Top 10 Family Counselor Certifications

Certifications are important for a family counselor in the job market because they demonstrate that an individual has the skill set and knowledge required to provide quality care. They also show potential employers that a counselor is committed to staying up-to-date with industry standards and best practices. Certifications can give family counselors an edge over other applicants, as employers often prefer candidates who have been certified by a recognized organization or institution. In addition, certifications help establish credibility among colleagues, clients, and referral sources. Lastly, certifications may be required for certain positions or organizations, so having them can open doors to more job opportunities.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Family Counselors and explains how they can contribute to a Family Counselor's career.

What are Family Counselor Certifications?

Family counselor certification is a professional credential that recognizes individuals who have met the educational, training, and experience requirements necessary to practice as a family counselor. This certification is administered by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) and is widely recognized as an important indicator of competence in family counseling.

By obtaining this certification, family counselors demonstrate their commitment to providing quality services to their clients and their families. This credential also serves as evidence of the knowledge and skills needed to effectively work with families in need of counseling. In addition, those who hold this certification are required to adhere to the NBCC Code of Ethics, which outlines principles that guide professional behavior when providing counseling services.

Having this certification can help family counselors build credibility in their field by demonstrating that they have met rigorous standards for training and practice. It can also open up opportunities for career advancement and increase earning potential. Additionally, obtaining this credential can help family counselors expand their network of colleagues in the field, allowing them to stay informed about best practices in family counseling. Finally, having this credential may make it easier for family counselors to become licensed in states where licensure is required for practice.

Pro Tip: When considering a family counselor certification, make sure to look for programs that are accredited by the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT). This will ensure that the program meets the highest standards of quality in education and training. Additionally, make sure to review any additional certifications or specializations offered by the program to determine if they can help you specialize in your area of interest.

Related: What does a Family Counselor do?

Top 10 Family Counselor Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Family Counselors today.

1. National Certified Counselor (NCC)

National Certified Counselor (NCC) is a professional credential awarded by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). It is the highest level of certification available in the counseling profession, and it demonstrates that an individual has met rigorous standards of practice and ethics. The NCC credential is recognized as a mark of excellence in the field of counseling, and it can help counselors gain access to more job opportunities, higher salaries, and greater respect within their profession.

To become an NCC, individuals must first complete a master’s degree in counseling or a related field from an accredited institution. They must also pass the National Counselor Examination for Licensure and Certification (NCE), which tests their knowledge of counseling theory and practice. After passing the exam, applicants must submit proof of supervised clinical experience in order to be eligible for certification.

The process of becoming an NCC typically takes about two years to complete. During this time, individuals must complete all necessary educational requirements, pass the NCE exam, and fulfill any other state-specific requirements for licensure or certification.

The cost of becoming an NCC varies depending on what state you live in and what type of program you choose to pursue your master’s degree in counseling or related field. Generally speaking, applicants can expect to pay anywhere from $2,000-$10,000 in tuition fees alone. Additional costs may include licensing fees and examination fees.

2. Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) is a type of mental health professional who provides counseling services to individuals, couples, families, and groups. The LPC is licensed by their state board of professional counselors and must meet certain educational, experience, and examination requirements in order to practice.

It typically takes between four to seven years to become an LPC. This includes completing a master’s degree in counseling or a related field from an accredited university or college, completing three thousand hours of supervised clinical experience, and passing the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE).

To become an LPC, you must first complete the necessary educational requirements. This includes earning a master’s degree in counseling or a related field from an accredited university or college. You should also gain experience through internships and practicums while in school.

Once you have completed your education and gained the required experience, you can apply for licensure with your state board of professional counselors. The application process will include submitting documentation such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, proof of supervised clinical hours, and other materials as requested by the board. Once approved for licensure, you will need to take and pass the NCMHCE exam before becoming fully licensed.

The cost of becoming an LPC varies depending on the state where you are applying for licensure. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $200-$500 for application fees plus additional costs for exams and other materials needed for licensure.

3. Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE)

Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE) is a professional designation given to individuals who have met the educational and experiential requirements of the National Council on Family Relations (NCFR). CFLEs are trained to provide family life education, which includes teaching, research, program development and evaluation, and advocacy.

In order to become a Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE), applicants must meet certain criteria. This includes having at least a bachelor’s degree or higher in the field of family studies or related discipline from an accredited college or university; completing at least 45 semester hours of coursework in family studies; completing at least three semester hours of supervised field experience in family life education; and passing the NCFR's CFLE examination.

The process for becoming a Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE) can take anywhere from six months to two years depending on individual circumstances. Applicants should plan ahead by researching the requirements and gathering all necessary materials before starting the application process.

