IABC APPLICANTS WITH ACTIVE
ACBC CERTIFICATION 

If you are an active certified member of ACBC, and you would like to obtain Certification from IABC, please read through this page

Become IABC CertiFied in 4 Steps

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE AND PROCESS AT IABC

What is the Purpose of IABC?

IABC is Changing Lives

Biblical Counseling is one of the most powerful and fastest growing movements today. Its impact is being felt throughout the Church and in the lives of many individuals. As God's alternative to secular psychology, Biblical Counseling is an effective force in changing the lives of those who seek Him.

IABC is Biblically Based

IABC is a response to organizations and individuals who saw the need for basic standards, beliefs, and practices in counseling. IABC holds to the inerrancy of Scripture in faith and the Sufficiency of God's Word in practice.

IABC and ACBC Theology

IABC and ACBC both uphold the Sufficiency of Scripture in Counseling. IABC, however, includes a wider range of counselors, encompassing individuals with diverse theological backgrounds and differing views on spiritual gifts and church practices.

 

WHAT WE REQUIRE

Affirmations & Denials


Certification status with IABC is granted only to those applicants and churches that wholeheartedly affirm the required doctrinal standards. These must be acknowledged regardless of the certification phase completed. Please carefully review them before beginning the process.

Faithful Presence


In order to foster continued growth, accountability, and excellence in biblical counseling, we require our counselors to attend an IABC Annual Conference at least once every three years. This ensures ongoing encouragement, equipping, and alignment with our biblical standards.

Personal Relationships


We require our counselors to establish a personal and spiritual relationship with a training center director or board member who can offer guidance, support, and direction as they navigate their chosen path in counseling.

"Our certification is not just administrative—we are not simply offering a listing service for counselors but fostering a network of ministry relationships."

DETAILS

Continuing Ministry Education Units (CMEUs)

Continuing Ministry Education Units must be completed with IABC rather than external organizations. For more information about how CMEUs work and our policy regarding CMEUs, you can check it here: CMEU Policy

TIMELINE

The application will go through a review process which will take between 2 to 4 weeks for standard processing. An expedited option is available for an additional fee.

 

Professional Associations

IABC holds the authority to reject applicants from entering or progressing in the certification process if their professional connections or roles conflict with our doctrinal beliefs or methodological practices. For further details on our core beliefs, please refer to our About page.

COST

If you decide to continue with your application with IABC. The cost is approximately $207.

This includes:

  • non-refundable fee of $12. - This fee helps cover administrative and software costs.
  • Background Check: $49
  • Annual Certification Fee: $99
  • Annual Continuing Ministry Education Units (CMEUs) Fee: $47 

Theological Convictions

Certification status with ACBC is granted only to those applicants and churches that wholeheartedly affirm the required doctrinal standards. These must be acknowledged regardless of the certification phase completed. Please carefully review them before beginning the process:  "Statement of Faith", the "Statement of Purpose", the "Statement of Practice," and the "Affirmations & Denials" of the International Association of Biblical Counselors (IABC).

The following Documents and Requirements are waived based on Good Standing with ACBC

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