Course Accreditation
The Level 5 Higher Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapy (Hypno-CBT®): a new standard of excellence for hypnotherapy.
The Level 5 Higher Diploma accredited by NCFE is the new “gold standard” for hypnotherapy training in the UK.
Please note: this is an unregulated qualification and is not a nationally recognised qualification.
Why qualification Levels matter
To work safely and confidently as a practitioner, your qualification needs to be meaningful, recognised, and based on clear standards. However, in the hypnotherapy field, terms such as Diploma, Level 4, Level 5, or even Level 6 or 7, are used in very different ways by different training providers.
The key question is: is the qualification Level externally verified by a government-regulated Awarding Organisation?
If it is not, then the Level is simply the provider’s own internal label. It does not indicate equivalence to a Level within the national qualifications framework, regardless of the number used.
Quick summary
A Diploma describes the length of training. A Level describes the depth and complexity. Only government-regulated Awarding Organisations (e.g. NCFE) can verify Level. Professional associations can approve courses for membership, not award Levels.
Externally verified vs internally awarded: a provider may call a course “Level 5”, but unless the Level has been verified by a regulated Awarding Organisation, it is simply the provider’s internal label, not an externally validated qualification Level.
Our Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapy is awarded as an NCFE Customised Qualification at Level 5. NCFE is recognised as an awarding organisation by national qualification regulators: Ofqual (England), Qualifications Wales, and CCEA Regulation (Northern Ireland).
Because NCFE is regulated, it cannot simply “rubber-stamp” courses. It must independently verify that the qualification:
- is taught to a recognised standard
- uses valid and reliable assessment processes
- has appropriate student support and tutor training
- provides a coherent curriculum at the stated level
Our Diploma is not just “approved” by a professional body. It is independently verified at Level 5 by a government-regulated Awarding Organisation.
How NCFE verifies our Level 5 Diploma
We design the curriculum and assessments. NCFE independently checks that our qualification meets Level 5 standards and is delivered consistently, through three core verification processes:
- External Quality Assurance (EQA)
- Annual Monitoring Review (AMR)
- Assessment and Tutor Standards Auditing
In plain terms: we teach the programme. NCFE checks that we are teaching and assessing at the correct standard, every year, through documented external quality assurance.
Level vs Diploma: two different things
This is the single most important distinction when comparing hypnotherapy courses, and where most confusion occurs in the hypnotherapy training landscape.
- Level reflects the academic depth and complexity of the learning.
- Diploma reflects the length and scope of the programme.
A Diploma normally involves around 370+ total learning hours, including teaching time, guided study, reading, skills practice, reflective work, and assessment. However, only a regulated Awarding Organisation can verify the Level.
A simple real-world analogy: training as a vehicle technician
| Skill Level (car mechanic) | What it represents |
|---|---|
| Level 3 | You can perform standard tasks safely using known procedures. |
| Level 4 | You can handle multiple simple situations, with some problem-solving and autonomy. |
| Level 5 | You can assess, make decisions, and adapt your approach for more complex problems. You can work independently and handle complexity safely. |
| Level 6 | You can evaluate, justify, and improve methods. You may supervise others. You can resolve complex problems. |
| Level 7 | You are working at a specialist or “master practitioner” level, often involved in designing programmes or leading professional development of others. |
In hypnotherapy and psychotherapy training, Level 5 is typically the threshold for safe autonomous practice with real clients. Levels 6 and 7 involve advanced practice, supervision, research, or training roles.
Any provider can call a course a “Diploma”; the term isn’t legally protected in the UK. But the Level only has recognised meaning when an Awarding Organisation has reviewed and externally verified the curriculum and assessments.
NCFE accreditation: the Level 5 Higher Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapy
The Level 5 Higher Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapy is a customised award developed in collaboration with NCFE. It is exclusive to our training organisation.
The College is an NCFE awarding centre for this Diploma, available to students who complete our whole training programme. The diploma is independently awarded and externally verified by NCFE in collaboration with the College, and is accredited by NCFE as a Customised Qualification (customised award no. C0982).
Please note this is an unregulated qualification and is not a nationally recognised qualification, so it cannot be directly compared to academic qualifications. However, in practical terms, a Level 5 difficulty means the course requires a rigorous depth of study. You will be trained to address broadly defined, complex problems, adapt appropriate clinical methods, and critically evaluate therapeutic results at a high professional standard.
This is probably the most important accreditation, since it assures learners of the quality of both the training delivery and the assessment of learning outcomes for the qualification.
The Live-stream Webcast and the Online Diploma (pre-recorded, with tutoring and practice sessions) both meet the requirements for the NCFE-awarded Diploma. The same Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapy is awarded to Live-stream Webcast, Online and Blended Diploma graduates.
