The Independent Baptist Association of Biblical Counselors (IBABC) was established to provide a certification agency for Biblical counseling among Independent Baptists. To that end a 501c3 was formed and the name and logo trademarked. We provide a standardized training program that includes lectures, course work, 50 sessions of counseling oversight we call practicum, testing, and continuing education. Those seeking certification begin with the Biblical Counseling Certification course which consists of 13 distinct classes each of approximately 16-18, 50-minute lectures (Topics can be seen in the lists below). To complete each course, you must complete the given assignments and tests. Before completing your certification, you will need to do 50 counseling sessions with oversite given by Dr. Carter, and pass a general Biblical Counseling knowledge overview test. If further training is desired, you may continue on to our Advanced Biblical Counseling Certification which consists of another 13 distinct classes each of 16-18 lectures and complete all assignments and tests. If desired, once you receive your certification you may apply them toward a Masters and Doctorate level diploma respectively through Beth Haven Baptist Seminary. Details for this are discussed in the program.
Biblical Counseling Certification:
Complete 13 classes of 16-18 lectures each, do all required assignments and tests, and do 50 sessions of counseling practicum and course evaluation. A person who earns this certification will be able to use the credential: Certified Biblical Counselor
Advanced Biblical Counseling Certification:
Complete 13 classes of 16-18 lectures each, do all required assignments and tests, and write a counseling protocol and complete a general knowledge test over the course. A person who earns this certification will be able to use the credential: Certified Advanced Biblical Counselor
Learn how to get started by watching the video below.
Finances
In order to offer sound biblical training which is both affordable to students and provides for the needs of administration, IBABC will charge the following costs:
Certification Fee
‣ $1,700 per certification (includes all courses)
‣ $150 discount if paid in full
‣ Or pay over 10 monthly installments
Books
‣ Varies – purchased separately
‣ $425.00 Complete Counseling Program Book Set
Frequently Asked Questions
Are classes self-paced?
Yes. The only constraint is that a class must be fully completed within 18 weeks from enrollment.
How long does the Biblical Counselors Certification take?
Depending on how much time you invest in the courses, the usual time frame to complete the certification is 1 – 2 years. We recommend students set a goal of 18 months, and make a regular schedule to work towards that time-frame. If 18 months isn’t feasible for you, then you should determine what is, and work towards that instead.
Course List
Certified Biblical Counselor Courses
‣ Biblical Anthropology
‣ Life Issues Discipleship 1
‣ Life Issues Discipleship 2
‣ Life Issues Discipleship 3
‣ Life Issues Discipleship 4
‣ Counseling Practicum ‣ Diagnostics and Data
‣ Counseling Dynamics
‣ Marital Counseling
‣ Spiritual Warfare
‣ Addiction Counseling
‣ Grief Counseling
‣ Counseling Moral Issues
‣ Biblical Ethics
‣ Final Examination
supervised counseling with 15 counselees
Certified Advanced Biblical Counselor Courses
‣ Counseling Protocols
‣ Discernment
‣ Family Issues 1
‣ Family Issues 2
‣ Youth Counseling
‣ Social Issues
‣ Criminal Personalities
‣ Financial Counseling
‣ Seniors Counseling
‣ Chronic Illness
‣ Human Sexuality
‣ Trauma Counseling
‣ Ministerial Issues
‣ Personally Developed Counseling Protocol
‣ Final Examination
Continuing Education Units
In order to renew your certification biennially, counselors need to take at least one additional class every two years. CEUs may also be earned by attending the counseling lectures at our annual HOPE Conference. Counselors may also retake courses that have been updated or take new courses in our Advanced Biblical Counseling tract.
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