What is Certification?

Certification is $500

Certification is a voluntary process that individuals seek to gain credibility and increased knowledge and skills. Most people want to know if they will be accredited, what they will call themselves, and how they can use their certification professionally and elsewhere. Affiliation with ALCC gives you recognition, accountability, and communicates to the public that you are part of a larger organization. Certification grants you recognition and credibility, while also increasing your knowledge and skills.

Since Christian counseling is a religious practice, it is an unregulated profession. This means that there is no main governing body that certifies and licenses all Christian counselors. For example, if you want to advertise and work as an electrician, you would need to be licensed as an electrician. This is not the case for Christian counseling.

While the above is true, it is unethical to practice Christian counseling without the proper training and skill. Failure to gain the appropriate skill will result in harm to the client. Obtaining a Christian counseling certification may help you obtain business insurance, prestige, and credibility.

Most states provide an exemption from state licensure if you (1) are a religious/spiritual counselor (2) recognized by an organized entity, and (3) are NOT using or claiming specific titles like “Mental Health Counselor” or “Psychotherapist.”

It will be your responsibility to know what the allowed titles for individuals who practice counseling in your state are. Some states have restrictions on the type of titles that can be used by non-state licensed mental health providers. However, most states do allow the use of “Christian,” “Pastoral,” or “Religious” counselors. It is your responsibility to be in compliance with your state’s laws.

Rejection and Reapplication

Reasons for Rejection and Reapplication Guidelines

Incomplete Application
If your application is rejected due to missing or incomplete information (e.g., missing documents, missing references), you may reapply immediately once the missing materials are provided.
- Action: Submit a complete application along with any required documents to resume the process.
Lack of Required Qualifications or Experience
If your rejection is due to not meeting the minimum qualifications (e.g., insufficient educational background or clinical experience), you may reapply after gaining the necessary qualifications or experience.
- Waiting Period: You must wait six months to reapply. During this period, we recommend completing the necessary coursework, training, or supervised experience.
- Action: Reapply once the required qualifications have been fulfilled.
Ethical or Moral Concerns
If your application was rejected based on ethical or moral concerns (e.g., failure to align with Christian counseling principles or demonstrated unethical behavior), you will not be eligible to reapply until sufficient time has passed for personal growth and restoration.
- Waiting Period: The waiting period will be one year or longer, depending on the severity of the issue.
- Action: Reapplication will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. You must demonstrate evidence of personal growth, counseling accountability, and a commitment to uphold Christian ethical standards.
Failure to Pass the Certification Exam or Assessment
If your rejection was due to failure in the certification exam or assessment, you may retake the exam after further study or preparation.
- Waiting Period: You must wait 90 days (3 months) before reattempting the exam.
- Action: Submit a request to retake the exam, along with evidence of additional preparation (e.g., study materials, mentorship, or coursework completed during the waiting period).

Rejection

Recertification

Recertification occurs every two (2) years and is $100 recertification fee.

This applies to all certifications through ALCC.

1. Upholding ALCC Standards and Compliance

At Arise and Live Christian Counseling (ALCC), renewal ensures that certified counselors remain aligned with the latest developments in Christian counseling practices, faith-based principles, and professional standards.
The field of Christian counseling is constantly evolving, incorporating new approaches to psychological and spiritual care. Renewing your certification ensures you stay equipped to provide biblically grounded, effective counseling.

2. Maintaining Credibility and Excellence

Renewing your ALCC certification demonstrates your ongoing commitment to excellence and professionalism in Christian counseling.
It assures clients, colleagues, and the community that you continue to meet ALCC's high standards of knowledge, skills, and spiritual integrity.
The renewal process ensures certified counselors remain relevant and prepared to address modern challenges in counseling with both biblical wisdom and contemporary best practices.

3. Encouraging Spiritual and Professional Growth

The renewal requirement is designed to motivate counselors to engage in lifelong learning. By staying active in training, education, and ministry, you continue to deepen your knowledge and refine your counseling skills.
Renewal supports your personal and professional growth, encouraging you to pursue advanced training, new certifications, and deeper spiritual understanding.

4. Sustaining Ministry Impact

Maintaining your certification ensures that your counseling ministry continues to thrive and adapt to the evolving needs of those you serve.
With ALCC’s focus on integrating spiritual guidance with professional counseling, the renewal process helps keep your ministry impactful, relevant, and aligned with God’s purpose.

5. Supporting the ALCC Community

Your renewal contributes to the growth and development of the ALCC community. Renewed certifications allow us to provide additional resources, exclusive training opportunities, and continued support for counselors worldwide.
Renewals also help us expand our reach, allowing more people to experience the transformative power of biblically-based counseling.

6. Tracking and Advancing Your Growth

Renewal provides an opportunity to reflect on your progress as a counselor and highlight areas of achievement.
ALCC offers advanced certifications and training programs to help you reach new levels of spiritual and professional excellence. By renewing, you remain eligible to explore these opportunities and advance your skills.

Once you enroll, become part of our New Facebook Community Page. A place where you can receive ongoing support for your business!