In 2014, NBCC made a significant decision to revise its educational standards for applicants seeking to become National Certified Counselors (NCCs). Beginning January 1, 2024, NBCC will require NCC applicants to have a master’s degree (or higher) from a CACREP-accredited program. NBCC also made the commitment to support programs in obtaining that important accreditation by providing grants to assist with the associated costs.

Since its inception in July 2014, the NBCC and Affiliates Grant for Initial CACREP Accreditation has assisted 31 graduate counseling programs by providing funds throughout the accreditation process. Funds are awarded in three phases: $2,500 for the preapplication phase, $2,500 for the application phase, and $4,000 for the site visit phase.

Of those 31 programs, 15 have obtained CACREP accreditation. NBCC congratulates the counseling programs at Campbell University, Central Methodist University, DePaul University, Freed-Hardeman University, Hampton University, Marshall University, Quincy University, Saybrook University, South University-Richmond, Spring Arbor University, the University of Alaska—Fairbanks, the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, Villanova University, Western Seminary, and Wheaton College for achieving this important milestone. With CACREP accreditation on the forefront of the counseling profession, several other programs have submitted applications or have planned site visits.

The newest to receive accreditation is Freed-Hardeman University in Henderson, Tennessee. Dr. James Dalton, Program Director, is grateful to NBCC for the opportunity.

“Our program has been producing quality counselors who serve West Tennessee (and other areas) for many years. The NBCC CACREP grant assisted us, as a small program at a small school, to be able to undertake the expense of pursuing accreditation. We are so thankful that we received this support to help ensure that the initial financial costs were not burdensome on our institution or prohibitive to the process. As NBCC continues to assist programs seeking accreditation, they are assisting in the process of strengthening and recognizing quality counseling programs throughout the nation.”

Applications for the 2020–2021 grant will be accepted beginning March 6, 2020, and the application cycle will close on April 3, 2020. Information on the application process can be found on the NBCC website.