Who takes CCEF training classes?

The certificate courses provide training in how to think biblically about people and their problem. This makes them relevant to a broad range of people. As a result, each class is highly diverse and highly motivated. Students include youth workers, small group leaders, pastors, medical doctors, home schooling parents, lay people who want to be better equipped to help friends, those who will go on to be professional counselors, and many others. On-Site classes also include seminary students who are taking the courses as part of a graduate degree program.

What are the distinctives of CCEF's training program?

Our program offers training to believers who have a heart for people, who know that God's Word and God's Spirit change lives, and who see the church as the community God uses to support His work of change.

Our training is:

• Biblical - Our purpose is to help you think biblically about people, problems, and the change process, and to be ready for the Lord to use you in another's life.
• Personal - Our purpose is to help you to grow in your relationship with Christ by applying what you learn to your own life. Our courses allow you to know God and yourself better and to pursue personal goals of change that will conform you to His image.
• Practical - Our purpose is to equip you to do counseling. You will look at the ways Scripture addresses specific problems practically, and learn how to understand people and assist them to live for the glory of God.

Can CCEF classes lead to counseling licensure or accreditation?

Accreditation can be given by any group, and, for the most part, these groups have standing only among those who respect them. There is, however, more formal accreditation that schools seek from regional accrediting bodies. CCEF has not sought accreditation, but its courses are accepted by many schools that are accredited by various organizations.

Licensure is given by a state. Among the degrees that can be used toward licensure are a Ph.D. in psychology for a licensed psychologist, a Master of Social Work for a licensed social worker, and a Masters degree in counseling for a licensed professional counselor. CCEF has not set up its courses to meet licensure requirements, but graduate schools have accepted some courses. If you want to find out more about licensure, look on your state website.

If you are pursuing a secular degree rather than a seminary degree for your vocational training you should check with your college or university and see if some of the CCEF credits can be applied to your degree as elective courses. You may also want to check with any professional accrediting agencies that represent your employment (e.g., Health Care, Social Work, Education etc.) to see if they would accept credits from us towards your continuing education requirements.

We do not issue IRS form 1098T at the end of each year for tax purposes.

What if I want to pursue counseling as a full-time ministry?

Some of our students have gone on to be full-time professional counselors. Typically, these students have taken our courses in conjunction with a Master's degree from Westminster Theological Seminary. Other students have used our courses as their biblical and theological foundation, and they have sought graduate degrees from other schools.

What can I do with my CCEF certificate?

The courses and certificates are designed to help you minister more effectively regardless of your professional goals or current occupation.

Can CCEF courses (including Distance Education) be transferred into the Westminster Theological Seminary programs?

CCEF has a close relationship with Westminster Seminary. If you are interested in getting a taste of seminary before actually enrolling, you may take two classes at CCEF and transfer them, without charge, into the Westminster MA or MDiv programs in biblical counseling. Two additional courses may also be transferred, but you would have to pay the WTS tuition for each course you want to transfer after the first two.

PLEASE NOTE: ALL TRANSFERS ARE SUBJECT TO APPROVAL BY THE REGISTRAR'S OFFICE AT WESTMINSTER THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY. ALSO, IN ORDER FOR COURSE CREDIT TO BE CONSIDERED FOR TRANSFER FROM CCEF, THOSE COURSES MUST BE COMPLETED PRIOR TO BEGINNING ANY COURSEWORK AT WESTMINSTER THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY.

To enroll in the seminary programs, consult their website at www.wts.edu.

Please note: Once you enroll in a degree program at WTS, you can no longer take classes as a CCEF student and transfer them into WTS.

Can I do some classes off-site by distance education?

Yes, there are two ways of taking classes and earning certificates from CCEF. You can come one night or afternoon a week (see the course schedule) and attend class in person or you can take the class in a Distance Education format. The Distance Education format is as similar to the classroom experience as possible: you will go through the class with others, you will have a recitation instructor who is very familiar with the course material, and you will be listening to lectures from the on-site class. These lectures are made available in MP3 format. You pay the same tuition as you would for the on-site program. If you take it via Distance Education you exchange the cost of traveling here for the cost of MP3 lecture recordings. Both onsite and Distance Education courses require you to purchase books and other materials in order to complete the requirements for the course.

How do I know if I have the gifts to help others?

Counseling is something we do everyday with family and friends. When you encourage someone who is hurting, discipline and instruct a child, or advise a friend you are offering counsel. Therefore, you already have the gifts, and you are using them. But some people are uniquely gifted for certain types of ministry, and this is true for counseling. These gifts flourish as you grow in wisdom, develop more skill in loving others, and recognize the many opportunities you have for counseling ministry. They are also recognized as you find that more and more people are willing to share their life with you and others are blessed by your ministry.

Does CCEF offer scholarships?

We are a non-profit institution and are dependent on donors for a portion of our annual budget; therefore, we do not offer scholarships. We are also not eligible for grants or student aid. If you need financial assistance, we suggest you ask your church to support your desire for training for ministry.

We do offer some discounts to spouses and family members of CCEF students. To find out more about this provision, see Family Tuition Discounts on the Policies page.

Does CCEF's On-Site Program accept international students?

Yes. If you wish to attend the On-Site Program, you will need an I-20 student visa. We suggest that you begin your application with us in January at the very latest for a September start date in any given year. All international applications must be begun at a minimum of three months prior to any start date. Even if you are accepted into our Certificate Program and your I-20 is approved, your entrance may be delayed as many countries require a visa, and obtaining a visa may take over a year. Please plan well in advance.

If English is not your first language, you may be required to pass a TOEFL Exam. Please contact the CCEF Registrar to begin the process.