Important: Always verify with your association directly
The CPD hours, categories, and requirements shown here are provided for guidance only and may not reflect the most current rules. Bye laws and accreditation requirements change over time — always check with IAHIP, IACP, APCP, or ICP directly before making decisions about your accreditation or reaccreditation. See full disclaimer →
Complete Guide to IAHIP CPD Requirements 2026
Everything you need to know about the 250-hour 5-year cycle, Category A requirements, and reaccreditation deadlines
The Irish Association of Humanistic and Integrative Psychotherapy (IAHIP) requires members to complete 250 CPD hours over a 5-year cycle for reaccreditation. This guide breaks down everything you need to know to stay compliant.
⚠️ Figures may have changed
The hours, categories, and bye law details in this article were accurate at time of writing but IAHIP requirements and bye laws are updated regularly. Always confirm current requirements with IAHIP directly before applying or reaccrediting. See full disclaimer.
The 5-Year CPD Cycle Explained
Unlike annual requirements, IAHIP uses a flexible 5-year cycle that gives you more control over when you earn your hours. You don't need exactly 50 hours each year - you can earn more in some years and less in others, as long as you reach 250 total by your reaccreditation deadline.
Key Point:
Your 5-year cycle starts from your initial accreditation date or last reaccreditation date. Check your IAHIP membership card or contact IAHIP admin if you're unsure of your deadline.
The 9 IAHIP CPD Categories
IAHIP recognizes 9 distinct CPD categories (A-I). Here's what counts in each:
Category A: Training & Workshops (COMPULSORY 50 hours)
This is the only mandatory category. You must complete a minimum of 50 hours in Category A over your 5-year cycle. This includes:
- IAHIP-accredited training workshops
- External professional development courses
- Skills-based training (e.g., trauma therapy, CBT, EMDR)
- Modality-specific workshops
Category B: Conferences & Seminars
National and international conferences, symposiums, and professional seminars. Include travel time to/from venue if overnight.
Category C: Professional Reading
Reading professional journals, books, and research papers. Keep a reading log with titles and key learnings.
Category D: Research & Writing
Conducting research, writing articles, case studies, or contributing to professional publications.
Category E: Teaching & Presenting
Teaching psychotherapy courses, presenting at conferences, or facilitating CPD workshops for colleagues.
Category F: Clinical Supervision Received
Individual or group supervision received from an accredited supervisor. Most therapists log 20-40 hours per year here.
Category G: Supervision Provided
If you're an accredited supervisor, hours spent providing supervision count as CPD.
Category H: Personal Psychotherapy
Your own therapy sessions count! Keep receipts and therapist details confidential but note hours and dates.
Category I: Professional Membership Activities
Committee work, volunteering with IAHIP, organizing events, mentoring students.
Pro Tip:
Use MyCPDLog to track hours across all 9 categories automatically. The system calculates your progress toward the 50-hour Category A requirement and alerts you when you're approaching your reaccreditation deadline.
Different Routes to Accreditation
IAHIP has 9 different Bye Law routes to accreditation, each with the same CPD requirements but different training backgrounds:
- Bye Law 2A: MSc in Psychotherapy (4 years)
- Bye Law 2B: Diploma + MSc pathway
- Bye Law 2C: Direct entry for international psychotherapists
- Bye Law 2D: Grandparenting (pre-2004 applicants)
- Bye Law 2E: Approved training course graduates
- Plus Bye Laws 2F, 2G, 2H, 2I for specialized pathways
Regardless of your route, the CPD requirements remain the same: 250 hours over 5 years with 50 in Category A.
Reaccreditation Process
When your 5-year cycle ends, you'll need to:
- Submit a CPD portfolio showing 250 hours minimum
- Demonstrate 50+ hours in Category A with certificates
- Provide evidence for other categories (reading logs, certificates, etc.)
- Complete the reaccreditation application form
- Pay the reaccreditation fee
Important:
Start preparing your portfolio at least 3 months before your deadline. Missing your reaccreditation date means losing your accredited status, which affects insurance and professional standing.
Common Questions
Can I carry over extra hours to my next cycle?
No. Any hours beyond 250 in your current cycle don't carry forward. However, if you complete 260 hours, the extra 10 won't hurt!
What if I complete 48 hours in Category A?
You must reach the 50-hour minimum. IAHIP is strict about this requirement. Complete at least 2 more hours of training before submitting.
Do online courses count?
Yes! Online CPD courses count as long as they're relevant to psychotherapy practice. Keep certificates of completion.
Start Tracking Today
Don't wait until the last minute to organize your CPD records. Create your free MyCPDLog account and start tracking from your next workshop. The system automatically:
- Tracks your progress toward 250 hours and 50-hour Category A requirement
- Stores all your certificates securely
- Generates IAHIP-compliant reports for reaccreditation
- Sends reminders as you approach your deadline
- Calculates hours remaining per category
Stay compliant, stay organized, and focus on what matters: helping your clients.