Qualification in Occupational Psychology

Outline

The QOP (Stage 2) (2019) is predicated on four Standards, set by the BPS, which underpin all activities undertaken by a competent, independent occupational psychology practitioner.

These Standards inform the specific learning outcomes for the award, against which all candidates are assessed.

Candidates will demonstrate the standards across three competency submissions and a viva examination.

The first two submissions are formative, and the final submission and viva are summative.

The portfolio of evidence that candidates submit will demonstrate the acquisition of skills in relevant working contexts under appropriate supervision.

For further information consult the appropriate handbooks and guidelines:

• Candidate Handbook
• Supervisor Handbook
• Terms and Conditions
• Viva Guidelines
• Guidelines for candidates with dyslexia (Under Review)
• Guidelines for supervisors & placement providers of candidates with dyslexia (Under Review)

If you have any questions, contact us via email.

Code of Conduct

The BPS sets standards that it expects candidates to follow.

In order to guide candidates in understanding their responsibilities as a trainee, the society has adopted this Code of Conduct for Members enrolled on a Society Qualification.

Enrolment

First consult the Candidate Handbook to make sure that you fulfil the entry requirements.

Next, find a Co-ordinating Supervisor using the Register of Applied Psychology Practice Supervisors.

It is advisable to contact more than one Supervisor before agreeing terms.

Your Supervisor will be able to explore with you how you might design your plan of training, taking into account any previous qualifications and your current circumstances. 

Once you have secured supervisory support, the next step is to complete and submit your enrolment application (our Candidate Handbook will help guide you through the process of enrolment and provide tips on how to complete the forms).

Enrolment forms

• Enrolment form
• Enrolment Guidelines
• Plan of Training
• Reference Request form
• Health Declaration
• Sample Supervisor Contract
• Direct Debit Mandate
• Payment Information form

As part of your electronic enrolment you must ensure that:

• All documents are signed with an electronic signature (scanned and inserted) and not typed
• Certificates are authenticated copies. This means a photocopy/scanned version that has been signed by your co-ordinating supervisor with a written statement to confirm they have seen the true copy
• The enhanced DBS is full scan of pages 1 and 2
• All documents are enclosed in a zipped folder labelled with your name, membership number and qualification you are enrolling on

Please note: your documents must be submitted to the office electronically via Hightail.

Submit your documents

Assessment

Assessment consists a submission of a portfolio of competence entries demonstrating that you have developed the competencies to the necessary standard in your chosen areas of work and across the consultancy cycle

Your Co-ordinating Supervisor is available to support you in preparing your submissions, although this does not constitute a formal assessment of your work

If you have any questions, contact us via email.

Academic Misconduct

The society updated its Academic Misconduct Policy in December 2023.

Candidates

Enrolled candidates can access all forms and supporting documents by logging into BPS Learn.

If you experience any difficulty with your access, please contact the team.

Competency submissions

All competency submissions must be submitted electronically via BPS Learn.

For more information about how to put together and label the submission please refer to your candidate handbook.

Annual progress reports and submissions

All progress submissions must be submitted electronically via BPS Learn.

For more information about how to put together and label the submission please refer to your candidate handbook.

Supervisors

The Occupational Psychology Qualifications Board will be running Supervisor training workshops for those wishing to supervise on the new QOP (2019) qualification and/or refresh their QOP 2010/2012 training.

The Supervisor training is a requirement that needs to be completed by anyone wishing to supervise candidates on the QOP.

Requirements

To be a supervisor you must be:

• Chartered
• HCPC Registered
• A Full Member of the DOP (normally for at least two years)

For those already supervising on QOP 2010/2012 you will be required to complete a new module 2 online training.

For those who are not already supervising on QOP, you will be required to complete module 1 & 2 online trainings.

Workshop Information

Refresher supervisor workshop

Details about the next workshop will be added in due course.

Clinics

We offer a telephone or video call service for you to speak to the Chief-Supervisor directly regarding any queries relating to the qualification.

Appointments must be made in advance by booking online and 2 half days are made available each month for clinic sessions.

The Chief-Supervisors will be able to help with discussions around assessments, but will not be able to comment on the assessment outcome.

Any support provided by the Chief Supervisors is their professional opinion and are not necessarily endorsed by the Assessment Team or Assessors.

Candidates that want to include their supervisors in clinic sessions will need to provide the supervisor's mobile number in advance so that the office can quickly create a conference call at the start of the session, or you will need to provide/request a video call link by contacting the office.

Please ensure you complete the clinic note section in full to make sure the Chief Supervisors can best support you within the session.

Book an appointment

Fees

A different fee structure applies to candidates who enrolled prior to 31 December 2014 – details of that payment structure can be sent upon request.