Education & Accreditation

Accreditation

ACA recognizes the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) as the counseling profession’s accrediting body.

CACREP is an independent accrediting organization recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). It accredits master’s programs in counseling specialties and doctoral programs in counselor education and supervision. Its standards address professional counselor identity, foundational knowledge, specialized preparation, and supervised clinical experience.

CACREP’s 2024 standards require entry-level programs to include at least 60 graduate semester credits or 90 quarter credits, coursework across eight foundational areas, and supervised practicum and internship experiences.

Accreditation requirements for counselor licensure vary by state and application pathway. Some states require CACREP accreditation, while others accept additional educational pathways. Before enrolling in a program or applying for licensure, confirm the current requirements with the licensing board in each state where you intend to practice. Graduation from an accredited program does not, by itself, guarantee licensure.

States requiring a CACREP-accredited master’s degree include Kentucky, North Carolina and Ohio.

There are additional CHEA-recognized accrediting organizations which accredit counseling master’s degree programs, located in regionally accredited colleges and universities in the United States, that educate students in the science-based practice of counseling.  Please contact the ACA Career Counseling Department at acacareers@counseling.org.