Continuous Competency Development Plan
what is CCD?
Continuous Competency Development is required at the time of member renewal.
The Continuous Competency Development Plan (CCDP) outlines ACCT’s expectations for professional development, supervision, and self-care. It is designed to align with counselling standards across Canada and to support the ongoing growth, accountability, and well-being of our members.
All RTC-Candidates, AC-Candidates, RTCs, ACs, MTCs, and RCSs are required to complete a total of 30 hours of competency development annually. This includes:
- A minimum of 10 hours of clinical supervision
- A minimum of 8 hours of professional development or continuing education
- Up to 8 hours of self-care activities that enhance your capacity to practise safely and effectively
RCS Requirements
Every three years, Registered Counselling Supervisors (RCSs) must complete a minimum of 20 hours specifically related to supervision. This includes:
- 10 hours of professional development focused on supervision practices
- 10 hours of supervisor-specific training
These supervision-related hours may be integrated into the Master Therapeutic Counsellor (MTC) CCD requirements, when appropriate.
Inactive Status Members
Members with inactive status are required to complete and submit 15 hours of professional development annually.
The CCDP helps ensure that all members remain engaged in reflective practice and lifelong learning—both of which are essential to providing ethical and effective care.
Annual Submission Requirements
|
Requirement |
Details |
|
Annual Competency Development Report |
Completed at renewal |
|
Annual Self-Assessment & Competency Plan |
Retain for records |
|
Total Competency Development Hours |
30 hours per year |
|
Goal Setting |
Member chooses their own process |
|
Audit |
4 random members audited per year; must provide full Annual Competency Plan if selected |
How It Works
Competency development begins with identifying a clear professional goal and creating an annual plan to support it. The activities you engage in throughout the year should reflect and reinforce that goal. ACCT encourages members to draw from a range of meaningful and relevant experiences, outlined below:
Supervision (Minimum 10 hours required)
- Individual, dyadic, triadic, or group supervision with a qualified counselling supervisor
- Supervision received through continuing education, training, or practicum
- For more details please refer to the Supervision Guidelines
Professional Development (Minimum 8 hours required)
- PD must be directly related to your work as a counsellor
- Participation in courses, seminars, or formal training
- Self-directed learning (up to 10 hours)
-
Mentoring and peer consultation (up to 10 hours):
- Giving or receiving peer consultation or mentoring
- Giving or receiving peer consultation or mentoring
-
Learning through contribution (up to 10 hours):
- Writing for professional purposes
- Writing for professional purposes
- Supervising or volunteering (e.g., committee or board work)
- Teaching, instructing, or acting as a subject matter expert
- Participating on an educational advisory committee
Self-Care (Maximum 8 hours can be counted)
- Receiving counselling therapy (individual, family, or group)
- Attending workshops with a therapeutic or restorative component
- Engaging in physical practices that support emotional regulation and well-being (e.g., yoga, tai chi)
- Participating in meditative or spiritual practices
- Other self-care activities that contribute meaningfully to your professional functioning. If you are unsure whether an activity qualifies, please check with ACCT in advance.
Courses or training related to self-care may also be included if clearly linked to your professional development plan.
Members are encouraged to choose activities with intention, linking each experience to their overall goals as a counsellor. This approach supports both competence and sustainability in practice.
Counsellor competency is developed through counselling hours, supervision, and professional development. The CCDP ensures your ongoing growth supports safe, ethical, and effective practice.
To help to organize your goals and plan for the year, please use this worksheet.
