Potential counselors often ask about the benefits of the training and obtaining certification and licensing from the National Christian Counselor's Association (N.C.C.A.). Of course, the main benefit is knowledge. The training you receive provides a deep insight into understanding human behavior and relating to others. This knowledge is valuable in every area of life, including your ability to help those who are hurting.

In addition, certification and licensing opens many doors of opportunity. Many who enter the program already are involved with their church leadership in the development and enhancement of a Christian counseling ministry within their own church. If not, we encourage you to do so. Others may wish to operate an independent ministry in affiliation with a number of area churches who are willing to commission their services. Still others, desire to elect to apply for ministerial (commissioning) credentials through the National Conservative Christian Church and qualify to open an independent counseling ministry in their community under the authority of this national church organization.

Having N.C.C.A. credentials ensures that you are recognized within your community as a qualified Christian/Pastoral counselor. The community can be assured that your credentials are authentic and current because you will be under the discipline of professional review boards that are organized on the national and state levels by the N.C.C.A.

Other benefits available to N.C.C.A. members include professional liability insurance and networking with other counselors. In addition, the N.C.C.A. offers assistance to its graduates with regard to degree transfer work and fulfillment of academic goals.

Each individual must decide if he or she wants to be an agent of the state or an agent of the Church. If you have a divine call on your life to counsel and minister to the hurting, then a state license may, put many prohibitions on such a ministry.

The N.C.C.A. Licensing Program is not a state license. In fact, it is distinctly different. Most states have regulatory laws governing the practice of psychology. Many of them also legislate the practice of general counseling. These laws vary from state to state. For example, some states have a counselor category called "Licensed Professional Counselor". These states prohibit N.C.C.A. graduates from using the initials "L.P.C." Their title must be spelled out, i.e., "N.C.C.A. Licensed Pastoral Counselor" or "N.C.C.A. Licensed Clinical Christian Counselor." This ensures that the N.C.C.A. counselor is operating within legal and ethical standards.

State regulatory laws help to protect the public and ensure professionalism with the counseling profession. The N.C.C.A. strives to attain a similar goal with the Christian community and, at the same time, operate so as to avoid infringing upon state regulations.

The state and federal governments also have jurisdictional boundaries. They cannot pass laws that prevent the church from fulfilling its purpose and ministering to humanity's needs. The state recognizes that counseling is one of the responsibilities of the Church and its clergy. For this reason, the state does not (and must never be permitted to) interfere with the church ministry of counseling.

The major difference between state-licensed professional counselors and Pastoral or Christian counselors, who are licensed by the N.C.C.A. and under the authority of the Church (Body of Christ), is clear and well-defined. Counselors who have been licensed by the state are held to strict ethical standards which mandate an individual's right to be free from religious interference. The state licensed professional counselor is usually forbidden to pray, read or refer to the Holy Scriptures, counsel against things such as homosexuality, abortion, etc. The only time a state licensed counselor can involve religious (Christian) principles, morals, activities, etc., is if the counselee initiates or requests counsel in this area. Even then, the state licensed professional counselor could integrate secular methods such as psychotherapy in their counseling approach.

Opposite from that, Pastoral counselors are required to pray, share their faith, read the Holy Scriptures, etc. The fact that Pastoral and Christian counselors do these things creates a clear distinction. We do not do the things that state licensed counselors do in counseling and they do not do the things we Pastoral counselors do.

As you can readily see, the state governs secular counselors and the Church is responsible to set standards and govern ministers who have devoted their lives to the ministry and to Pastoral counseling.

None of this is to say that the Christian counselor, minister or priest is not permitted to request fees and receive remuneration for the services they render.

