Biblical Counseling Certification
A rigorous process that verifies competency in applying God’s Word to the problems that people face.
Biblical Counseling Certification Overview
Approximate Cost:
Level 1 ≈ $1,300
Level 2 ≈ $2,000
Costs include education/training materials as well as application, exam, and supervision fees. All certified counselors are also required to cover the cost of their own background checks (renewed every three years).
Timeline:
3–4 Years
Program Outcomes:
Biblical counseling training from a Reformed perspective
Development of critical thinking skills in the areas of counseling theology and practice
Coaching and mentoring through real life counseling situations
The need for Christians who are able to handle the Word of God and apply its truths to the problems of life has never been greater. There are numerous programs that train pastors, elders, and church members in theology, church history, and related subjects. What about discipleship and pastoral care? What about “counseling”?
This program is an investment in you, your community, and your church. Throughout this certification process, you will receive training and mentoring in Reformed biblical counseling, equipping you with biblical knowledge to address various issues that Christians encounter in everyday life. How might God use you as an instrument in his hand to bring about the transformation he desires to see in the lives of others?
Biblical Counseling Certification Pathways
Level 1
To provide church members and lay church leadership (deacons, elders) with training, testing, and mentorship to better minister one-another care and discipleship to their local church through biblical counseling.
Annual Renewal Fee: $40
Level 2
To provide pastors and seminary graduates with training, testing, and coaching to support their counseling ministries within their church communities (Prerequisite: MA/MDiv from an accredited Reformed theological Seminary).
Annual Renewal Fee: $80
Qualifications for Certification
- Applicant is a member in good standing of a Continental Reformed, Presbyterian, or Reformed Baptist congregation that demonstrates the following:
- Subscription to one of the Reformed Confessions as the church’s doctrinal statement (The Three Forms of Unity, The Westminster Standards, The 2nd London Baptist Confession (1689))
- Practices biblical church membership and church discipline
- Practices biblical shepherding and spiritual oversight of the church’s members
- Fences the table in allowing only baptized and confessing members in good standing of Gospel preaching churches to partake of the Lord’s Supper
- Applicant subscribes to one of the Reformed Confessions
- Applicant is willing to counsel within the parameters of our position on Reformed biblical counseling and abide by our Standards of Conduct.
Disclaimer: While recognizing the time and efforts of those pursuing certification, the Institute for Reformed Biblical Counseling maintains the right to revoke certifications or remove candidates from the certification process if they are found to be out of accordance with Reformed doctrinal commitments and our Standards of Conduct. Candidates who complete all three phases are still subject to the final approval of our leadership to receive their certification.
phase 1
Education
Phase 1 lays the foundation for your certification. In this stage, you will complete our basic training course in Reformed biblical counseling, study central biblical counseling texts, and observe counseling sessions.
Students will have three years from the completion of their IRBC basic training course to complete Phase 1 (2022-23 graduates have until May 2026 to progress to Phase 2).
phase 2
Examination
Phase 2 allows you to demonstrate what you have learned by completing two exams. While some find this step to be the most intimidating, it is an enriching process to reflect on all that you have learned and to receive feedback and guidance from your exam graders. This experience will give you the confidence you need as you begin meeting with counselees.
phase 3
Counseling
Phase 3 is the time to put all that you have learned into practice. In this final phase, you will counsel under the guidance of a seasoned biblical counselor. This time is an invaluable opportunity to receive direct feedback on the methods and content of your counseling.
Please note: Counselors are required to find their own counselees. In extreme cases, counselors pursuing level 2 certification who demonstrate the need for further guidance and assistance in counseling after 50 sessions will be required to pay their mentors $600 for Step 2.
Already a certified biblical counselor?
The Institute for Reformed Biblical Counseling offers a special pathway for certified biblical counselors who align with our convictions concerning Reformed biblical counseling to transfer their certification to the IRBC. In this process, counselors submit the documents from the various stages of their previous certification process along with some essay questions that allow you to articulate your approach to biblical counseling.
Please note: The certification transfer process is only available to certified biblical counselors, not applicants for certification from other organizations. Transfer applicants must also have active certifications or previously active certifications dating to the previous full calendar year (applicants whose certifications are no longer active will need to answer additional questions). This process also includes a one-time $250 application fee to review documents and covers the current year’s certification renewal fee (applicant must also cover the costs of their background checks).
To begin the transfer application process, create a profile in our certification portal.
Begin your journey
Are you ready to begin your journey to becoming a Reformed biblical counselor?
**Is your church a ministry partner? If so, you are eligible for a 50% discount on application fees and annual certification renewals.