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ACCREDITATION
Grace College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association. We are an active member of the Council of Independent Colleges, the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, the Indiana Conference of Higher Education, the Independent Colleges and Universities of Indiana, and the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities. We are also accredited by the Association of Christian Schools International.
The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (www.cacrep.org), a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), has granted accreditation for the M.A. in Counseling degree in Mental Health Counseling at Grace College. The Directory of CACREP Accredited Programs can be located on the CACREP website at www.cacrep.org http://www.cacrep.org/ .
LICENSURE
The Grace College Graduate Department of Counseling and Interpersonal Relations does not, and cannot, guarantee licensure. Individuals who graduate with a M.A. in Counseling degree must ascertain the requirements of the state licensing board where they are wanting to obtain licensure and are responsible for compliance with those requirements. In Indiana, individuals are required to take the National Certified Mental Health Counselor Examination (NCMHCE). After providing documentation of supervised experiences and coursework, an individual is required to sit for the examination. Upon passing the exam, the individual would receive a license to practice. In Indiana, contact the state licensing agency, the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (IPLA) to ascertain the specific requirements for professional licensure.
National Certification
Certification is a voluntary step that an individual may take to demonstrate that s/he has achieved a set of minimum standards established by a certifying agency. The National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) is nationally recognized by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies. See www.nbcc.org. The NBCC requires a master's degree or higher in counseling. Applicants for the National Certified Counselor (NCC) must have taken specified coursework. After applicants have demonstrated fulfillment of the prerequisites, they may apply to sit for the National Counselor Exam (NCE). After passing the exam, individuals need to submit an official transcript (demonstrating that the graduate degree has been conferred) and a completed Counseling Supervisor's Endorsement Form, which documents supervised experience. Individuals are then National Board Certified Counselors.
Some states (e.g., Illinois) accept the National Counselor Examination (NCE) in lieu of a separate state examination for licensure as a Professional Counselor. In contrast, other states, (e.g., Indiana) require individuals to take the National Certified Mental Health Counselor Examination (NCMHCE).
State Licensing Criteria
There are different licensing requirements for each state. To determine what the licensing requirements are in your state, please click on www.nbcc.org/stateboardmap and then select the appropriate state.
The application for licensure for the state of Indiana can be found at:
http://www.in.gov/icpr/webfile/formsdiv/50319.pdf
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