SENCOs must complete the NPQ within 3 years
The national professional qualification (NPQ) for SENCOs has replaced the national award for SEN co-ordination (NASENCO).
New SENCOs must complete the NPQ within 3 years of appointment to the role (unless they already have a NASENCO or have started it – see the section below for more details).
The NPQ:
- Takes between 18 and 22 months to complete
- Requires about 1 to 2 hours of study each week
- Includes self-study, group sessions and a written assessment
See full details of the qualification in the DfE's guidance on the NPQ for SENCOs, including a list of providers.
For more details about your duties around SENCOs, take a look at our article on SENCO requirements and qualifications.
Existing and ongoing NASENCO qualifications still valid
The same applies to SENCOs who started the NASENCO before