The Qualification in Clinical Neuropsychology (Qicn) Was Originally Developed by and For

The Qualification in Clinical Neuropsychology (QiCN) was originally developed by and for clinical and educational psychologists who wish to undertake additional training following their doctorates to become BPS recognised as Clinical Neuropsychologists. At the time of its development in the early 2000’s the Division of Counselling Psychology did not express an interest in the QiCN but there are now a number of Counselling Psychologists who are very keen to complete the QiCN or similar qualification.

The DoN and the DCoP are now working together closely and positively on developments in the Qualification in Clinical Neuropsychology (QiCN) so that counselling psychologists who wish to undertake the QiCN will have a route into the qualification that appropriately recognises their specialist skills and competencies. The DoN invited the DCoP to participate in their extensive consultation on training pathways and to form a working party to achieve such aims once the BPS have completed their mapping exercise between the divisional competencies.

The DCoP and the DoN appreciate that many counselling psychologists have high levels of skills and training in psychometric and cognitive assessments that enable them to develop complex formulations involving cognitive processing and behavioural function. Some counselling psychologists have also developed further skills by undertaking specialist placements in neuropsychological settings during training or by gaining specialist skills and experience post-qualification, whilst of course seeking appropriate supervision.

The BPS position has always been that ‘Clinical Neuropsychologist’ should be a protected title but whilst it is not the BPS has developed the Specialist Register of Clinical Neuropsychologists (SRCN) which is available to the public so that patients and employers can check who has completed the BPS accredited QiCN training.

The BPS Specialist Register of Clinical Neuropsychologists is a publicly available tool to check accredited clinical neuropsychology qualifications rather than to imply necessary restrictions or detrimental perspectives on the current highly skilled DCoP membership.

Peter Rankin Helen Nicholas

Chair Chair

Division of Neuropsychology Division of Counselling Psychology