IRCEP Application Guideline Packet
March 22, 2024

An International Affiliate of the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)

Contents
History…………………………………………………………………………………………

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Purpose…………………………………………………………………………………………

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Vision…………………………………………………………………………………………..

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Mission…………………………………………………………………………………………

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IRCEP Principles of Quality Assurance and Professional Standards………………………….

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Benefits and Value of IRCEP Recognition…………………………………………………….

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Eligibility Requirements………………………………………………………………………..

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IRCEP Contact…………………………………………………………………………………

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Application Fee Structure and Application Fee………………………………………………..

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Payment Methods………………………………………………………………………………

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Application and Documentation Submission…………………………………………………..

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Application Overview………………………………………………………………………….

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Application Review Process……………………………………………………………………

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Maintaining IRCEP Recognition Status……………………………………………………….

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Annual Maintenance Fee………………………………………………………………………

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)……………………………………………………………

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An International Affiliate of the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)

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History
The International Registry of Counsellor Education Programs (IRCEP) was developed by the Council
for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) to respond to a growing
request for an international quality assurance recognition review process for Counsellor education andtraining programmes around the world.
Recognizing that the CACREP accreditation standards were not easily applied to or even necessarily
appropriate for use by Counselling programmes external to the United States higher education system,
the CACREP Board began examining ways it could foster quality assurance for the education andtraining of counsellors regardless of culture, country, region, work setting, or educational system.
The result of this examination was CACREP’s decision, in 2008, to establish an international steeringcommittee to assist in the creation of an international Registry of programmes. The steering committee
was charged with developing a set of quality assurance principles that were culturally sensitive,
rigorous, and flexible enough to be used by a variety of educational systems. The committee wasfurther charged with developing review processes to determine a programme’s eligibility to seek andbecome IRCEP recognized and approved for inclusion on the Registry.
The members of the steering committee were selected to represent various regions of the world andincluded representation from Europe, Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Oceania. In September 2009,
members of this international group of counsellors met in Buenos Aires, Argentina to finalize theprofessional quality assurance principles and procedures to be implemented as the IRCEP application
and recognition approval process.

PurposeThe International Registry of Counsellor Education Programs (IRCEP) is an International Affiliate of
the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
IRCEP’s purpose is to serve as the international quality assurance agency to foster excellence in the
education and training of professional counsellors worldwide and empower programmes to develop
counsellor training curricula appropriate to their country, regions, and/or culture, while simultaneously
recognizing the broad tenets of education and training common to the practice of counselling regardlessof practice location.

An International Affiliate of the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)

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Vision
IRCEP’s vision is to promote the ongoing development and recognition of the Counselling profession
worldwide through a Registry of approved counsellor education and training programmes that meet a
set of Principles of Quality Assurance and Professional Standards essential to the education andtraining of counsellors regardless of culture, country, region, work setting, or educational system.

Mission
IRCEP’s mission is to promote the development and advancement of professional principles of quality
in counsellor education and training programmes and the recognition of the Counselling profession
worldwide by:• Advancing quality assurance through a set of professional principles that reflect the needs ofdiverse societies and cultures.
• Strengthening the public’s understanding of counselling worldwide through advocacy andcollaborative leadership.
• Creating networks of counsellor educators, students, and practitioners where information andresources can be shared across borders to advance the knowledge base of the counselling
profession worldwide.

IRCEP Principles of Quality Assurance and Professional Standards
IRCEP’s Principles are essential to the education and training of counsellors while culturally sensitive,
rigorous, and flexible enough to be used by a variety of educational systems worldwide. The principles
are designed to ensure value to stakeholders. The stakeholders include students, educators, academic
programmes, employers, and community members.
The IRCEP Principles of Quality Assurance and Professional Standards are:Principle 1:
Principle 2:
Principle 3:
Principle 4:
Principle 5:
Principle 6:

Learning Environment
Academic Quality
Student Recruitment, Enrollment, And Retention
Foundational Counselling Curriculum
Educator Recruitment, Employment, And Retention
Programme Leadership

Refer to the application form for further detail on the six (6) principles and guidance on how to respondto each of them for review.

