Become a Certified
Biblical Counselor
The Independent Baptist Association of Biblical Counselors (IBABC) provides a standardized, Christ-centered training program designed to equip you with the practical and theological skills needed to counsel effectively. Our certification validates your commitment to biblical fidelity and counseling excellence within the Independent Baptist community.
Before applying for any certification program or paid class, you must Register for a Free Account to access all course videos and begin your enrollment process.
How to get started – watch this:
Certification Courses
First Step Required: All new students must Register for a Free Account to access course videos and begin any paid certification or class enrollment.
Biblical Counseling Certification:
Features
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
Payment Option
One-Time Payment (Pay in Full) $1,500
One-Time PaymentInstallment Plan (Pay over 10 months) $1,700
Installment PlanAdvanced Biblical Counseling Certification:
Features
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
Payment Option
One-Time Payment (Pay in Full)
Start Application NowSpecial Certification Pathways:
Advanced Degree
/ Prior Certification
For those holding an advanced degree with a counseling emphasis or with prior certification from an approved institution.
Request for CertificationTransfer Credits
(Already Completed Classes)
For those who have successfully taken these specific courses and qualify for IBABC certification.
Apply for Transfer CertificationHow to Register
Step 1: Register for Free
2. Fill in your details.
3. Submit the form to create your free account.
4. This gives you access to the certification courses and materials.
Step 2: Choose Your Option
After registering and logging in, select the certification path that fits your goals or background:
Transfer Credits – For those who have already completed specific courses elsewhere and qualify for IBABC certification.
Course List
These courses provide a complete curriculum, moving from foundational theological principles and diagnostic skills to the in-depth treatment of specialized, complex life and ministry issues.
Certified Biblical Counselor Courses
Foundations of Biblical Discipleship and Counseling
‣ 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
Certified Advanced Biblical Counselor Courses
Advanced, specialized biblical counseling training.
‣ 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
Not pursuing full certification yet? You can audit or take any single class from our curriculum.
Single Class Enrollment
Cost per Class: $250
Purpose: Excellent for Continuing Education or exploring the curriculum before committing to the full program.
Certificate of Completion: Students who complete a single class will receive a Certificate of Completion for that course.
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.
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.
Ready to start?
Start your journey toward certification now! Choose the option that best describes your current status
For New Student
Already Registered?