- Read more about the Level 5 qualification
- See the Level 5 Qualification Pathways
- More information about our customised award (Diploma) with NCFE
- See our 2025 External Verification Report from NCFE
- See a sample of the Diploma certificate issued by NCFE
Qualification details
Total learning hours: 500. Benchmarked difficulty: Level 5. Assessment: to gain the Level 5 Higher Diploma, learners complete our full diploma training programme, assessed via supervised case studies and a written assessment.
Our curriculum is developed and rigorously reviewed in consultation with our Senior Advisory Board, ensuring it is aligned with the latest evidence-based practice.
About NCFE
NCFE is a non-profit educational organisation founded over 175 years ago, and is a leading centre for vocational qualifications, regulated by Ofqual.
Having a customised qualification, designed in collaboration with NCFE, assures learners that rigorous standards of learning and assessment are followed. Each year we have an external review by NCFE to ensure these rigorous standards are maintained.
“The centre continues to uphold their professionalism in delivering a qualification which fully meets NCFE requirements.”
NCFE 2024 Quality Assurance Report — read the full report
In 2007 the UK College collaborated with NCFE to create our own Customised Qualification Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapy, transitioning from the NCH’s HPD to ensure our training was more aligned with mainstream scientific research and principles.
“Externally verified” means we don’t print off our own diplomas. The Diploma is awarded and verified by NCFE, a government-regulated examining and awarding body.
Internationally recognised training and qualification
Having trained over 3,000 students in 76 countries, we have international recognition and global reach.
3,000+
students trained
76
countries
British Psychological Society (BPS) CPD Quality Mark recognition
The British Psychological Society (BPS) is the leading representative body for psychology in the UK. Our course has been approved through the BPS CPD Quality Mark Scheme for the purposes of continuing professional development, meeting the five criteria required by the BPS Quality Mark Scheme.
You can find our course listed on the BPS Quality Mark Scheme approved courses page, a listing of all BPS-approved courses and workshops for continuing professional development.
“There are many courses on the market, and finding the right one can be a minefield. By choosing a course from the BPS approved list, you will be making a decision safe in the knowledge that your course has been rigorously assessed to meet the highest ethical, professional, and practical standards of the British Psychological Society, giving you confidence in your learning.”
The British Psychological Society, on finding a training course
By undertaking a BPS-approved course, you will benefit from:
- Trusted quality — every course meets the BPS’s rigorous Quality Mark standards, ensuring excellence in course development and delivery.
- Career advancement — having a BPS-approved course on your CV can not only enhance your skills, but also boost your credentials and help you stand out in your field.
Your path to professional practice and accreditation
The following are the main registers that accept (accredit) our Level 5 Higher Diploma qualification. You will be able to join as a full professional member.
Main UK registers: The National Council of Integrative Psychotherapists (NCIP), The National Council of Hypnotherapy (NCH), The General Hypnotherapy Register (GHR/GHSC).
Other UK professional bodies: Accredited Counsellors, Coaches, Psychotherapists and Hypnotherapists (ACCPH), The Register for Evidence-Based Hypnotherapy & Psychotherapy (REBHP), The Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT).
International: The International Council of Integrative Psychotherapists (ICIP), The International Hypnosis Association (IHA), The Australian Society of Clinical Hypnosis (ASCH), The International Certification Board of Clinical Hypnotherapy (ICBCH, USA — by reciprocity agreement), The Chinese Psychological Society.
Professional recognition for membership
The National Council of Integrative Psychotherapists (NCIP)
The Level 5 Higher Diploma has been accredited for full membership of NCIP. NCIP is the recommended membership route for graduates of the College.
NCIP has a sister organisation, the International Council of Integrative Psychotherapists (ICIP). For international graduates, ICIP is the membership option of choice, with the same training course accreditation as NCIP.
The National Council of Hypnotherapy (NCH)
NCH is one of the foremost member hypnotherapy organisations in the United Kingdom and has been instrumental in helping to set standards across the profession. The Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapy is recognised and accepted by the NCH for full professional membership.
The main qualification used by NCH is the HPD (Hypnotherapy Practitioner Diploma). The College originally used the HPD, but in 2007 developed its own qualification (Level 4 Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapy) to fit with our evidence-based and science-aligned curriculum. In 2021 we launched our Level 5 Higher Diploma with NCFE. NCH accepts the Level 5 Diploma as meeting all requirements for NCH membership (the usual requirement is the NCH Level 4 HPD).
Benefits of NCH membership include practice liability insurance, The Hypnotherapy Journal (delivered quarterly), a members’ website with a public members database, and an annual conference.
View the College on the NCH list of approved training providers
Applies to Webcast and Online Diploma formats. The Online format may require some additional contact hours to meet membership requirements.
The General Hypnotherapy Register (GHR) & General Hypnotherapy Standards Council (GHSC)
GHR is one of the oldest and most respected professional hypnotherapy organisations in the United Kingdom and has been instrumental in helping to set standards across the profession. The Diploma has been assessed and validated at practitioner level by the General Hypnotherapy Standards Council (UK). Graduates are eligible for professional registration with the General Hypnotherapy Register at full practitioner status.
