Become a certified biblical counsellor
Many Christians feel they aren’t equipped to counsel. Yet, when our brothers and sisters in Christ encounter trials, suffering, and sin, we are called to help them “grow up in every way into Him who is the head, into Christ,” by speaking the truth in love.
Hope Counselling Centre is committed to assisting those who want to become certified biblical counsellors through the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC).
ACBC certification equips you in utilising the Scriptures to address problems people face. Their biblically-grounded process is made up of three phases: learning, exams and evaluations, and supervision.
Phase 1 | Learning
The first phase of ACBC certification includes a Fundamentals Training Course, counselling observations, and reading requirements.
Learn More
Fundamental Training Course
- 30 hours of biblical video training
- At Hope Counselling Centre, we can loan you the video training resource to work through
Counselling Observation
- Observe 10 biblical counselling sessions in action to learn from ACBC Certified members.
- At Hope Counselling Centre, we can loan the observation videos for you to watch.
Reading Requirements
- Increase your understanding of biblical counselling and theology by reading 1,000 pages from ACBC’s Approved Reading List. At least 300 of the 1,000 pages will need to be from the “Biblical Counselling and Theology” category on the Approved Reading List.
- At Hope Counselling Centre, we have hardcopies of all of the books on the Approved Reading List, which you are welcome to borrow.
Phase 2 | Exams & Evaluations
In Phase 2 you will be tested and evaluated based upon your learning in Phase 1, to ensure your faithfulness to the Word of God in counselling.
Learn More
Exams
- The ACBC Exams consist of 44 essay-style questions on theology and counselling. Each answer should be 1-1.5 pages long. You will complete these open-book tests at your own pace, then submit them to ACBC for grading.
- You are welcome to preview the theology and counselling open book exams questions.
- Your exams are graded on a pass, rewrite, or fatal error basis. Your grader will likely suggest revisions on your exams and will give tips to help you deepen your understanding. This is an excellent opportunity to humbly grow in your understanding of many important topics.
Evaluations
- This part of Phase 2 involves short answer questions, a pastor/elder evaluation, a colleague evaluation, and confirmation from your church to confirm that you are a member in good standing and that you are under the church’s authority.
Phase 3 | Supervision
Phase 3 is where the rubber meets the road in ACBC Certification. Over the course of a year, you will complete 50 sessions of supervised counselling with an ACBC Fellow.
Learn More
- At Hope Counselling Centre, we can help connect you with local people who are in need of counselling, to assist in completing your 50 sessions of supervised counselling.