How to Become a Counsellor?

If you are considering a career in counselling, it is important you are professionally trained and qualified. There are various courses and different frameworks for the delivery according to which awarding body has given validation. However, as a general guide the following applies:

• There are courses at educational level 2, 3, and 4, and some providers work at level 5, 6, and 7. Level 4 is the minimum level required to qualify and to join ACC as a registered counsellor. Currently we do not recognise counselling courses that are only online.
• There are a set number of guided learning hours for each course in relation to the educational level.
• There are an additional number of student effort hours to do reading, assignments, etc.
• During the course there are times allocated for personal development groups.
• Counselling theory and a variety of models are taught. Skills are taught and practiced.
• As part of the training process trainee counsellors are required to have some personal therapy alongside the course.

Some of our counselling affiliates are also training providers. This means that they are Christian organisations and have agreed to our Statement of Faith. We have listed a few ACC affiliated organisations below; or you can visit our Find a Training Provider page.

ACC Student Membership

Whether or not you are on an ACC approved training course, you may wish to join ACC as a student member. Through our student membership you could benefit from the help and support of others who are on a similar journey. This will help you to explore the subject more fully and confirm if this is the path you want to take.