An International Affiliate of the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)

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Benefits and Value of IRCEP Recognition
By pursuing and maintaining IRCEP recognition, the counsellor education and training programmedemonstrates commitment to the Counselling profession and adherence to the rigorous internationalrecognition review process.
Recognition by the IRCEP facilitates:
1. Global Standard of Quality: Demonstrates to the public and the Counselling profession thatthe programme has met the highest international Principles of Quality Assurance andProfessional Standards for educating and training counsellors and building stronger professionalcounsellor identity within programmes and their graduates.
2. Global Visibility: Offers global visibility of institutions and programmes through IRCEP’s
Directory, which helps students, faculty, and the public locate quality international counsellor
education and training programmes worldwide.
3. Global Collaboration: Enhances international and global collaboration amongst faculty andstudents for research, publication, instruction, and learning opportunities.
4. Shared Best Practices: IRCEP counsellor education and training programmes are part of a
network where international initiatives/activities, information, and resources are shared acrossborders to advance the knowledge base of the counselling profession worldwide.
5. Global Recognition: Provides counsellor education and training programmes global
recognition through IRCEP’s website, newsletter, and social media platforms; as well as theapproval to display and promote IRCEP digital badges on the programme’s website and social
media platforms.
6. Degree Mobility: Graduating from an IRCEP recognized and approved programme may
facilitate students’ entry and mobility into advanced degree programmes and special practicecertifications.

An International Affiliate of the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)

5Eligibility Requirements
The Institution and/or Counsellor education and training programme must meet ALL thefollowing requirements prior to applying to the International Registry of Counsellor Education
Programs (IRCEP) to be considered for recognition:☐

The institution offers a Counsellor education and training programme
and/or has curriculum with a focus on counselling education or training in
the respective country, state, city, or region.
Acceptable documentation: Letter and signature from Institution’s (orProgramme) Authorized representative on institution’s letterhead.

☐

The institution has legal approval to operate the Counsellor education andtraining programme in the respective country, state, city, or region.
Acceptable documentation: License, permits, etc. of legitimacy to operate.

☐

The institution possesses programmatic accreditation, recognition and/or
approval by the regional regulatory or oversight agency that has authority
over and/or oversight of Counsellor education and training programmes in
the respective country, state, city, or region.
Acceptable documentation: Letter and signature from regulatory agency or
association on letterhead or certificate that includes name and signature of
regulatory or oversight agency.

Note: The Institution and/or Counsellor education and training programme must submit documentation
evidence along with application materials that demonstrates it meets the eligibility requirements.

Contact
For further information or questions regarding the application process contact IRCEP Managing
Director via email: ircep@ircep.org

An International Affiliate of the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)

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Application Fee Structure
IRCEP, an international affiliate of CACREP, is supported by the fees paid by Counsellor
education and training programmes wishing to be internationally recognized, registered, andapproved programmes.
Because IRCEP’s quality assurance review process must operate within the parameters of US
non-profit organization requirements, every effort is made to be fiscally responsible and toprovide a responsive quality service to the Counsellor education and training programmes that
apply for recognition status.
It is important to note, that none of the members of the IRCEP Advisory Council or the
CACREP Board of Directors receive any monetary compensation for the services they provide to
IRCEP. They only receive reimbursement for expenses for the periodic in-person meetings theyattend.

Application Fee$1,000 USD (nonrefundable)
The application fee must be remitted when the application is submitted to IRCEP for review. No
application will be reviewed, or feedback provided until the application fee has been received.
If more than three (3) months lapses between receipt of the application documents and theapplication fee, the application will be voided. The programme will be required to submit a new
application and requisite application fee.

