A Guide to QQI Levels, Eligibility Criteria, and Pathways into Training
IICP offer a range of QQI and IACP validated courses from Certificate to Master’s level.
What You Need to Know Before You Begin
Starting a counselling and psychotherapy course in Ireland begins with understanding the entry requirements and QQI levels. This guide breaks down what you need to qualify, where to begin, and how to choose the right course for your career path.
What Is QQI?
Ireland uses the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ), a 10‑level system that defines the standard of every qualification from basic certificates to PhDs. QQI (Quality & Qualifications Ireland) oversees these levels and ensures they are recognised nationally and internationally. All of our educational based programmes are recognised and validated by QQI.
QQI levels help you understand:
- The difficulty of a course
- Your progression options
- How qualifications are recognised
QQI Levels Explained Simply
- Levels 1-3: Basic foundation learning (e.g. junior cycle)
- Levels 4-5: Entry vocational and PLC qualifications (e.g. leaving cert)
- Level 6: Advanced certificates / higher certificates
- Level 7: Ordinary bachelor degree
- Level 8: Honours degree
- Level 9: Master’s degree
- Level 10: Doctorate
What QQI Level Do You Need for Counselling and Psychotherapy?
Counselling courses in Ireland typically begin at Level 6 and progress to Levels 7-9.
Most people start with:
1. Entry-Level Counselling and Psychotherapy Courses (QQI Level 6)
Many beginners start with a QQI Level 6 Certificate in Counselling & Psychotherapy
Entry requirements include:
- A Level 5 qualification such as the Leaving Certificate
- If English is not your first language, proof of English proficiency (e.g., IELTS 5.5). For more information, please click here.
Successful applicants will be invited to an interview with faculty as part of the application process.
2. Degree-Level Counselling Courses (QQI Levels 7-8)
Most professional counselling qualifications require a Level 7 or Level 8 degree. IICP College offers QQI Level 8 BSc (Hons) in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy
Entry requirements include:
- A Level 5 qualification such as the Leaving Certificate
- If English is not your first language, proof of English proficiency (e.g., IELTS 6). For more information please click here.
- Learners can apply for exemptions under RPL (see below)
Successful applicants will be invited to an interview with faculty as part of the application process.
3. Postgraduate and Masters in Counselling and Psychotherapy (QQI Level 9)
For those looking to advance or specialise in their practice, learners can pursue a Master’s degree, such as: MSc in Pluralistic Counselling and Psychotherapy and MA Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy Masters
Entry requires:
- A Level 8 degree in counselling and psychology or equivalent
- Evidence of completion of 50 hours of personal therapy
- Evidence of 100 hours of supervised clinical practice
- Professional experience
OR
- An honours degree, Level 8 on the NFQ, plus a professional diploma in counselling and psychotherapy (IACP accredited).
Successful applicants will be invited to an interview with faculty as part of the application process.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Pathways
IICP College supports RPL for applicants who have previous accredited training and relevant professional experience. Find out more here.
RPL may help you:
- Gain exemptions
- Enter courses without traditional academic routes
Summary: What QQI Level Do You Need?
Where to start if you are thinking about the Counselling profession:
You can experience an insight into the Counselling & Psychotherapy profession without further commitment to our 4 month QQI Level 6 Certificate. From here you can progress through to the QQI Level 8 Degree with credit given for module undertaken in the Certificate Programme.
Alternatively, if I know I want to become a qualified counsellor:
You can apply to the complete the 4 year QQI Level 8 BSc Honours Degree (the emerging minimum standard).
If you want to specialise or advance your practice:
Many therapists that have completed the Degree often consider further specialised training and you can do this through one of two QQI Level 9 Master’s.
For professional accreditation:
Complete therapy hours, supervised practice, and clinical placements as required by your accrediting counselling and psychotherapy body. IACP is the accrediting body for all of the above listed programmes.
