Icon in the shape of a positively progressing stock graph. Icon in the shape of a closed book. Icon in the shape of a paper with pencil hovering over it. Icon in the shape of stacked list of images with text beside them Icon in the shape of a circle with the Twitter bird in the middle. Icon in the shape of a checkmark Icon in the shape of a magnifying glass Icon in the shape of a label tag Icon in the shape of an item list Icon in the shape of an arrow in clockwise direction Icon in the shape of a left pointing arrow Icon in the shape of a right pointing arrow Icon in the shape of a man's head and a woman's head Icon in the shape of a pie chart with the top right quarter offset from the rest Icon in the shape of four arrows pointing inward Icon in the shape of the facebook logo with circle around it

The certification department is currently experiencing a significant increase in emails and other inquiries. As such, we are experiencing substantial delays in responding to inquiries. Please allow approximately 2 weeks for a response. Please send only one email, as sending multiple emails contributes to even further delays. We appreciate your understanding.

 

Certification Practicum Education Changes – NEW

Click here to view the slides that were presented.

Overview of Certification

In 1986, CCPA established a credentialing service for its members: Canadian Certified Counsellors: A National Certification Program for Professional Counsellors.

Certification with CCPA is different from membership with CCPA. This distinction between membership and certification is for the benefit of the public. Certification represents a successful evaluation of a member’s qualification to practice. Membership does not. Should you wish to use a qualification designation from CCPA, you must seek certification, which will permit the use of the letters CCC as the appropriate statement about qualifications to practice counselling.

The Canadian Certified Counsellor certification is a national service that identifies to the public those counsellors who CCPA recognizes as qualified to provide counselling services in Canada. Obtaining the status of Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) includes recognition of standards of professional preparation, continuing education, and a formal code of ethics. As a non-statutory self-regulating body, CCPA provides advice and discipline for members on matters of professional conduct.

Only counsellors who are certified by CCPA are permitted to use the trademarked title Canadian Certified Counsellor and/or the acronym ‘CCC’. Certified Professional Members also receive a certificate which their clients should expect to see displayed at the place of work.

Benefits of Certification

In addition to membership benefits, individuals who obtain certified membership with CCPA enjoy the following exclusive benefits:

  • Eligibility for Group Professional Liability insurance, available through a Group Plan from CCPA’s broker of choice. This national company has considerable experience with professional liability insurance and provides insurance services for a number of other professions in Canada;
  • Ready-to-frame certificate identifying you as a Canadian Certified Counsellor;
  • Public recognition of national qualification as a certified counsellor;
  • The right to add the title of C.C.C. (Canadian Certified Counsellor) on all your professional correspondence;
  • Inclusion in our C.C.C. online Directory.
  • Eligibility to apply for the C.C.C. – S. certification.
  • Access to CCPA’s Telephone Legal Advice Helpline.

Fees and Renewal

Certified membership with CCPA costs $260 annually, comprised of a $185 membership fee plus a $75 certification fee. When you apply for certification, there is an additional $95 evaluation fee. Although Certified Members pay certification fees annually, the certification credential is valid for a three-year period during which certified members must accrue 36 Continuing Education Credits (CECs) in order to demonstrate professional development and to renew their certification for another three-year period.

On March 30th, 2021, the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association hosted a webinar
to answer frequently asked questions about the process to apply for our Canadian Certified Counsellor designation.
This is a recording of part of this session.

 

APPLYING FOR CERTIFICATION WITH THE CCPA

Please note, in order to apply for Certification, applicants must first be a Professional Member in good standing with CCPA.

become a member

Use our self-assessment tool to determine if you are eligible for our certification (note that this is not meant to replace an official evaluation)

self-assessment tool

Open this guide for information on requirements and application procedures

Guide

BMS

Looking for information on liability insurance?

BMS Group LTD is our preferred provider and has offered special rates for CCPA members.

View Offering