Requirements

Everyone who applies for a credential with the BCPPC must specify the level of credentialing he/she is seeking by utilizing the correct online Application Form. Currently, the BCPPC offers four national credentials in Christian Counseling.  

The Licensure/Professional Track includes Professional Christian Counselor and Christian Counselor. These individuals must be able to show that they can either work independently as a mental health provider in their state by holding a state license or credential, they are seeking licensure through clinical supervision, able to provide mental health services in their state without a license, or they work in a ministry under supervision.  

The Pastoral/Ministry Track includes Pastoral Counselor and Biblical Counselor. These individuals must show that they have completed educational requirements, have ordination if required, and are under supervision of a ministry or church.  

Individuals who wish to have multiple credentials must apply for each credential and pay for the application and credential fee separately.  

Multiple credentials require certain education requirements, please see below: 

Regional and/or National Accreditation – This refers to a term used in the United States to describe the process whereby one of six accrediting bodies, each serving a specific geographic region, accredits schools, colleges, and universities: 

• the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) 

• the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement (NCA) 

• the Middle States Association of Schools and Colleges (MSA) 

• the Southern Association of Schools and Colleges (SACS) 

• the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) 

• the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges (NWCCU) 

These regional agencies are recognized by both the United States Department of Education (USDE) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Applicants may check their school’s status by searching the United States Department of Education database or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation database. Regionally accredited schools are predominantly academically oriented, non-profit institutions. 

USDE and CHEA also recognize other national accrediting bodies, including: 

• the Distance Education Training Counsel (DETC) 

• the Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHA) 

• the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) 

• the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS). 

Substantially Equivalent Accreditation – Other schools are nationally accredited and while it may be difficult, in some cases, to transfer credits (or an earned degree) to a regionally accredited institution because of potentially lower academic standards, they often undergo an identical or clearly parallel process in order to become officially recognized. Common to both regional and national accrediting bodies, is a very rigorous approval process that includes: a comprehensive application, a lengthy review of the school’s program and educational delivery methods, no excessive credit for life experience (greater that 20-25%) or fast-track learning where degrees can be awarded in a matter of weeks/several months, an on-site visit by an accrediting team, and ongoing oversight of the academic program 

One distinguishing factor for both regionally and nationally accredited schools is that they are automatically eligible to participate in Title IV federal student financial assistance programs. Schools and degree programs that do not meet the above definitions/criteria, will not be considered as meeting the educational standards for either the Board Certified Christian Counselor (BCCC) or Board Certified Professional Christian Counselor (BCPCC) credential. 

Everyone who applies for a credential with the BCPPC must use the specific online form for that level of credentialing he/she is seeking.  

BCBC – Board Certified Biblical Counselor

Basic Requirements: 

• Identify and practice as a lay Christian counselor – small group facilitators, church-based lay counselors, hospice workers, registered nurses, bachelor level social workers, substance abuse counselors, group home workers, etc., who are engaged in significant counseling/caregiving ministry. 

• A minimum of 90 contact hours of education/training in counseling and/or caregiving related to the incorporation of biblical principles and counseling skills with theory, knowledge, and practice. You must be able to upload certificates or transcripts to show that you meet this education requirement 

• Be able to document at least one year of experience in counseling-related activities or lay caregiving and be in an active relationship with someone who provides oversight and accountability. You must be able to provide information about your ministry and supervisor. 

• Must attest that you are not using this credential for a business.  

• Maintain at least 20 Continuing Education contact hours every two years related to the incorporation of biblical principles and counseling skills with theory, knowledge and practice. 

Additional Supportive Documentation Required: 

• Copy of earned degree(s) if applicable. 

• Documentation demonstrating that education/training incorporated biblical principles and counseling skills with theory, knowledge, and practice. 

BCPC – Board Certified Pastoral Counselor

Basic Requirements: 

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university, ordination, religious licensure, and/or certification from a recognized entity – pastoral counselors with state sanction, national certification, denominational recognition, and/or religious licensure. 