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Payment Method Options
Credit Card:
Contact Heidi Campbell, Operations Associate, via phone (703) 535-5990 or via email
hcampbell@cacrep.org
Check:
Payable to IRCEP
Mailing address:
IRCEP
c/o Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
500 Montgomery Street, Suite 350
Alexandria, Virginia 22314
Electronic Funds Transfer:
Contact IRCEP Managing Director via email ircep@ircep.org for Automated Clearing House(ACH) information to process electronic funds payment.

Application and Document Submission
The application forms can be found in the application packet or on the IRCEP website atwww.ircep.org
Application and all supporting documentation are to be submitted via email (in English) to
ircep@ircep.org. Please note if the application is a translation from the language in which theprogramme is delivered, it must include an affidavit of “accurate translation.”
No information will be released to the public regarding the application status of a programmeduring the review process.

An International Affiliate of the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)

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Application Overview
There are three (3) key sections of the IRCEP application process.
1. Section 1:

Eligibility Requirements
a. Programmes must meet ALL the eligibility requirements prior toapplying to the International Registry of Counsellor Education
Programs (IRCEP) to be considered for recognition.
b. Programmes must submit evidence of eligibility requirements.

2. Section 2:

Application Contact and Signature Page
a. Programmes must submit a completed application contact form, in
English. Please note if the application is a translation from thelanguage in which the programme is delivered, it must include anaffidavit of “accurate translation.”b. Programmes must provide detailed contact information for programme
and its liaisons. Please note when programme is approved theprogramme and contact information will be listed on the IRCEP
directory found on the IRCEP website.
c. Programmes must provide the names of two (2) expert consultantsfrom the same region or country, who are not affiliated with theprogramme. These individuals should be knowledgeable about theeducational system in the applicant programme’s region and may becontacted by IRCEP reviewers.
d. The signature section must be completed and signed by an authorized
programme official representative/s who can attest to/verify that the
information contained in the application is accurate and verifiable.
IRCEP Principles of Quality Assurance and Professional Standards
a. The counsellor education and training programme must submit anarrative description, in English, of how the programme meets each of
the six (6) IRCEP Principles essential to the education and training ofprofessional counsellors.
b. Programme must provide supporting documentation that verifies theinformation included in the narrative description.

3. Section 3:

An International Affiliate of the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)

9Application Review Process
The following application review process is designed to ensure that Counsellor education andtraining programme applications have been examined by multiple reviewers for compliance withthe requirements:
1. IRCEP’s Managing Director accepts application and coordinates review of application with
IRCEP Advisory Council. Note: IRCEP Advisory Council meets three (3) times annually(February, June, and October).
2. IRCEP Advisory Council reviews applications within a10-week period from date received.
At the end of the 10-week period, the advisory council (reviewers) convenes to provide
feedback and recommendations.
3. The reviewers’ comments, questions, concerns, and recommendations for action which may
include requesting additional information are collated.
4. If IRCEP Advisory Council (reviewers) have questions or concerns that may be clarified bysubmission of additional information and/or documentation, the applicant programme will becontacted with a request for the additional information.
5. If IRCEP Advisory Council (reviewers) have expressed concerns in understanding thecontext in which the Counsellor education and training programme operates, the local experts
identified on the application form may be contacted for consultation.
6. If the applicant programme does not sufficiently meet the IRCEP application requirements,
the representatives listed on contact application form:a.
will receive a written document outlining the areas found to be deficient in theapplication and provided with a choice to withdraw its application from further review.
b. If applicant programme chooses to continue in the review process, it must supply alladditional information to address the concerns outlined on the initial review to IRCEP
via email to ircep@ircep.org within 3 weeks of receipt of written request.
ndc. The 2 review will follow the same timeline and decision-making process as outlined for the
initial review. All decisions made are final.
7. IRCEP’s Managing Director forwards IRCEP’s Advisory Council’s final recommendations
to the CACREP Board of Directors for their final action. Note: CACREP board meets four(4) times annually (January, April, July, October)
8. Applicant programmes that were not approved may reapply at the end of 12 months
following receipt of the decision letter.
9. When a programme is approved, IRCEP recognition is granted for a five (5) year period.
Only approved programmes can promote this status on their programme website, social
media, and educational material as “Recognized by The International Registry of Counsellor
Education Programs (IRCEP), an international affiliate of CACREP.” Recognized programs
will receive a digital badge to use for this purpose.