The cost for becoming a Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE) varies depending on whether you are an NCFR member or non-member. For members, the cost is $275 for the initial application fee and $75 for each additional year of certification renewal. For non-members, the cost is $425 for the initial application fee and $125 for each additional year of certification renewal.

4. Certified Marriage and Family Therapist (CMFT)

Certified Marriage and Family Therapist (CMFT) is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have met the highest standards of excellence in marriage and family therapy. CMFTs are trained to provide counseling, psychotherapy, and intervention services to couples, families, and individuals.

In order to become a Certified Marriage and Family Therapist (CMFT), an individual must meet the following requirements:

1. Have a master’s degree or higher in marriage and family therapy from an accredited institution;

2. Complete at least two years of supervised clinical experience;

3. Pass the National Marital and Family Therapy Examination (NMFT);

4. Obtain a state license as a marriage and family therapist;

5. Participate in continuing education activities related to marriage and family therapy;

6. Maintain professional liability insurance;

7. Abide by the ethical principles established by the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT).

The process of becoming certified typically takes three years or more depending on the individual’s educational background, experience level, and other factors. The cost of becoming certified varies depending on the state where you live, but it usually ranges from $200-$400 for application fees plus additional costs for exam fees, licensing fees, etc.

5. Board Certified Coach (BCC)

Board Certified Coach (BCC) is a professional credential that demonstrates a coach’s commitment to excellence in the field of coaching. It is awarded by the Center for Credentialing & Education (CCE), an independent, non-profit organization.

To become board certified, coaches must meet stringent criteria and demonstrate mastery of the core competencies required for professional coaching. This includes completing at least 60 hours of coach-specific training, logging at least 100 hours of client coaching experience, and passing a comprehensive exam.

The process typically takes about six months to complete. To get started, applicants must submit an application form and fee to the CCE. Applicants must also provide evidence that they have completed the necessary education and coaching experience requirements. Once accepted, applicants will be assigned a mentor who will help guide them through the certification process.

The cost of becoming board certified varies depending on the amount of training and experience required, but typically ranges from $500 to $2,000 USD.

6. National Association of Social Workers (NASW)

The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) is the largest professional organization of social workers in the United States. It was founded in 1955 and has over 120,000 members. NASW works to promote the profession of social work and to enhance the quality of life for all people by advocating for social change, developing standards of practice, and providing resources for professional development.

It takes approximately two weeks to become a member of NASW. To get started, you must first fill out an application form that includes your contact information, education background, and work experience. Once this is completed, you will be asked to submit a copy of your resume and proof of completion of a bachelor's degree or higher in social work from an accredited college or university. After submitting your application materials, you will receive an email with instructions on how to pay the membership fee. The fee varies based on your type of membership but can range from $50-$200 per year.

Once you have paid your membership fee, you will receive access to all the benefits offered by NASW such as discounts on continuing education courses, access to online resources and publications, networking opportunities with other professionals in the field, advocacy support for legislative initiatives at the local and national level, and more.

7. American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT)

The American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) is a professional organization that represents marriage and family therapists in the United States. It was founded in 1942 and is now the largest professional association of its kind in the world.

AAMFT sets standards for marriage and family therapy practice, provides education and training to therapists, and advocates for public policies that support families. In order to become an AAMFT member, you must meet certain qualifications such as having a master's degree or higher in marriage and family therapy from an accredited program, completing at least two years of supervised clinical experience, passing a national exam, and obtaining licensure from your state board.

It typically takes between three to five years to complete all of the requirements necessary to become an AAMFT member. The cost of becoming a member varies depending on the type of membership you choose. There are three types of memberships: student ($50/year), associate ($125/year), and full ($175/year).

In addition to providing access to resources like continuing education opportunities, AAMFT also offers members liability insurance coverage, discounts on publications, access to research databases, networking opportunities with other professionals in the field, job postings, and more.

8. International Association of Marriage and Family Counselors (IAMFC)

The International Association of Marriage and Family Counselors (IAMFC) is a professional organization dedicated to promoting excellence in the practice of marriage and family counseling. The IAMFC is committed to providing resources, education, and advocacy for marriage and family counselors throughout the world.

The IAMFC offers a certification program for marriage and family counselors that requires applicants to meet certain educational requirements, complete an approved supervised experience, pass an examination, and adhere to the IAMFC Code of Ethics. To become certified as a marriage and family counselor through the IAMFC, applicants must have:

• A master’s degree or higher in counseling or a related field from an accredited college or university;
• Completed at least two years (3,000 hours) of supervised experience in marriage and family counseling;
• Passed the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE);
• Adhered to the IAMFC Code of Ethics.