The N.C.C.A. requires all who are certified or licensed by its Licensing Board of Examiners to:

	All enrollments are $350. This includes a $50 non-refundable enrollment fee and cost of the first course. The enrolling student will need to request and fill out an Alive At The Center/NCCA Enrollment agreement. The following information is required upon submission of the NCCA Enrollment Agreement Form:
	Personal information
	Answers to some basic questions
	Letters of reference
	Previous school and training documentation (copies of transcript, certificates, and ministerial credentials (if applicable),
	A personal resume'
	Recent photo The NCCA Enrollment Agreement Form and required documents, along with a check or money order for $350 are to be submitted to
	Alive At The Center Ministries - ATTN: NCCA Program Evaluation Committee, 14605 Aeries Ways, Fort Myers, FL 33912 OR pay Enrollment Fee online with a credit card or echeck  Enrollment packages will be reviewed for acceptance/non-acceptance. This is a professional program. All enrolling candidates are strongly encouraged to develop their enrollment package in a neat and professional manner. The student will be notified of acceptance or non-acceptance within 7-10 days. If a student is found not qualified, the $300 shall be refunded to the enrollee. Once a candidate is accepted into the program, enrollment cannot be refunded. Application Form - MS Word Doc  |  PDF Doc return to top Payment Plans: (After the $350 enrollment):
	Payment plans are available to anyone who needs. We will work with each student individually to find an amount that best suits your budget, and keep tuitions and fees up to date..
	Students may opt to "pay as they go". The student will be assigned clinical supervision and will be assessed fees to cover the supervision. These fees are in addition to the tuition and paid directly to the clinical supervisor. Supervisor fees are covered on the individual program description pages. The student will be responsible for practicum fees (A.P.S. reports), These fees are in addition to the tuition and paid directly to the clinical supervisor. Practicum fees are covered on the individual program description pages. If you enroll in the program for licensure and are also working toward a degree, there are matriculation and transfer fees. The matriculation and transfer fees in addition to the tuition, and are paid directly to the N.C.C.A. return to top
	Be credentialed ministers (ordained, licensed or commissioned) whose goal is to evangelize and ease the emotional pain and suffering of humanity.
	Provide their service under the authority of a legally organized local church, a national church organization or a not-for-profit ministry.
	Complete specialized training provided by the N.C.C.A. N.C.C.A.'s published "Code of Ethical Standards" outlines all of the procedures involved in dismissal, revocation, probation and reinstatement of an individual's membership, certification and/or license. return to top Accreditation The N.C.C.A., as well as the affiliated degree conferring colleges and seminaries are accredited by the Accrediting Commission International (A.C.I.) as a Comprehensive Accredited Member. For information regarding N.C.C.A.'s standing, you may contact A.C.I. at:
	Telephone: 501-882-3361
	website: www.accreditnow.com  The N.C.C.A. is also fully accredited by National Private Schools Association Group (NPSAG). For information regarding N.C.C.A.'s standing, you may contact NPSAG at:
	telephone: 800-840-0939
	website: www.npsag.com Member of the Better Business Bureau of West Florida. Contact Information:
	website: www.bbbwestflorida.org  In addition to certification and licensing, successful completion of Phase III qualifies you for your next level academic degree in Christian Counseling, Clinical Christian Counseling, or Christian Psychology. No on-campus courses or visits are required. We do encourage participation in commencement exercises, especially at the Master's or Doctorate level..: The following colleges and seminaries are affiliated and participate in the N.C.C.A. degree transfer program:   Andersonville Baptist Seminary Calvary Theological Seminary, GA Calvary Theological Seminary, LA Chesapeake Bible College & Seminary Cornerstone University, Lake Charles, LA Faith Theological Seminary Family Bible Institute, College & Seminary International Theological Seminary Jacksonville Theological Seminary Logos Christian College and Graduate School Southeastern Theological Seminary Vision Christian Bible College & Seminary We educate, equip and support counseling ministries everywhere. Group training for churches and other organizations are available. Is God calling you to be a Christian counselor? Don't put off obeying the call. We invite you to review our academic programs and find the one that best fits you and the ministry of Christian counseling you are envisioning. We are here to answer any & all questions. There are no hidden surprises. You may call our offices at (239) 986-9227. Our priority is to "Equip the Saints" to be the very best Christian caregiver God will allow you to be. Let us help fulfill your call to a ministry of Christian counseling. Contact us today. We look forward to hearing from you, and the opportunity to work with you personally. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of the hurting. God Bless you !   return to top