An International Affiliate of the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)

10Maintaining IRCEP Recognition Status
To maintain IRCEP recognition status, the Counsellor education and training program will:
1.
2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Submit an Annual Programme Progress Report along with annual maintenance fee of$200 USD (due 31st of January of every year). Programs will be invoiced.
Failure to submit the Annual Programme Progress Report along with the annual
maintenance fee will result in withdrawal of a programme’s registry listing andrecognition status.
The Annual Programme Progress Reports provide the counsellor education andtraining program an opportunity to share and highlight their most current international
work and IRCEP activities.
The information and documentation submitted in the Annual Programme Progress
Report may be used on IRCEP’s website, newsletter, promotional material, and social
media platforms.
If the Annual Programme Progress Report indicates that the Counsellor education andtraining programme is no longer meeting the IRCEP quality assurance principles,
IRCEP maintains the right to require that a full application review be conductedshould the program wish to continue to be recognized and remain on the Registry. If afull review is required, the programme must commence with an initial application
process along with fees.
At the end of the 5-year period, IRCEP recognized and approved programmes willneed to submit a renewal application providing updates on how the programme
continues to meet the IRCEP professional principles while highlighting achievements
and international activities.

Annual Maintenance Fee$ 200 USD
The annual maintenance fee is due on 31st of January of every year.
Failure to submit the Annual Programme Progress Report along with the annual maintenance fee
will result in withdrawal of a programme’s registry listing and recognition status.

An International Affiliate of the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q:
A:

Q:
A:

Can programmes other than Counsellor Education and Training
Programmes apply for IRCEP recognition and approval?
Please note that applications for IRCEP recognition and approval are only open toCounsellor Education and Training Programmes and/or programmes that havecurriculum with a focus on counselling education or training. Programs offering
degrees and/or curriculum without a focus on counselling education or training
unfortunately are not eligible to apply. If you have questions about eligibility,
please contact IRCEP Managing Director via email ircep@ircep.org
What are Eligibility Requirements to apply for IRCEP Recognition?
Institutions and/or Counsellor education and training programmes must meet
ALL the following requirements prior to applying to IRCEP for recognition
consideration:
1. Offers Counsellor education and training programme degrees and/or
programme curriculum with a focus on counselling education or training.
2. Has legal approval to operate the programme.
3. Possesses programmatic accreditation, recognition and approval by theregional regulatory agency that has authority and oversight of Counsellor
education and training programmes.
Refer to Eligibility Requirements section in the Application Guideline Packet for
more detailed information.

Q:
A:

Q:
A:

Can the Counsellor Education and Training programme be taught inanother language other than English?
Yes, the programme can be taught in any language, however the IRCEP
application and all supporting documentation must be submitted in English.
Please note if the application is a translation from the language in which theprogramme is delivered, it must include an affidavit of “accurate translation.”
Does the Counsellor programme have to be master's or doctoral level?
No, depending on the requirements for counselling practice in a country or region,
programmes can be associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral level. While there
is no degree requirement, programmes must be able to provide evidence that the
programme is a bona fide or legitimate programme, and the programme must
demonstrate that it has sufficient resources to operate. This includes the faculty or
educators, as well as access to learning resources.

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Q:
A:

Q:
A:

How can a programme submit application and supporting documentation forreview?
Application and all supporting documentation are to be submitted via email (inEnglish) to ircep@ircep.org
How much is the Application fee? Must I submit payment at time of
application submission?
The application fee is $1,000 USD (nonrefundable). The application fee must be
remitted when the application is submitted to IRCEP for review. No application
will be reviewed, or feedback provided until the application fee has been received.
If more than three (3) months lapses between receipt of the application documents
and the application fee, the application will be voided. The programme will be
required to submit a new application and requisite application fee.