It typically takes about three years to complete all of these requirements. The cost of certification depends on several factors such as whether you are taking courses online or in person, if you need to take any additional exams or classes, etc. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $2,500-$5,000 USD depending on your individual circumstances.

9. Academy of Professional Family Mediators (APFM)

The Academy of Professional Family Mediators (APFM) is an organization dedicated to the development, promotion, and support of professional family mediation. APFM provides training and certification for family mediators, as well as resources and information on the practice of family mediation.

APFM offers a two-year certification program that includes both online and in-person courses. The program consists of five core courses: Introduction to Family Mediation, Conflict Resolution Theory & Practice, Law & Ethics in Family Mediation, Advanced Family Mediation Skills & Techniques, and Practicum in Family Mediation. Each course requires approximately 20 hours of study time and must be completed within a year of starting the program.

To get certified by APFM, you must complete all five core courses with a grade of B or higher. You must also submit a written application that includes your resume, references from colleagues or clients who have worked with you as a mediator, and proof that you have completed at least 40 hours of supervised mediation experience with families. After submitting your application, you will be required to take an online exam to demonstrate your knowledge about family mediation theory and practice.

The cost for the two-year certification program through APFM is $2,400 USD plus additional fees for books and materials.

10. Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC)

Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC) is a professional certification offered by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). The CCMHC credential is designed to recognize counselors who have achieved advanced knowledge and experience in clinical mental health counseling. This certification demonstrates that the counselor has met the highest standards of practice in the field of mental health counseling.

To become a CCMHC, an individual must first meet certain educational requirements and pass the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE). To be eligible for this exam, applicants must have earned a master’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university in counseling or a related field and completed at least 48 semester hours of graduate-level coursework in clinical mental health counseling.

Once these requirements are met, individuals can then register for and take the NCMHCE. This exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, intervention strategies, professional ethics, and legal/regulatory issues. Applicants must answer at least 150 questions correctly to pass the exam.

The cost to take the NCMHCE varies depending on where you live; however, it typically costs around $200-$300. Once you have passed the exam and received your CCMHC credential, there is no additional cost associated with maintaining your certification.

In summary, becoming a Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC) requires meeting certain educational requirements and passing the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE). The cost to take this exam varies but typically ranges between $200-$300. Upon successful completion of this exam, individuals receive their CCMHC credential which does not require any additional fees for maintenance or renewal.

Do You Really Need a Family Counselor Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual's goals and objectives. For some, a family counselor certificate may be necessary for professional advancement or to meet certain legal requirements. However, it is important to note that a certificate is not always required in order to become a successful family counselor. With the right education and experience, many individuals have been able to provide quality counseling services without ever receiving a formal certification.

For those who wish to pursue a career in family counseling, having a family counselor certificate can be beneficial. It demonstrates that an individual has the skills and knowledge necessary to provide effective counseling services. A certificate may also open up opportunities for additional training or specialization in certain areas of practice. Furthermore, it serves as recognition of an individual's commitment to their profession and dedication to helping families in need.

Ultimately, whether or not someone needs a family counselor certificate will depend on their personal goals and objectives. When considering this type of certification, it is important for individuals to research their state’s requirements for becoming certified as well as any potential benefits that may come with being certified. Although having a certificate is not always necessary for success in this field, it can certainly be helpful for those who want to further develop their skills and gain additional recognition within the profession.

Related: Family Counselor Resume Examples

FAQs About Family Counselor Certifications

1. What is a family counselor certification?

Answer: A family counselor certification is a professional credential awarded to individuals who have met specific educational and experience requirements in the field of family counseling. This certification typically requires completion of an accredited degree program, passing an exam, and having several years of work experience in the field.

2. How do I become certified as a family counselor?

Answer: To become certified as a family counselor, you must complete an accredited degree program in counseling or psychology with a focus on family therapy, pass an exam administered by the appropriate certifying body, and have several years of supervised clinical experience working with families.

3. Is there an age limit for obtaining a family counselor certification?

Answer: No, there is no age limit for obtaining a family counselor certification; however, most certifying bodies require at least 18 years of age to apply for their credentialing exams.

4. Do I need to renew my family counselor certification?

Answer: Yes, it is important to renew your family counselor certification periodically to maintain your status as a certified professional in the field. Renewal typically involves completing continuing education credits and paying any applicable renewal fees.

5. Are there different levels of family counseling certifications?

Answer: Yes, there are different levels of certifications that may be obtained by professionals in the field of family counseling depending on their level of education and experience. These include Certified Family Counselor (CFC), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) and Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CMHC).