The Certified Bereavement Practitioner (CBP) Program
The Certified Bereavement Practitioner (CBP) Program ensures that bereavement practitioners who have undertaken specialised training are given due recognition. Certification provides a high level of assurance to the community, employers, clients and professional associates of the credentials and peer recognition of a bereavement practitioner. By certifying practitioners who meet high standards of professionalism and ethical conduct, the program assists in improving bereavement practice and clinical outcomes.
The CBP Program was established in 2015 as an initiative of the Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement (ACGB) and is open to all practitioners who can meet the requisite competency criteria of training, experience, professional conduct and ethical behaviour. ACGB will list the name and contact details within a searchable referral database of certified practitioners on our website. Certified Practitioners will also have access to unique networking and professional development opportunities designed specifically to meet their needs. Annual recertification has both continuing professional development and clinical supervision requirements.
Criteria
To be eligible to apply for Certified Bereavement Practitioner status you must have the relevant education, training and experience and carry out your work to high professional and ethical standards. You will need:
- A three year degree or a post-graduate degree in counselling, health, medicine, nursing, psychology, social sciences, social welfare or social work or theology
- A minimum of 200 hours of counselling theory including at least 80 hours of specific grief and bereavement theory
- 200 hours counselling practice within a two year period including at least 80 hours of loss and grief counselling
- A minimum 40 hours of clinical supervision that includes a minimum 30 hours related to loss and grief issues
- A current Police Check and a Working with Children check
- Evidence of professional indemnity insurance
- Acceptance of the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice
Application Process
An application for certification is undertaken completely online and therefore an application can be made at any time. The average processing times for your online application is around 4-6 weeks from closing date, but can take longer if your application does not include sufficient detail or is incomplete. Once the online submission is complete, a certification assessment panel reviews your application. This panel is comprised of two practitioners – one internal and one external to the Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement. If your application is not complete, it will be deferred until the remaining materials are received and this may cause your application to be delayed.
Application Checklist
Each application requires:
- A certified copy of your academic transcript(s). This transcript must demonstrate the successful completion of three year degree or a post-graduate degree in counselling, health, medicine, nursing, psychology, social sciences, social welfare or social work or theology.
- A certified copy of evidence of 200 hours of counselling theory including at least 80 hours of specific grief and bereavement theory
- A statutory declaration stating that you have undertaken a minimum of 200 hours counselling practice within a two year period including at least 80 hours of loss and grief counselling
- A letter from your supervisor stating that you have received a minimum 40 hours of clinical supervision that includes a minimum 30 hours related to loss and bereavement issues. The supervisor is also required to outline their qualifications and any affiliations or memberships to relevant professional bodies.
- The original or a certified copy of a Police Check. Completed within the past 12 months.
- The original or a certified copy of a Working With Children check. Completed within the past 12 months.
- A certified copy of your professional indemnity insurance.
- Endorsement of the CBP Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice .
- Completion of a Application Attestation.
Application Fees
You do not need to be a member of the Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement to apply for CBP, although members do receive significant discounts on application and renewal fees. The application fee is payable at the time of submitting the application. The non-refundable application fees are listed below:
CBP Application Fees
|
|
| ACGB Member Applicant |
$150 AUD |
| Non-Member Applicant Applicant |
$230 AUD |
Fees correct as at June 2019.
Unsuccessful Applications
Unsuccessful applicants generally have two options:
1) to reapply once they have met the requirements specified; or
2) to appeal the decision with the assessment panel through the appeals process.
Registration as a Certified Bereavement Practitioner
If your application is successful, you will receive a CBP certificate and a copy of the CBP Code of Ethics . Once certified, you will be entitled to use the title Certified Bereavement Practitioner and the designated letters CBP after your name. If desired, your name and contact details will also be listed on the ACGB website as a Certified Bereavement Practitioner. Clients who contact ACGB seeking a private practitioner will be referred in the first instance to Certified Bereavement Practitioners.
Renewal Fee
Following certification you will receive a formal notice to inform you that your application has been successful. Bi-Annual Renewals are payable on the anniversary of the initial award of the certification.
CBP Bi-Annual Renewal Fees
|
|
| ACGB Member Applicant |
$120 AUD |
| Non-Member Applicant Applicant |
$175 AUD |
Fees correct as at June 2019.
Continuing Professional Education
As part of CBP Continuing Professional Education (CPE) program, Certified bereavement Practitioner are required to undertake a minimum of 10 hours of continuing professional development per year. This education must directly relate to loss and grief and can be obtained through any education provider. Certified practitioners will be required to verify hours of continuing professional development on their annual accreditation review form.
Further Information
All enquiries must be made via email to [email protected]. We will endeavour to respond to all enquiries within five business days. You can also download a PDF Brochure here