Q:A:

How can programmes pay for the application fee?
Payments can be made in various forms: Checks, Credit Cards, or Electronic
Funds Transfer. Please review the Application Payment Methods section in the
Application Guideline Packet for more detailed information.

Q:

What are the most current IRCEP Principles of Quality Assurance andProfessional Standards and where can they be located?
The IRCEP Principles of Quality Assurance and Professional Standards are essential tothe education and training of counsellors:
Principle 1: Learning Environment
Principle 2: Academic Quality
Principle 3: Student Recruitment, Enrollment, And Retention
Principle 4: Foundational Counselling Curriculum
Principle 5: Educator Recruitment, Employment, And Retention
Principle 6: Programme Leadership

A:

They can be found on IRCEP’s website as well as within this Application Guideline
Packet and forms that must be addressed for review.
Q:A:

Who can I contact about IRCEP application, requirements, eligibility, andselection?
If you have questions about IRCEP application, requirements, eligibility, selection
please contact IRCEP Managing Director via email ircep@ircep.org

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Q:
A:

Can a programme request to withdraw from the review process after theapplication has been submitted?
Yes, applicant programmes may withdraw from the review process at any timeprior to a final decision being made via email to ircep@ircep.org. If a decision
has been made about a programme prior to the programme’s request to withdraw
from the review process, the programme representatives will be contacted on
IRCEP final decision.

Q:A:How long is the IRCEP Recognition Cycle?
When a programme is approved, IRCEP recognition is granted for a five (5) year
period. Only approved programmes can promote their programme on theirwebsite, social media, and educational material as “Recognized by The
International Registry of Counsellor Education Programs (IRCEP), aninternational affiliate of CACREP.”

Q:
A:

What does a programme do after recognition cycle has ended?
At the end of the 5-year period, IRCEP recognized and approved programmes
will need to submit a renewal application providing updates on how the
programme continues to meet the IRCEP Principles of Quality Assurance andProfessional Standards while highlighting achievements and international
activities in which it has engaged.

Q:

Does a programme need to submit documents or fees during the 5-year
approved cycle?
Yes, for a Counsellor education and training programme to maintain its IRCEP
recognition status, it must submit an annual progress report and maintenance feeof $200 USD.

A:

Refer to Maintaining IRCEP Recognition Status and Annual Maintenance Fee
section in this Application Guideline Packet for more detailed information.
Q:
A:

What happens if a programme application is denied IRCEP recognition.
If the applicant programme does not sufficiently meet any and all parts of theapplication criteria (e.g., eligibility, IRCEP Principles of Quality Assurance andProfessional Standards etc.), the representatives listed on contact applicationform:
a. will receive a written document outlining the areas found to be deficient in
the application and provided with a choice to withdraw its applicationfrom further review.
b. if applicant programme chooses to continue in the review process, it must
supply all additional information to address the concerns outlined on the

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initial review to IRCEP via email ircep@ircep.org within 3 weeks ofreceipt of written request.
c. The 2nd review will follow the same timeline and decision-making process
as outlined for the initial review. All decisions made are final.
Refer to Application Review Process section in this Application Guideline Packet for
more detailed information.
Q:A:

How soon after a Programme application is denied can an application besubmitted for re-consideration?
Applicant programmes that were not approved initially may reapply at the end of
12 months following receipt of the decision letter. It is important that programmeapplicants review their initial application, findings, and comments to ensure thatany concerns were addressed and/or clarified. Programmes may also contact
IRCEP’s Managing Director via email ircep@ircep.org to request a formal
meeting. Requests for meetings must be made in writing via email. Phone calls
will not be considered as an option for setting up meeting appointments.

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