ACCBC does not accept applications based on reciprocity. Policies and processes for counselors currently credentialed by another organization varies based upon whether the counselor is credentialed in California or another state.
For in-state applicants, ACCBC has a transfer process that aligns with the expiration dates of the existing in-state credential. The term “transfer” does not imply that it moves anything from one organization to another. Applicants are required to demonstrate that they have successfully met ACCBC certification requirements.
Registration
Transferring an in-state registration is only available as a transfer with renewal. Applicants must not have more than five months left of an existing registration. Applicants must demonstrate completion of education requirements to renew registration (at least six semester units) as well as AB 2473-compliant education (dev.caade.org/ab2473). Applicants who completed education outside of a CAADE-accredited college or university program will need to submit an application for equivalency and meet 80% of the requirements for certification before a registration will be issued.
Certification
Transferring an in-state certification is available with and without renewal. A transfer without renewal will expire on the date of the existing certification held by the other California certification organization. A transfer with renewal will have the expiration date extended by two years.
Certification transfer applicants must submit a copy of an exam score report showing a passing score on either the CATC exam or the IC&RC ADS exam. Certification transfers must also meet ACCBC’s education requirements by completion of a CAADE-accredited college or university program or satisfying an educational equivalency application. Applicants requiring educational equivalency are advised to start with that process. Transfer with renewal applicants are also required to demonstrate 40 hours of continuing education since the start date of the current certification.
Out of state
Moving an out of state certification to ACCBC must start with an educational equivalency application. ACCBC will accept a passing scores on the IC&RC ADS exam, provided the out of state certification is current. Applicants without an IC&RC ADS exam score report showing a passing score, or those who do not hold a valid out of state certification, will be required to retake the IC&RC ADS exam after satisfactory completion of educational equivalency evaluation. All applications for out-of-state are treated as new or initial certification.