View the College on the GHR list of approved training providers
Applies to Webcast and Online Diploma formats. Those taking the Online format may need to acquire additional contact hours.
The Register for Evidence-Based Hypnotherapy & Psychotherapy (REBHP)
This award is designed to meet the training requirement for membership of REBHP. Additional registration requirements, such as hours of clinical supervision, may be stipulated by the Register, and these must be confirmed directly with them.
REBHP was founded in 2008 by Mark R Davis and Donald Robertson, to fill the need for a professional organisation that was rigorous in requiring evidence-based practice. REBHP members are able to receive The International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, the leading academic journal on hypnosis. REBHP is a division of Mindease Limited.
Please note that REBHP is currently under review for development and not accepting applications to join at the present time.
ACCPH — Accredited Counsellors, Coaches, Psychotherapists & Hypnotherapists
ACCPH has accredited the Level 5 Higher Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapy. Graduates are able to join the ACCPH Professional Directory as full members. Applies equally to both Webcast and Online formats.
ASCH — The Australian Society of Clinical Hypnosis
ASCH has accredited the Level 5 Higher Diploma. Graduates are able to join the leading professional hypnotherapy organisation in Australia as full practitioner members. Applies equally to both Webcast and Online formats.
IHA — International Hypnosis Association
The IHA accepts the Level 5 Higher Diploma for professional membership status. Graduates are able to join the IHA as full professional members. Applies equally to both Webcast and Online formats.
The Chinese Psychological Society (CPS)
In June 2019, our Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapy — the training at the core of what we now call the Hypno-CBT® Diploma — became one of the first private psychotherapy training programmes in China to be officially certified by the Chinese Psychological Society. This reflects years of collaboration, training and refinement of our approach in China.
ICBCH — for those in the United States (by reciprocity agreement)
Once qualified with the Level 5 Higher Diploma, you can apply for membership of the International Certification Board of Clinical Hypnotherapy (ICBCH) via a reciprocal membership agreement. Upon acceptance you will be issued a Certificate of Membership as a Clinical Hypnotist, and will be able to obtain insurance in the USA and practise there.
You need to be aware of the varied state-by-state regulations on what you can call yourself and how you can advertise your services. Full resources to research this are here.
Accreditation for all Diploma formats
Our Live-stream Webcast, Online and Blended Diploma formats all result in the exact same Level 5 Higher Diploma awarded by NCFE.
This Level 5 qualification is fully accepted for professional membership by all major UK registers, including our recommended route, the NCIP, as well as the NCH, GHR, ACCPH, and others.
While some registers may have historic requirements for a specific number of “contact hours”, we consider this 120-hour rule to be out of date with modern, “flipped classroom” educational design. In our experience, graduates have not had an issue joining registers with our NCFE-awarded Level 5 Diploma.
However, we are fully transparent and support all our graduates. In the unlikely event a graduate needs to demonstrate additional contact hours for a specific register, this can be topped up via our extensive free practice sessions and CPD workshops.
Choosing a hypnotherapy training: what to check
If you are comparing courses, it can look like many providers are offering the same thing — the word Diploma is used widely, and so are phrases like Level 5, Level 6, Advanced, Practitioner, or Accredited. These terms can mean very different things depending on who is awarding the qualification.
Four steps to take when comparing courses:
- Check who awards the qualification.
- Look for external quality assurance.
- Check the scope and length (Diploma scale).
- Check what the qualification leads to.
This will help you compare courses like-for-like, even when the marketing language looks similar.
Frequently asked questions
Is a Diploma always 370+ hours?
The Hypno-CBT® Diploma is a 500-hour training programme. Depending on the format chosen, it can be completed in approximately 12 months, although many students complete and qualify in 6 months. The modular structure is designed to fit around existing work and life commitments. Unlike shorter courses of 100–200 hours, a 500-hour training meets the higher standards required by the main professional registers and is necessary for full professional practice insurance.
Does having a verified Level help with future progression?
A Diploma reflects the scope and length of learning, and normally involves 370+ hours of study. Only a regulated Awarding Organisation can verify the qualification Level and confirm that the length is evidenced and quality-assured.
Your qualification: a summary
Once you have your Level 5 Higher Diploma you will be able to join a choice of membership organisations, obtain professional insurance and open your new therapy practice. This is a full practitioner pathway.
Our Customised Qualification, the Higher Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapy, has been accredited by NCFE and benchmarked at a Level 5 difficulty. All formats of the Hypno-CBT® Diploma are approved through the BPS CPD Quality Mark Scheme for the purposes of continuing professional development.
Want to train as a Hypno-CBT® practitioner? A 15-minute call is a good place to start.