Student FAQs
Frequently Asked Student Questions
- My program is currently seeking accreditation. What if I graduate before the program is accredited?
- What is CACREP?
- Can I find international programs?
- How long does the accreditation process take?
- Does CACREP accredit programs outside the United States?
My program is currently seeking accreditation. What if I graduate before the program is accredited?
CACREP policy states that accreditation applies to graduates of the program up to twelve (12) months prior to the date the decision was made. Therefore, if a program is accredited in July of 2013, graduates of the program who have met the requirements of the program that was accredited would be considered CACREP graduates as long as they graduated between July 2012 and July 2013.
What is CACREP?
CACREP is a specialized accreditor in the field of counseling. The agency accredits a variety of counseling degree programs at the master's and doctoral level.
Can I find international programs?
CACREP accredited programs can be found throughout the United States. We currently accredit a program in Canada and one in Mexico, but nothing outside of North America at this time. You may want to look at the International Registry of Counsellor Education Programs (IRCEP). This is a program of CACREP's that provides a non-accreditation approval process for international programs.
The International Registry of Counsellor Education Programs (IRCEP) is a program run by CACREP that provides an approval process for international programs. This is not the same thing as CACREP accreditation since the criteria are not meant to prepare students for US licensure. Also, many of these programs are offered at the bachelor's level, depending on the status of counseling in a country or region.
How long does the accreditation process take?
From the time a self-study application arrives in the CACREP office, it can take up to 24 months for the Board of Directors to make a decision. We have a list of programs in the application process, and you should check with your institution to see where they are in this process.
Does CACREP accredit programs outside the United States?
CACREP has accredited programs in Canada and Mexico. Please see the interactive directory to locate those programs. CACREP also manages the International Registry of Counsellor Education Programs (IRCEP)which has a non-accreditation approval process for programs outside of the United States.