Benefits of N.C.C.A. Certification & Licensing

Potential counselors often ask about the benefits of the training and obtaining certification and licensing from the National Christian Counselor's Association (N.C.C.A.). Of course, the main benefit is knowledge. The training you receive provides a deep insight into understanding human behavior and relating to others. This knowledge is valuable in every area of life, including your ability to help those who are hurting.

In addition, certification and licensing opens many doors of opportunity. Many who enter the program already are involved with their church leadership in the development and enhancement of a Christian counseling ministry within their own church. If not, we encourage you to do so. Others may wish to operate an independent ministry in affiliation with a number of area churches who are willing to commission their services. Still others, desire to elect to apply for ministerial (commissioning) credentials through the National Conservative Christian Church and qualify to open an independent counseling ministry in their community under the authority of this national church organization.

Having N.C.C.A. credentials ensures that you are recognized within your community as a qualified Christian/Pastoral counselor. The community can be assured that your credentials are authentic and current because you will be under the discipline of professional review boards that are organized on the national and state levels by the N.C.C.A.

Other benefits available to N.C.C.A. members include professional liability insurance and networking with other counselors. In addition, the N.C.C.A. offers assistance to its graduates with regard to degree transfer work and fulfillment of academic goals.

Each individual must decide if he or she wants to be an agent of the state or an agent of the Church. If you have a divine call on your life to counsel and minister to the hurting, then a state license may, put many prohibitions on such a ministry.

The N.C.C.A. Licensing Program is not a state license. In fact, it is distinctly different. Most states have regulatory laws governing the practice of psychology. Many of them also legislate the practice of general counseling. These laws vary from state to state. For example, some states have a counselor category called "Licensed Professional Counselor". These states prohibit N.C.C.A. graduates from using the initials "L.P.C." Their title must be spelled out, i.e., "N.C.C.A. Licensed Pastoral Counselor" or "N.C.C.A. Licensed Clinical Christian Counselor." This ensures that the N.C.C.A. counselor is operating within legal and ethical standards.