Based on ACBC’s published certification process (biblicalcounseling.com/training/certification)

Phase 1 — Learning

• Complete ACBC’s Fundamentals Training Course
• Complete required counseling observations
• Finish 1,000 pages from ACBC’s Approved Reading List (at least 300 pages from the Biblical Counseling & Theology
  category)

Phase 2 — Exams & Evaluation

• Pass ACBC’s Theology Exam
• Pass ACBC’s Counseling Exam

Phase 3 — Supervision

• Complete 50 supervised counseling sessions under an ACBC Fellow, with case reports submitted for review

Membership & Ongoing Requirements

• Affirm ACBC’s Standards of Doctrine, Standards of Conduct, and Membership Covenant
• Pastoral recommendation/endorsement from your local church
• Renew annually; background check every 5 years; continuing education units (CEUs) every 2 years

Timeline & Cost

• Most candidates complete certification in about 2 years
• Phases 1–2 must be completed within 4 years of starting; Phase 3 within 1 year of starting supervision
• Total ACBC fees run roughly $1,400 (local training/mentoring time is separate)