATA). At Connexus, the CTA route also aligns with UKCP registration via UKATA.
Requirements include:
- Training: At least 600 hours of TA training over no fewer than 4 years
- Clinical practice: 750 client hours (500 using TA, with individuals, couples, or groups)
- Supervision: 150 hours, including 75 with a PTSTA/TSTA and 40 with your Principal Supervisor
- Personal therapy: 40 hours per year across at least 4 years with a UKCP-registered psychotherapist (or equivalent)
- Mental Health Familiarisation Placement: A placement with reflective report meeting HIPC (UKCP College) standards
- Long-term clients: At least two long-term clients, with successful closure of at least one case
- A 24,000 word case study (double-marked against UKATA/EATA criteria)
- An Oral examination: Clinical exam with two external examiners, assessing integration, relational depth, and competence
On successful completion you may:
- Use the title Certified Transactional Analyst (Psychotherapy field)
- Register as a UKCP Reg. TA Psychotherapist via UKATA
- Use professional logos (EATA, UKATA, UKCP, PSA) in line with policy
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the SCoPED Framework?
The SCoPEd framework is a shared standards framework which has been developed and agreed by six of the major Professional Standards Authority (PSA) accrediting bodies including the UKCP, and represents over 75,000 counsellors and psychotherapists in the UK.
Do I have to be training as a therapist to take the Foundation Year?
Not at all. The Foundation Year is designed both for future therapists and for people in other professions who want to understand people and relationships more deeply—such as coaches, educators, managers, or anyone working in people-focused roles.
Do my training hours carry forward into the next qualification?
Yes. Every stage builds on the last. The hours you complete in the Foundation Year count towards the Diploma. Diploma hours contribute towards the Advanced Diploma, and all of these can also be counted when you move on to the CTA. Nothing is wasted.
Does this mean I have to decide from the start how far I’ll go?
Not at all. Many students begin with TA 101 or the Foundation Year simply out of interest. If you choose to continue later, the hours you’ve already done will still count. This gives you flexibility while keeping the pathway open.
How many personal therapy hours do I need?
For the Connexus Institute Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling, you need at least 3 x 12-month blocks of 40 hours in ongoing therapy with a UKCP-registered psychotherapist (or equivalent). For the Connexus Institute Advanced Diploma / UKCP registration, you need 4 blocks of 40 hours.
Do my therapy hours have to match academic years?
No. Therapy hours are counted in 12-month blocks, but these don’t need to line up with academic years. Your training period runs from your enrolment at Connexus until you register with the relevant professional body, so you can choose the start and end dates of your blocks within that overall timeframe.
What’s the difference between the Diploma and the Advanced Diploma?
The Diploma (Level 6) qualifies you as a Psychotherapeutic Counsellor, while the Advanced Diploma (Level 7) enables you to register as a UKCP Psychotherapist.
How does UKATA fit into this?
Connexus is a Registered Training Establishment (RTE) of UKATA. For UKCP registration, your Advanced Diploma or CTA portfolio is assessed and endorsed through UKATA.
What is a portfolio approach?
Rather than one single exam, you build a portfolio of evidence—training hours, client work, supervision, personal therapy, and written assessments—which is assessed holistically to demonstrate your readiness to qualify.
Why consider the CTA route?
CTA status is internationally recognised and portable, showing you’ve reached advanced clinical competence. It not only opens the door to UKCP registration but also positions you for roles as a supervisor, trainer, and contributor to the wider TA community.