How do I Obtain a Christian Counseling License Number?

Christian counseling certification is also available to non-degree holders.

Christian counseling certifications are available to those with professional and ministry degrees, as well as to those without four-year degrees. The courses required to qualify for licensure vary from program to program, and Christian counseling certificate seekers have the option to choose from an array of specific certifications, from child and adolescent counseling to marriage and family therapy. Christian counseling licenses only come with a particular license number if the issuing Bible college or licensing agency chooses to do so.

Instructions

1. Obtain some college credit. Bible colleges willing to offer Christian counseling certification to students holding only a high school diploma or GED are rare. If you do not currently have any college credit, consider signing up for a semester of general education courses at your local community college or university. An online college may also be an option.

2. Speak with ministers at a local church to help you decide what Bible college or certification program might best suit your needs and interests. Use this research time to decide which type of counseling certification you are interested in acquiring. Certification programs that focus on marriage and family therapy may require vastly different courses than a certification program that focuses on drug and alcohol rehabilitation. Child and adolescent counseling certifications may require some coursework in developmental psychology. Be sure that you meet your certification program's admission requirements before applying.

3. Research your institution's academic standards, and perform in accordance to those standards to obtain your Christian counseling license, as it will be up to the college to determine whether you are a candidate for licensure. After the Bible college's certification program has issued you a Christian counseling license, you are eligible to apply for counseling positions in churches and various ministry settings. You may also consider developing your own private Christian counseling practice.

Tips & Warnings

• If you already hold an associate's degree, bachelor's degree, or a graduate degree, you may be eligible to receive your Christian counseling license without completing further coursework. You will still need to choose the type of Christian counseling you are interested in, as well as the Bible college or institute you would like to receive licensure from. Be sure to properly follow the institution's guidelines for filling out any paperwork necessary to acquire your license.

• Please be aware that while certification is available to those without college degrees, it is generally not as reputable among employers and clientele as a Christian counseling certificate held by a college graduate.

References

• Christian Counseling Degree: State Licensing vs. Christian Counseling Certification
• The American Assocation of Christian Therapists: Certification
• School of Christian Counseling: Homepage

Resources

• The American Association of Christian Therapists: Homepage