CPD: Where are the best places to find professional development opportunities for counsellors?
The right CPD enables counsellors to keep up with sector trends, enhance their knowledge and support students more effectively
Augusto Neto
In the dynamic world of international education, high school counsellors play a pivotal role in shaping the future of students by guiding them through the complex maze of college admissions across the globe.
Continuing professional development (CPD) is essential for counsellors in these roles, enabling them to stay abreast of the latest trends in college admissions, understand diverse education systems and effectively support students from varied cultural backgrounds.
Training and development opportunities
CPD for counsellors encompasses a range of learning activities, from workshops and webinars to conferences and online courses. Organisations such as the International Association for College Admission Counselling (IACAC) and the Council of International Schools (CIS) regularly host events and resources tailored to the needs of international counsellors. These platforms offer invaluable insights into global higher education trends, application processes and student advising strategies.
Participation in regional and global education fairs, either virtually or in person, serves as a significant learning opportunity. These events not only facilitate direct interaction with university admissions representatives, but also provide a broader understanding of what different institutions offer and what they seek in prospective students.
Certifications and diplomas
Pursuing formal certifications or diplomas can markedly enhance a counsellor’s credentials. For instance, the International School Counsellors Association (ISCA) offers a certification programme specifically designed for international school counsellors.
Similarly, completing the College Counselling Certificate from UCLA Extension or the Certificate in College counselling from Teachers College, Columbia University, equips counsellors with advanced skills and knowledge when it comes to navigating the US college admissions process, which is beneficial wherever you’re based, given that the US exerts massive gravitational pull on students all over the world.
For those looking to deepen their expertise further, graduate degrees in school counselling or in educational leadership with a specific focus on college counselling can provide a strong foundation for advanced practice and leadership roles in international schools.
Times Higher Education Counsellor Accreditation Programme (THE CAP)
A notable opportunity for CPD is the Times Higher Education Counsellor Accreditation Programme (THE CAP). Its ethos is that it has been designed for counsellors, by counsellors.
Intended specifically for high school counsellors at international schools, the programme stands out, not only for its comprehensive curriculum tailored to the nuanced needs of global higher education counselling, but also for its unparalleled accessibility – it’s entirely free.
THE CAP facilitates professional growth through a flexible online format, allowing counsellors to progress at their own pace.
It covers a range of critical topics over 12 modules, designed to be completed in approximately 12 hours. Its curriculum merges Times Higher Education’s insights with leadership expertise, preparing counsellors to guide students effectively on their educational journeys.
Moreover, the programme emphasises continued engagement with the profession: counsellors who want to maintain their accreditation are required to complete top-up modules. This ensures that counsellors stay abreast of the latest sector trends.
Upon completion, participants achieve THE accredited counsellor status, receiving personalised certificates and enhancing the prestige of their affiliated schools.
Seeking out opportunities
Active involvement in professional networks is crucial for discovering CPD opportunities. Joining professional counselling associations and engaging in online forums can lead to mentorship, peer learning and information about upcoming training sessions and scholarships for professional development programmes.
Social media platforms and newsletters from educational institutions and counselling organisations are also rich sources of information on workshops, courses and webinars tailored to the needs of college counsellors.
Regional groups and professional networks
Regional WhatsApp and LinkedIn groups play a crucial role in the CPD of high school counsellors. These platforms, connecting hundreds of counsellors, offer a rich repository of shared knowledge, advice and resources, tailored to regional nuances in education and college admissions.
For instance, a Brazil WhatsApp group brings together 200 counsellors, while the Caribbean and Latin America network has more than 350 members. These groups facilitate real-time exchanges of experiences, insights and strategies, significantly enhancing the professional support system available to counsellors.
This peer-to-peer learning environment enriches counsellors’ professional journeys, equipping them with practical, actionable insights alongside formal development programmes. Ultimately, these regional groups empower counsellors with a deeper understanding and broader perspective, enabling them to provide more effective guidance to their students.