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Best social services counselor certifications

Social services counselor certifications allow job seekers to demonstrate their competency as an social services counselor to employers. However, not all social services counselor certifications provide the same value for job seekers.

The best certifications for a social services counselor are Certified Professional Counselor, Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC), and National Certified Counselor (NCC).

Below is a list of the best social services counselor certifications. Obtaining an social services counselor certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.

3 best certifications for social services counselors

RankSocial services counselor certificationOrganization
1Certified Professional CounselorAPA, DAPA
2Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC)CRCC
3National Certified Counselor (NCC)NBCC

3 best social services counselor certifications

1. Certified Professional Counselor

You entered this field in order to help people. When was the last time that an organization came along to provide any real help to you? The mission of the American Board of Professional Counselors, ABPC program is to be the nation's leading advocate for counselors. ABPC will champion counselors' right to practice. We will work with you to protect your right to practice, increase parity for your profession, and provide you with the recognition that you so richly deserve.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? Every 1 year(s)

2. Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC)

The Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC) sets the standard for quality rehabilitation counseling services in the U.S. and Canada. As an independent, not-for-profit organization, the CRCC has certified more than 30,000 counselors with its widely recognized Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) and Canadian Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CCRC) designations.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)

3. National Certified Counselor (NCC)

The NCC certification was launched by NBCC in 1983 as a result of the efforts of members of the American Counseling Association (ACA). Since that time, NBCC has become an independent entity and more than 80,000 counselors have become NCCs. The NCC is one of two NBCC certifications that are accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
Certifying organization
National Board for Certified...

What is the best certification for a social services counselor?

The best social services counselor certification is Certified Professional Counselor. The Certified Professional Counselor is awarded by the American Psychotherapy Association. The advanced certification is for more experienced employees as it often requires some work experience to acquire.

Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this social services counselor certification:

  • To become a certified Certified Professional Counselor, you need to pass the exam.
  • This certificate requires more than two years of work experience.
  • Renew certification every 1 year.
Best certifications

The most common combination of social services counselor certifications include: Certified Professional Counselor, Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC), and National Certified Counselor (NCC).

Online courses for social services counselors to earn certifications

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