• Ordination: For credentialing purposes, full ordination means that your church or denomination has officially recognized you as a clergy person (such as pastor, priest, or minister) with its normal, ongoing authority for ministry. To show that you have full ordination, you would typically provide written proof from your denomination, such as an ordination certificate, a letter on official letterhead stating that you are ordained in good standing, and sometimes documentation that you have completed the required theological education and passed any exams or interviews they require. This confirmation usually needs to make clear that your status is not temporary or provisional and that you are authorized to perform the full range of ministerial duties in that tradition. 

• Identify and practice as a Christian counselor – pastors, chaplains, associate/assistant pastors, youth ministers, pastoral counselors, etc., who are engaged in significant counseling ministry in church, para-church settings, Bible colleges and seminaries, and pastoral counseling agencies. 

• Be able to document a minimum of one year of experience in counseling-related activities and caregiving. You must be able to provide information about your ministry and supervisor. 

• A minimum of 60 contact hours of education/training in counseling and/or caregiving related to the incorporation of biblical principles and counseling skills with theory, knowledge, and practice. You must be able to upload certificates or transcripts to show that you meet this education requirement. 

• Must attest that you are not using this credential for a business.  

• Maintain at least 20 Continuing Education contact hours every two years related to the incorporation of biblical principles and counseling skills with theory, knowledge and practice. 

Additional Supportive Documentation Required: 

• Copy of ordination, religious license, appropriate certification and/or credentials. 

• Documentation demonstrating that education/training incorporated biblical principles and counseling skills with theory, knowledge, and practice. 

BCCC – Board Certified Christian Counselor

Basic Requirements: 

• An earned master’s or doctorate degree in counseling or a related mental health field from a regionally or nationally accredited college or university OR those with an earned bachelor’s degree meeting the same criteria above may qualify IF they also hold a valid and current mental health license or certification to practice at the state level. 

• Identify and practice as a Christian caregiver – non-licensed, pre-licensed, or restricted-licensed individuals who have a registration, certification, or state sanction of some kind in allied professional, counseling, and/or teaching roles and who incorporate biblical principles and counseling skills with clinical theory, knowledge, and practice. 

• Must indicate which option that fits your situation:  

Option 1: License or Credential through your state. 

• Some states have various credentials or licenses that allow individuals who are not fully licensed to perform certain mental health therapy/counseling services. 

• Examples:  

• Qualified Mental Health Professional- Virginia 

• Registered Mental Health Associate / Qualified Mental Health AssociateRegistered- Oregon 

• Certified Mental Health Workers- Wyoming 

• Mental Health Rehabilitation Workers- Minnesota 

• Behavioral Health Technicians- Arizona 

Option 2: An individual working towards licensure in their state. 

• Please provide the information of your Licensed Clinical Supervisor. 

Option 3: An individual who is not working towards licensure, but their state allows for unlicensed counseling. 

• Please provide your state’s code or law that allows you to provide unlicensed counseling in your state. 

Option 4: An individual who is not working towards licensure, but is working in a ministry setting only 

• Please provide information about the ministry you work for and your supervisor in the ministry. 

• A minimum of 60 contact hours of education/training in counseling and/or caregiving related to the incorporation of biblical principles and counseling skills with clinical theory, knowledge, and practice. You must be able to upload certificates or transcripts to show that you meet this education requirement. 

• Maintain at least 20 Continuing Education contact hours every two years related to the incorporation of biblical principles and counseling skills with clinical theory, knowledge and practice. 

Additional Supportive Documentation Required: 

• Copy of earned degree(s). 

• Copy of any and all registration letters as a Resident or Intern, restricted-use licenses, appropriate certifications, and/or credentials. 

• Copy of current professional liability insurance certificate showing both expiration date and coverage (if needed). 

• Documentation demonstrating that education/training incorporated biblical principles and counseling skills with clinical theory, knowledge, and practice. 

BCPCC – Board Certified Professional Christian Counselor

Basic Requirements: 

• An earned master’s or doctorate degree in counseling or a related mental health field from a regionally or nationally accredited college or university. 

