Frequently Asked Questions for Educators

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

• Is IRCEP the same as CACREP accreditation?

  No, IRCEP is a program run by Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) that provides a non-accreditation approval process for international programs. This is not the same thing as CACREP accreditation since the criteria are not meant to prepare students for US licensure. No site visit is required in an IRCEP review, and the standards are less numerous and complex.

• Does an IRCEP program have to be master's or doctoral level?

  No, depending on the status of counseling in a country or region programs can be associate, bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral level. While there is no degree requirement, programs must be able to evidence that the program is a bona fide or legitimate program and the program must demonstrate that it has sufficient resources to operate.  This includes the faculty or teachers, as well as access to other learning resources.

• Is it a problem if my program is not taught in English?

  No, you can teach your program in any language, but the IRCEP application materials must be submitted and reviewed in English.

• How long does the IRCEP review process take?

  The IRCEP review process generally takes three to six months from the time an application is received depending on when the application is received, whether or not additional information is required, and when the review process is completed in relation to a CACREP Board of Directors’s meeting. The CACREP Board meets twice a year, in January and July, to render decisions.

• Who makes registry decisions for IRCEP?

  Following the review, the committee chair of IRCEP makes a recommendation to the CACREP Board of Directors based on the feedback received from all reviewers. The CACREP Board of Directors makes a final decision at its next meeting, in either January or July. All decisions made by the CACREP Board of Directors are final and applicant programs are notified of the decision within one month following the conclusion of the CACREP Board meeting.

• How long is the IRCEP registry cycle?

  A full cycle of the registry is seven (7) years. Once approved, a program may state that it is “Approved by IRCEP, an international affiliate of CACREP.” All information is supplied by the program in its application materials is considered part of the public domain unless otherwise requested by the program.

• What is the best way to stay informed about IRCEP?

  The IRCEP website is updated on a regular basis. Through the website, you may sign up to receive E-Updates, including the IRCEP Connection newsletter, as well as follow IRCEP on Facebook and Twitter.

Standards and Policies

• Where can I find the course requirements for an IRCEP approved institution?

  The IRCEP Standards do not stipulate specific courses. There are, however, curricular standards that must be addressed within whatever required curriculum is presented for review. These curricular standards are based on two domains:

  Domain A – Counselling Skills and Practice

  • Communication/Counselling Skills
  • Theories and Techniques
  • Human Development
  • Supervised Field Practice

  Domain B – Understanding the Social Context and Norms of Working as a Counsellor

  • Ethical Principles
  • Societal Norms
  • Diversity and Differences
  • Professional Identity
  • Research and Assessment

• What subject areas comprise the counselling curriculum?

  The program must offer curricular experiences that broaden the knowledge base and skill development of all students. The following two domains are considered necessary to the training of competent counsellors regardless of culture, country, region, work setting, or educational system.

  Domain A – Counselling Skills and Practice

  • Communication/Counselling Skills
  • Theories and Techniques
  • Human Development
  • Supervised Field Practice

  Domain B – Understanding the Social Context and Norms of Working as a Counsellor

  • Ethical Principles
  • Societal Norms
  • Diversity and Differences
  • Professional Identity
  • Research and Assessment

• Ours is a newly developed counselling program. When can we apply for the IRCEP Registry?

  Program representatives are encouraged to contact the IRCEP staff for assistance in determining the timeline for applying for accreditation as there are many factors that may influence this determination.

Applying to be on the IRCEP Registry

• How do I submit required documents for review?

  All application materials are to be submitted in English on a CD or DVD disk that is readable on all computer platforms. The disks should be clearly labeled to include the program’s name, the date the disk was created, and the disk content.

• Can the application and self-study be submitted on-line?

  IRCEP accepts on-line submission of the application materials through Dropbox. Please contact the IRCEP staff to receive a link to upload application materials.

• Can I call the IRCEP office following the CACREP Board meeting to find out what the registry decision is?

  All registry decisions are communicated in writing in a formal letter to the Program Coordinator. IRCEP staff cannot provide this information to callers on the registry decision until the individual mentioned above has received the formal written notification.

Financial

• How much does it cost to be an Approved Program on the IRCEP Registry?

  The current fees are available on the IRCEP website. There is an application fee and annual sustaining fee for programs applying to the IRCEP review and registry process. The application fee must be paid when the application is submitted to IRCEP for review. The annual maintenance fee is invoiced to programs every November and is due on January 31st of every year. Please be aware that late fees are assessed for annual maintenance fees.

• Does IRCEP accept credit card payments?

  IRCEP accepts credit card payments for both the application and the annual sustaining fee.