LeadersSafeguardingCPDGovernorHubKeyGPT
Training Hub

National professional qualification (NPQ) for SENCOs: summary

Find out about the NPQ for SENCOs, which has replaced the previous qualification, and the requirements around it.

Last reviewed on 10 December 2025See updates
School types: All•School phases: All•Ref: 47111
Contents
  1. SENCOs must complete the NPQ within 3 years
  2. Existing and ongoing NASENCO qualifications still valid
  3. DfE funding available for the NPQ
  4. The NPQ is based on a framework

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