Christian Counselor Certification

How long does this certification course take?
Options1: Online Self-Paced Course
Our online self-paced course provides you with the flexibility to study at your own pace. It begins with an initial interview, followed by two comprehensive exams, each comprising 30 questions. The first exam delves into Theology, while the second focuses on Counseling. To successfully complete this option, you must score 70 or higher in each exam, with unlimited attempts. After enrolling, you have 90 days of access to complete this course.
 

Option 2: Live Virtual Class (2-Days)
Our live instructor-led course offers structured learning and interaction. It spans two 2 consecutive Saturday mornings, from 8 am to 2/3 pm EST. This course doesn't involve formal testing; instead, your active participation and engagement will be the key to your success. Classes are conducted online via Google Meet.

How long do I have access to the course?

After enrolling, you have 90 days of access to complete this course. If you need more time to complete the course, you can enroll in a monthly subscription to maintain ongoing accesses to this course for $19.99.

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What if I want continued access to all the course content? 

We offer a monthly subscription to the course for $19.99 a month. The monthly access is not for certification but allows you access to the course for the amount of time you would like. 

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What if I am unhappy with the course?

We would never want you to be unhappy! To receive a 100% refund, you must drop the course within one business day (24 hour cancellation) after you enroll in the course.

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When will I receive my certificate?

Once you complete the certification course with a 100% completion your certificate will automatically generate. If you would like an embossed copy of your certificate you can request a copy by emailing us at info@ariseandlive.com. There is a $10 fee for embossed certificate copies.

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Need Additional Support?

If you ever need additional support to discuss any of the course material contact us to schedule one-on-one time.
 

Is there ongoing eduction?

Once you complete certification you can attend any future live training free of charge. Each training class offers a different perspective and an opportunity for ongoing training. 

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Is ALCC affiliated with State Licensing Counseling Boards?

Arise and Live Christian Counseling (ALCC) is a private Christian Counseling and Certification organization, we are not associated with any government licensing body. We teach you in the content areas that are related to counseling and psychology with a focus on delivering religious, Christian counseling services. We provide Christians with training and certification in the area of counseling, so they can better serve their congregations and their communities.

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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. 
 

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 or coaches. 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 or a coach. 
 

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, credibility, and connection to other practicing Christians for support, guidance and consultation. 

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Can I counsel/coach with a Christian Counseling Certification or Marriage Coach Certification?

Yes! 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,” "Licensed Counselor," "Professional Counselor," “Psychotherapist,” or any other protected/designated title by local jurisdictions.

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Most Christian Counselors and Coaches are (1) private practice, (2) practicing/assisting in a local church or ministry, and (3) add this certification as a means to deliver religious counseling and guidance.

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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 to allow the use of “Christian,” “Pastoral,” or “Religious” counselor. It is your responsibility to be in compliance with your state’s laws.

 

Examples:

Florida Law:

491.014 Exemptions (CLINICAL, COUNSELING, AND PSYCHOTHERAPY SERVICES)

(3) No provision of this chapter shall be construed to limit the performance of activities of a rabbi, priest, minister, or member of the clergy of any religious denomination or sect, or use of the terms “Christian counselor” or “Christian clinical counselor” when the activities are within the scope of the performance of his or her regular or specialized ministerial duties and no compensation is received by him or her, or when such activities are performed, with or without compensation, by a person for or under the auspices or sponsorship, individually or in conjunction with others, of an established and legally cognizable church, denomination, or sect, and when the person rendering service remains accountable to the established authority thereof.

Found at: http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0400-0499/0491/0491.html

 

Texas Law:

Sec. 503.054. TITLE 3. HEALTH PROFESSIONS

COUNSELING BY OTHER LICENSED OR CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL OR BY RELIGIOUS PRACTITIONER. This chapter does not apply to an activity or service of any of the following persons performing counseling consistent with the law of this state, the person's training, and any code of ethics of the person's profession if the person does not represent the person by any title or description as described by the definition of "licensed professional counselor" in Section 503.002: 1)  a member of another profession licensed or certified by this state, including: (A)  a physician, registered nurse, psychologist, social worker, marriage and family therapist, chemical dependency counselor, physician assistant, or occupational therapist; or (B)  an optometrist engaged in the evaluation and remediation of learning or behavioral disabilities associated with or caused by a defective or abnormal condition of vision; or (2)  a recognized religious practitioner, including a Christian Science practitioner recognized by the Church of Christ Scientist as registered and published in the Christian Science Journal. Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.

Found at: https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/OC/htm/OC.503.htm

 

Georgia Law

O.C.G.A. 43-10A-7 (2010) 43-10A-7. Licensing requirement; exceptions

(9) Active members of the clergy but only when the practice of their specialty is in the course of their service as clergy; (10) Members of religious ministries responsible to their established ecclesiastical authority who possess a master's degree or its equivalent in theological studies; (11) Persons engaged in the practice of a specialty in accordance with Biblical doctrine in public or nonprofit agencies or entities or in private practice.

Found at: https://statutes.laws.com/georgia/title-43/chapter-10a/43-10a-7/ 

or https://sos.ga.gov/plb/acrobat/Laws/41_Prof_Counselors,_Soc._Workers_Marriage_And_Family_Therapists_43-10A.pdf