Student Upgrading

 If you are a CPCA Student Member wanting to upgrade to a practicing designation, this is the right place.  Student Members need to complete their 1100-hour counselling education program (which includes a counselling practicum) and, once complete, would be eligible to upgrade to a practicing internship designation of RPC Provisional or MPCC Provisional. 

  • The RPC Provisional designation is for the intern who is choosing to work within the Mental Health Counselling Scope of Practice and 

  • The MPCC Provisional designation is for the intern who is choosing to work within the Clinical Counselling Scope of Practice 

Note: All Upgrade Applications include a $50 upgrade fee (plus applicable fees and taxes).  Once the upgrade is approved, the difference in your membership dues will be required. 

STUDENT UPGRADE to RPC Provisional or MPCC Provisional

      [Student Upgrade Form] - Send to: upgrade@theCPCA.ca

  • Fill in the Student Upgrade Application Form
  • Be sure to choose your Counselling Scope of Practice 
  • Ensure that you have completed all of the Educational Requirements.
  • Send an email to upgrade@theCPCA.ca with "Student Upgrade" in the subject line. Attach all of the following documents to one email:
    • Completed Student Upgrade Application Form
    • Official educational transcripts
    • Copies of all training certificates
    • Two letters of recommendation (one from an educational institution, and one a character reference) 
    • Current CV or Resume
    • Photo of Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sectors Check
  • Send Original Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sectors Check (and not older than 6 months) to the mailing address on the first page of the form.
  • Send upgrade fee of $50 (plus applicable fees and taxes)
  • Once your application has been reviewed, you will be required to successfully complete the CPCA Qualifying Exam for your Scope of Practice.  
  • After successfully completing the CPCA Qualifying Exam, you will be required to submit (1) your annual membership dues, (2) a supervisor contract (which we supply the paperwork for), and (3) a copy of your liability insurance.  Once submitted, you will receive your practicing designation certificate! 

  • Upon Upgrading to "RPC Provisional" or "MPCC Provisional" please be sure to check out the CPCA Guide for Provisional Counsellors to answer all your questions about your Provisional Status:

    • How many hours do I need to complete?
    • Where and how do I find a Registered Qualified Supervisor (RQS)? 
    • How do I track my hours and what is the Quarterly Hours Report for Provisional Members?
    • And many more questions are answered in the CPCA Guide for Provisional Counsellors.