What is CACREP? Counseling Program Accreditation

How Does CACREP Accreditation Work?

There are two accreditation types in the United States – specialized and institutional. Institutional accreditation focuses on the entire institution, whereas specialized accreditors focus on an institution’s professional preparation programs.

CACREP Accredited Programs are specialized accreditors; however, when CACREP Accredited reviews programs there are several standards that deal with issues at the institutional level, like financial aid. However, most of the review and application emphasizes the quality of the graduate degree counseling program. It’s important to note that the college or department that offers the degree program is not being accredited; it is the specific degree program that receives accreditation.

In order to become accredited, a counselor education program must fulfill certain requirements and standards with regard to

Why Should I Attend an Accredited Program?

Think of it this way, by completing an accredited program you can get hired by an employer whether they require an accredited program or not, but by not completing an accredited program, you will only be eligible to work for employers that do not require you to have completed an accredited program.

Besides that, if a program is not accredited, how can you be sure that you will learn what you need to know in an ever-changing world that constantly requires upgrades to training programs? It’s for just this reason that some states actually require you to have attended a CACREP accredited program in order to gain licensure.

The following are more reasons why accreditation is important:

CACREP Accredited Programs by State: