FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

Q.  What is accreditation?

A.  In the United States, accreditation is a process of voluntary, non-governmental review of educational institutions and programs. Institutional accreditors review entire colleges and universities.  Specialized agencies award accreditation for professional programs and academic units in particular fields of study. As a specialized agency, CACREP grants accreditation for graduate level counseling programs that have substantially met and exceeded the CACREP standards set by and for the profession.

Q.  What are the benefits of attending CACREP accredited programs?

A. CACREP accreditation provides recognition that the content and quality of the education offered by the accredited program has been evaluated extensively and meets standards set by and for the profession. The student can be assured that appropriate knowledge and skills areas will be included that are necessary for entry into the counseling field. The student as a consumer can also be assured that the program is financially stable.  As a graduate of CACREP accredited program, a student applying for certification by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) will have the two (2) years of post-secondary supervised experience waived.  This facilitates and expedites one’s experience in becoming National Certified Counselor (NCC).  In addition, some states will waive a portion of the post-graduate supervised experience required for licensure. 

Q.  What if there is no institution in my area that offers CACREP accredited counseling programs?

A.  If a student is not able to attend a CACREP accredited program that offers traditional learning due to geographic location or any other issues, CACREP grants accreditation to on-line programs that have met and exceeded the CACREP standards for accreditation. For further information about accredited distance education and a complete list of CACREP accredited programs, please visit our website at http://www.cacrep.org/directory.html

Q. What does it mean if my program is not listed on your website in the Directory of CACREP Accredited Programs?

A.  If a program is not listed on our website, it is not accredited by CACREP.  Accreditation is a process of voluntary, non-governmental review of educational institutions and programs.  CACREP website is updated continuously to reflect any changes in CACREP accreditation status. 

Q.  What if my institution has multiple campuses?  Does the main campus accreditation extend to all other sites?

A.  CACREP accreditation will only be granted to those programs and campuses that have met and exceeded the CACREP standards for accreditation.  The CACREP website is updated continuously to reflect any changes to the accreditation status of programs offered at multiple campuses.  If the campus attended by a student is not listed on our website, then the programs offered at that site are not CACREP accredited.

Q.  Does CACREP accredit any on-line programs?

A.  CACREP accredits the Mental Health Counseling and Marital, Family and Couples Counseling/Therapy programs offered online through Capella University.

Q.  What is the difference between the two-year and eight-year accreditation?

A.  Two-year accreditation is granted to programs that substantially meet the requirements for accredited status, but which need to address relatively minor standards-related deficiencies.

Q.  Does CACREP rank programs?

A. No.  All programs that have been granted accreditation status by CACREP have substantially met the CACREP standards and are considerate equivalent.  Each program offers different environment of learning depending on institution’s geographic location, mission and resources.  In choosing a program, a student should choose the one that best suits her or his needs.  For information about a specific program, please contact the institution.  A list of CACREP accredited programs is available on our website at http://www.cacrep.org/directory.html

Q.  What are the eligibility requirements for applying to a CACREP accredited program?

A.  You must first obtain a bachelor's degree. Most schools have their own admission requirements, so contact them directly.

Q.  What should I get my undergraduate degree in?

A.  Many people interested in counseling have undergraduate degrees in psychology, sociology, or education. In addition, some counseling programs might require that you take a few psychology courses. If you are interested in school counseling, some states require a teaching certificate in order to be a school counselor. In a situation like that you should probably have an undergraduate degree in teacher education.

Q.  Are there any part-time programs that hold CACREP accreditation?

A.  Many graduate degree programs cater to students with busy schedules.  In these cases, courses may be scheduled to accommodate students who have full-time jobs and family obligations. You will need to talk to the program to see if you can attend as a part-time student.

Q.  Can I transfer credits from one CACREP accredited program to another? 

A.  All questions regarding the transfer of the credits should be directed to the institution.  It is not within the scope of CACREP accreditation to regulate credit transfers.  Therefore, students interested in transferring credit should inquire with the prospective program to determine if credits are transferable.

Q.  Will my educational experience transfer from state to state?

A.  Counselors must be aware of educational and training requirements that are often very detailed and often vary from state to state. Prospective counselors should check with state and local governments, employers, and national voluntary certification organizations in order to determine which requirements apply.

