Combined License & Ph.D. Training Program

Procedures and Requirements

TUITION COSTS

Individuals who already hold a Masters degree in counseling or a related/accepted field may elect to complete the requirements for license and qualify for a Ph.D. in Clinical Christian Counseling.

If you have already completed Phase 1 and Phase 2 courses and requirements for your Master's degree, you will choose and complete 16 Advanced courses, and the Dissertation noted below to earn your Doctorate. 

Complete Phase I

Courses

Each candidate must complete the following 5 courses:

May be exempt from 1 course in phase 1, if similar course work has been done.

Additional Requirements

Each candidate must:

  1. Complete a practicum. This consists of administering the A.P.S. to 10 individuals under the direction of our approved clinical supervisor. 3 hrs. req.
  2. Upon completion of the required course, submit the following:
    1. a. Written responses to 50 ethical questions posed by N.C.C.A.’s National Licensing Board of Examiners.
    2. b. $50 for first year’s annual dues.
    3. c. A signed Application for Certification/Membership form and a signed copy of N.C.C.A.’s code of Ethical Standards.

After completing all of the requirements for Phase I, the candidate will (assuming everything is in order) receive:

  • Certified Temperament Counselor
  • Clinical Member (non-clergy) or Professional Clinical Member (clergy)

Complete Phase II

Courses

Each candidate must complete the following 3 courses:

Additional Requirements

Each candidate must:

  1. Complete a practicum. This consists of administering the A.P.S. to 15 additional individuals under the direction of an assigned and approved clinical supervisor. 3 hrs. required.
  2. Upon completion of the required courses, submit the following:
      1. Signed Application for License form. This Application for License form also authorizes the N.C.C.A. to secure a national background check to verify each candidate’s history.
      2. Background check and Licensing fee of $100.
      3. Ministerial Credentials, send a copy to us.

***All candidates must have current ministerial credentials to be credentialed as a pastoral counselor by the N.C.C.A.  If you do not already have valid ministerial credentials, we recommend you speak with your local pastor or church leadership about attaining these credentials through your local church or denomination.  If that is not possible, please call for more information on organizations many of our students have used to attain their ministerial credentials

After successfully completing all of the requirements for Phase II, the candidate will (assuming everything is in order) receive:

  •  Licensed Clinical Pastoral Counselor
  •  Certified Temperament Pastoral Counselor (optional, extra $39)

Annual membership and license renewal is required. Membership is $50 per year, and license renewal is $20 per year (a total of $70). A signed affidavit verifying continuing education must be submitted annually.

The tuition for each Phase I and Phase II course is $250, which includes shipping, handling, and all course supplies/materials. Candidates are expected to pay for each course when it is shipped.

Clinical supervision will include practicing the use of the APS, new counseling skills, and exploring your vision and goal for a Christian Counseling ministry/business.  As needed, we will discuss the concepts of a home office, a church office, and a personal office space, and explore ways to begin advertising and reaching your community. 

Complete Phase III

Courses

Each candidate must complete a qualified Life/Ministry Experience Portfolio and six (6) advanced courses; or alternatively, eight (8) advanced courses.

Additional Requirements

Each candidate must:

  1. Upon completion of the required courses, submit the following:
    1. A 140-page written dissertation, in digital format. This normally consists of 35 reports (25 generated for license practicum plus 10 additional) and individual reports (case
      studies) developed from the candidate’s work with 35 individuals using the A.P.S. reports. A format is provided in the course titled “Temperament Case Studies.”  Each case study should be about 4-5 pages, beginning with an introductory page.
    2. Degree matriculation fee $1500
    3. $50 to upgrade the candidate’s license to the Ph.D. level of Licensed Clinical Pastoral Counselor – Advanced Certified
    4. A complete, up-to-date resume, including a photograph.

The tuition for each advanced course is $200. This includes shipping and handling and all course supplies/materials. Candidates are expected to pay for each course when it is shipped.

After successfully completing all of the requirements for Phase III, the candidate will (assuming everything is in order) receive:

  • Licensed Clinical Pastoral Counselor – Advanced Certified
  • Appropriate Board Certification counseling certificates for selected specialty areas
  • Ph.D. in Clinical Christian Counseling