Students successfully completing a TA training programme can formalise their achievements by taking the exam to become a Certified Transactional Analyst (CTA), an internationally recognised qualification validated and awarded by EATA (European Association of Transactional Analysis).

For the field of Psychotherapy, the successful candidate can also join the UKCP register of psychotherapists provided they have complied with UKCP requirements during their training, alongside the EATA requirements. (See the EATA/UKCP Requirements Comparison Chart in the UKATA handbook which can be found here.)

CTA training has to fulfil the standards and examination procedures laid down by EATA. EATA guidelines for TA students of of any of the fields of specialisation (counselling, psychotherapy, education, organisational) can be found in the EATA Training Handbook and updates. 

However, those training in the field of psychotherapy who wish to meet the extra requirements to gain UKCP accreditation must follow the UKATA training handbook.

Training for CTA typically involves 4 years part-time training to gather sufficient training hours, with additional professional and clinical preparation to prepare for the two-part exam process: written and oral. EATA requires trainees to enter into a Training Contract to prepare for examination and certification, an intense period of preparation and supervised practice. 

This supervisory relationship provides the ongoing support to enable the trainee practitioner to evidence their professional and clinical competency. The hours required include TA training, supervision, personal development, professional practice, personal therapy, and other activities as agreed by the candidate’s supervisor.