Q.  Will a degree obtained oversees be recognized in the United States?

A. Whether a program can be recognized in the US is determined on individual bases.  CACREP does not regulate or approve these reviews.

Q.  I graduated before CACREP made its decision on my program, am I still considered a graduate of a CACREP accredited program?

A.  No. CACREP accreditation begins at the time a decision is made.

Q.  What is the difference between Community Counseling and Mental Health Counseling?

A.  CACREP Standards for Community Counseling programs only requires 48 semester hours graduate degree program, including a 600 clock hour internship.  Graduates of this program can work in private practice or in a variety of community settings.  The Mental Health Counseling program is a 60 semester hour graduate degree program that requires 900 clock hours of internship.  The coursework includes more emphasis on diagnosis and treatment planning, psychopharmacology, and psychopathology.  Professional counseling requires a minimum of a master's degree.

Q.  What is the difference between Counseling, Counseling Psychology, and Clinical Social Work?

A.  There are definitely some areas of overlap among the mental health professions.  

Counseling. The American Counseling Association defines professional counseling as the application of mental health, psychological or human development principles through cognitive, affective, behavioral, or systemic intervention strategies that address wellness, personal growth or career development as well as pathology.  For more information, please visit the American Counseling Association’s website at www.counseling.org

Counseling Psychology. Counseling Psychology is a branch of psychology, which requires a doctoral degree to practice.  For more information, please visit the American Psychological Association’s website at www.apa.org

Clinical Social Work.  Professional social workers assist individuals, groups, or communities to restore or enhance their capacity for social functioning, while creating societal conditions favorable to their goals. The practice of social work requires knowledge of human development and behavior, of social, economic and cultural institutions, and of the interaction of all these factors.  For more information, please visit the National Association of Social Workers’ website at www.naswdc.org  Social workers can practice with a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree.

Q.  How long will it take me to complete the program?

A.  Entry-level CACREP accredited programs will have a minimum of 72 quarter hours or 48 semester hours of graduate studies. Mental Health Counseling and Marital, Couple, and Family Counseling/Therapy will have a minimum of 90 quarter hours or 60 semester hours of graduate studies. These programs take a minimum of two years of graduate level study. Doctoral degree programs will have a minimum of 144 quarter hours or 96 semester hours, which includes entry-level preparation, a minimum of two additional years of study are required to earn a Ph.D. or Ed.D.

Q.  What does it mean if a program is CACREP equivalent?

A.  Some states’ licensing requirements indicate that applicants must document a certain number of graduate degree hours in a CACREP accredited program or CACREP equivalent program. When a state requires CACREP equivalence it requires curriculum that is based on the CACREP standards. The required core curriculum for CACREP accreditation will include Professional Identity, Social and Cultural Diversity, Human Growth and Development, Career Development, Helping Relationships, Group Work, Assessment, and Research and Program Evaluation.  Since CACREP does not evaluate programs for equivalency (programs are either accredited or not accredited), licensure applicants must contact the state to determine the status of a particular programs.

Q.  What is the salary for Counselors?

A.  Salaries are specific to the field of expertise, geographic area, saturation in the field.  For the most up-to-date statistics, please visit the U.S. Department of Labor website at www.bls.gov

Q.  What are the requirements for getting licensed?

A.  The licensure requirements are different for every state. General information about licensure laws is included in ACA's 2006 Edition of Licensure Requirements for Professional Counselors, a complete state-by-state report of the educational, experiential, and examination requirements. With its easy to follow charts, you will be able to see, at a glance, how jurisdictions compare on dozens of key factors.

The booklet also includes contact information and website for each state licensing board, fees and licensure renewal requirements for each state, a list of which states have adopted the ACA Code of Ethics, plus information on reciprocity/licensure by endorsement requirements, and insurance for each state. Licensure Requirements for Professional Counselors and is an excellent tool for anyone who is considering moving or changing jobs, entering the profession, or evaluating job offers in other states.  Please contact the American Counseling Association at (800)347-6647 for information about obtaining a copy.