IBCC FAQ’s

If I am an IBCC Credential holder, can I apply for membership in the Christian Care Connect referral network? How do I apply? Yes, dually licensed practitioners and credentialed life coaches will be eligible to apply for a listing in the network.
Why should I join the IBCC? We have listed several benefits on the IBCC web site. Your attractive credential communicates to clients and colleagues alike that you have completed a thorough and professional review. It is a public statement that you are qualified to provide ethical and competent counseling from a Christian perspective. You can refer inquiring clients to About IBCC to review the AACC code of ethics, doctrinal standards and credentialing requirements. The strength of credentialing numbers provides greater influence and presence in the national and international community.
What are the “practical” benefits of being a IBCC credential holder? IBCC provides support, prayer and counsel on ethical and professional issues for credential holders. We are trustworthy advocates.The potential of being listed on the most comprehensive national referral network for Christian Counselors and Christian Life Coaches.
Any IBCC credential is a public statement about your personal integrity, experience, spiritual character, and helping philosophy.

Through the “Downloads” tab on the website, you can download and print your Board’s logo as well as your specific credential logo on your business card, website, office stationary, advertising, etc.

You have access to the IBCC Board leadership to express your concerns and to offer your valued suggestions for program improvement.

You will have opportunities to receive “credential holders only” discounts on AACC products, CE programs, training events and Conferences.
Why are IBCC applications so comprehensive and detailed? It is the invariable commitment of the AACC to provide credentialing opportunities that are legitimate. The IBCC Board has set a very high standard in order to provide and protect a sacred trust as Christian Caregivers. When you receive a credential from one of the IBCC Credentialing Boards, it commands professional respect and national recognition. Our requirements also make a clear value and quality statement to comparable secular agencies.
Why do you require course work and biblical integration? There are many competent and qualified professionals who are committed Christians but who have not had any formal training in Christian crisis response. It is critical for those who are credentialed as Christian crisis responders, that they in fact, have had training and experience in utilizing God’s Word and crisis response skills in their practice or ministry. However, there is considerable “latitude” in approving informal training, professional workshops and Christian conferences as meeting some of the requirement.
How do the BCCTR fees compare with similar credentialing/certification programs? This question is legitimate anytime, but especially relevant during an economic recession. The application and approval process for the overall credentialing process requires hundreds of hours of staff input. Every file is personally, collectively and thoroughly reviewed by the Credentialing Committee. Approximately 60% of all applications require additional inquiry and information follow-up.
Do I have to provide verification of my Continuing Education (CE) requirement when it is time to renew my credential? Only in the sense that you must complete the renewal attestation form and state that you have in fact completed the requirement. You do not have to send in supporting documentation unless we specifically request it or you are subject to a random audit.
What if I now qualify for a higher level of credentialing after completing additional education, experience, or license requirements? Upgrading your credential is a simple process. Send us a request for upgrading with the appropriate supporting documentation and we will send you a new credential. There is a $50.00 fee for upgrading. You do not have to complete an additional application for the new credential level. The specific application requirements are detailed on our under your board’s website.
What if I have unusual or extenuating circumstances that make it difficult or impossible for me to meet some of the IBCC application requirements? Should I even bother to apply? Before you complete the application and send in your application fee, be sure to e-mail or call us to see what the potential is for a successful application process. The good news about the IBCC staff is that they consider each file carefully and on occasion make justified exceptions.
When should I expect notice about my renewal deadline? As you know, the IBCC membership is renewed every two years. You will receive automatically-generated written notices regarding the renewal date ahead of the deadline date. If for some reason you do not receive notice and you know it is time, be sure to contact us right away so we can resolve the matter in a timely fashion.
What if I want to have two credentials at the same time? What are the cost and requirements? Requesting a second credential simply requires that you meet the application requirements of the new credential. You will be required to send us supporting documentation and a $75.00 fee made out to AACC for processing and the new credential.
What are the renewal costs for all credentials? The renewal fee is the same for all four levels of the Board of Christian Crisis and Trauma Responders – $149.00 made out to AACC for a two year renewal period.
What if I finished a new degree or had other reasons to change the name on my credential/certificate? All you need to do is request a new certificate and provide for us the new information you want included. There is a $25.00 processing fee for the new credential made out to AACC.
Is an IBCC credential the same as a license? No. Despite what other organizations may say, the only entity that is authorized to issue a counseling license is the state(s) in which you practice. IBCC provides a credential which is recognition of one’s background, training, and experience, but does not license them to practice.
Why is professional malpractice/liability insurance required for some of the IBCC credentials? Insurance is very important protection for you and your counseling practice. If you are a licensed professional, being covered with the appropriate limits of liability insurance is a requirement. IBCC highly recommends liability insurance, even for non-licensed credential holders.
What if I am currently on sabbatical from my practice – am I still required to maintain my insurance coverage? It is the best practice to do so. However, you may request a waiver due to special circumstances.
What happens if I do not complete my required Continuing Education hours (CE’s) during the two year renewal period? Will my credential renewal be denied? There is no flexibility regarding the required CE’s, but the good news is that we can allow some flexibility in the time allowed to make up your hours. Most often, our credential holders actually have invested many hours that count for CE’s but they did not realize it. It is best to e-mail us on this question and let us know what you did complete.
I really don’t have access to CE’s that are “related to the integration of psychology/crisis response and theology/the Bible” and I am not sure what you mean by this. You would be amazed how many classes, courses, on-line opportunities, conferences, and special workshop that meet the CE’s requirements. For example, if you read a Christian crisis response book, or watched a video series on crisis and trauma response – all of this time potentially counts toward the CE requirement. It does not have to be a “psychology” course but it must be training in crisis response with a definite Christian perspective. The AACC provides courses that meet the requirements for IBCC Credential holders, for more information, please visit: https://www.lightuniversity.com/
I really don’t have access to CE’s that are “related to the integration of psychology/counseling and theology/the Bible” and I am not sure what you mean by this. You would be amazed how many classes, courses, on-line opportunities, conferences, and special workshop that meet the CE’s requirements. For example, if you read a Christian counseling book, or participated in a couple’s retreat or watched a video series on marriage – all of this time potentially counts toward the CE requirement. It does not have to be a “psychology” course but it must be training in counseling with a definite Christian perspective.
What if I am not sure I meet some of the specific requirements in the application process? Should I call to get clarification?Many of our BCCTR applicants have something they are not really sure about. It is best to complete the application and submit it. Then our Board can review carefully what you submit and work with you in clarifying requirements or giving you specific direction on how to proceed.
As a credential holder, can I charge a fee for counseling services? No. Ethically, and legally in most states, only a licensed professional counselor can charge a fee for services. As a non-licensed counselor, you can only provide counseling through a ministry or church setting, and can only ask for a “suggested donation” for your counseling ministry. Because it is a “suggested donation” you will need to be prepared to accept nothing at all, or what you “suggested.”
If for some reason I am unable to renew my credential – can I still keep it on display and use the credential in marketing/practice? It is not acceptable for you to represent yourself as a credential holder when it is not current. It is a sound ethical practice to discontinue display and marketing of membership until you have renewed.
How long does the application process typically take? The typical application process takes about 4-6 weeks. Once we receive your completed application, it has to be reviewed and ultimately approved by the BCCTR, you will receive your credential in the mail.