1. After I graduate can I start applying for jobs to be a counselor at other non-profits or other faith-based counseling centers?
Yes, definitely.
2. What is the difference between being certified and being licensed?
IIFBC does not provide state or secular licensure or certification. Receiving a minister’s license or certification from IIFBC is both a privilege and a high honor. Each level of credential has its own standards for achievement.
3. What states are you legal in?
Religious instruction is legal in all states. Being a religious institute, IIFBC is exempt from higher education laws in the state of Texas, and thus is allowed to provide distance training in all 50 states. As an institute of higher learning and because we do grant a diploma with associated fees, there may be one or two states that have limiting laws in regard to the granting of a diplomas or educational credentials.
4. What are the steps after graduating to open a counseling center?
IIFBC provides a complete and thorough outline on how to establish a counseling center in course #1. In essence, the organization must be recognized as a church or religious organization in the state that service is provided. There are broader ways to provide service when you avoid using the word counseling or counselor and use more generic terms such as mentor, life coach, consultant, or prayer partner.
5. Does IIFBC work through the state?
IIFBC has filed papers with the state of Texas to be able to operate as a faith-based institute. IIFBC is recognized by the IRS as a religious 501c3 organization. Because IIFBC is a school of higher education that provides a quality service, there are some state agencies in TX that recognize IIFBC training.
6. Will the state recognize my certificate?
Basically states can do what they want until someone emphasis the so-called separation of church and state. Each state has its own set of agencies for providing service and care to its state residents and those agencies have their own set of boundaries that may or may not recognize your training/certification/diploma. Many state agencies are looking for help and welcome finding ways to work together with faith-based organizations. Check with the state agency you want to work with or receive referrals. You may be surprised with the welcoming you will receive. Our world needs help and with budget cuts, state agencies are finding ways get help from organizations that they have not been open to in the past.
7. How long does it take finish each program?
The training courses are self pace, so it all depends on how much time you invest. Most courses can be completed in a month or less for people that have normal schedules.
8. Can I work for the state after completing these programs?
In reality it would be unusual for a state agency to hire you as a counselor because you have a religious credential as a faith-based counselor. But it would NOT be unusual for a state agency to recognize your value and education as a faith-based counselor.
9. What is the difference between being certified and being board certified?
Board certification is for those wanting to be an instructor for IIFBC of its flagship classes CNS101, CNS102, and CNS103. The diploma is more professional looking and you have the privilege of calling yourself board certified, which means you have been certified with IIFBC’s board. Board certification has other requirements beyond certification. Board certification requirements are listed on the web site and in the training manuals. Basically you have to pay the fee, provide a resume, letters of reference, conduct the IIFBC assessment on 12 clients, and have 100 hours of ministry service in your church or other place of recognized ministry. These items are accomplished after becoming a Certified Faith-Based Clinical Counselor.
10. Is IIFBC accredited?
Many Bible schools and Seminaries are accredited with religious accrediting agencies. IIFBC is currently updating its procedures to obtain accreditation. IIFBC is not seeking accreditation with the state of Texas. The greatest achievement of any school is in the equipping of its students. IIFBC has been training and certifying faith-based counselors since 1999. IIFBC’s materials and courses are a compilation of years of research and experience that represents a proven standard of success currently being exemplified nationally and internationally. In reality, IIFBC graduates get results and that is the definition of being a professional.
11. If I have questions about course exams or training materials, who do I contact?
You may email info@iifbc.com.
12. If I am counseling a client and have a particularly troublesome situation, may I contact IIFBC?
Yes, but realize that you will be contacting the school receptionist or administrator. They are not counselors. Your email will be forwarded to an instructor and they may provide a response. Also, your certification must be current.
13. What is the difference between a therapist and counselor?
The difference is in the titles and the education requirements. The term therapist is a broader based term that has broader applications. Therapy implies strategies or deeper levels of healing on various levels.
14. Why am I paying a renewal fee for certification or licensure, what does it do?
As a member in good standings you receive the following benefits:
- You will receive a minister’s wallet card (helps identify you as a minister and may grant access to hospital rooms and prisons)
- Eligibility to re-attend a live training class at a significant discount
- Be able to replace your certificate if lost or destroyed
- Able to receive an IIFBC transcript for obtaining credit with other institutes
- Continued privilege to call yourself a certified or licensed faith-based counselor from a recognized certifying organization
- Opportunity to obtain updated or revised manuals
- Receive referrals from IIFBC
15. Transfer of credits and completing of additional programs.
- Transfer of credits from another institution or college is currently allowed. IIFBC courses and programs are uniquely developed for education and life application.
- After completion of a program, you may enroll in additional programs by completing another Application. All completed IIFBC courses will be accepted for credit towards other IIFBC programs.