• Have a master’s or doctoral level license issued by one of the 50 states, territories, or Canadian provinces, as a fully independent mental health practitioner (not requiring any clinical supervision) – licensed psychologists, professional counselors, mental health counselors, marriage & family therapists, clinical social workers, clinical nurse specialists/practitioners, substance abuse providers, and psychiatrists. 

• Identify and practice as a Christian caregiver – fully licensed mental health professionals who incorporate biblical principles and counseling skills with clinical theory, knowledge, and practice. 

• A minimum of 60 contact hours of education/training in counseling and/or caregiving related to the incorporation of biblical principles and counseling skills with clinical theory, knowledge, and practice. You must be able to upload certificates or transcripts to show that you meet this education requirement. 

• Maintain at least 20 Continuing Education contact hours every two years related to the incorporation of biblical principles and counseling skills with clinical theory, knowledge and practice. 

Additional Supportive Documentation Required: 

• Copy of earned degree(s). 

• Copy of current, valid, and unencumbered professional license(s) to practice as a mental health professional. 

• Copy of current professional liability insurance certificate showing both expiration date and coverage. 

• Documentation demonstrating that education/training incorporated biblical principles and counseling skills with clinical theory, knowledge, and practice. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. What if I send in an application and I do not meet the requirements? 
   • We will let you know that you do not meet the requirements and give you other options for credentials that your information will meet requirements or suggest ways to attain what you need to meet those requirements. 
2. How long does it take to process applications? 
   • The usual processing time is 3-4 weeks. If there is something missing from your application or we need additional information for the board to decide if you meet the requirements for the credential, this can extend to 5-6 weeks depending on response times. Please be looking for emails from ibcc.applications@aacc.net for emails regarding your application.
3. How will I know if you have received my application? 
   • If you are applying using the online application for coaching credentials, you receive a verification email that we have received your application.  
   • If you are sending in a paper application, you will receive a verification email from ibcc.application@aacc.net. 
4. Why am I being asked to provide documentation for the BCPCC or BCCC credential that shows I can practice in my state? 
   • Each state has different laws for their citizens for what constitutes counseling/ mental health professions. If we are asking for this information, we need you to prove to us that what you are doing within your state is lawful.  
5. Why am I not qualified for a credential if my degree is not from accredited university or college?  
   • The Board has determined that it is important to maintain a standard that is in line with the United States standards for accreditation. If your college or university is not recognized as accredited, we cannot provide you with a credential.  
6. Can I use coaching courses for credentials in the Board of Pastoral and Professional Counseling?  
   • No, the courses of these credentials must be counseling in nature 
7. What should I put for my name on the certificate/ ID card? 
   • We only allow for your first name, middle initial, and last name. We do not allow any other designations, degrees, or licenses. Please be aware that the ID card only allows for 34 characters. 
8. Is there a grace period if I forget to renew my credential in time? 
   • Your credential will be considered “inactive” if you do not renew your credential before your renewal date. You are allowed a 6-month grace period, where you can complete the renewal, and it will become “active” again. If it is beyond 6 months, you will need to reapply for the credential. 
9. What if I need a reprint of my certificate?  
   • You can order a reprint of your certificate for $25. Please contact the IBCC at info.ibcc@aacc.net. 
10. Can I lose my credential for any reason? 
    • Yes, you can. If you receive a complaint from a client or counselee, and it is determined through an investigation that you have violated the AACC code of ethics, the board can determine that you will be put on a probation period or that the credential is terminated, and you are unable to reapply for it.  
11. What if there is a complaint lodged against me fraudulently?  
    • Through an investigation, the board can determine if the credential holder displayed no wrongdoing and will receive no reprimand.  
12. Where can I find Continuing Education credits that will apply to my credential?  
    • IBCC approves most of AACC workshops at their conference and webinars, and Light University’s on-demand options. 
13. When does my credential need to be renewed? 
    • Your renewal date will be shown on the certificate that you received from IBCC.  
    • You can also find your renewal date by logging into your dashboard on aacc.net. If you have a hard time logging in, please contact AACC.