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Counselling 5 mins

Do counsellors need to be registered in Australia?

Becoming a registered counsellor can enhance your credibility, career prospects and visibility.



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Counsellors play a vital role in helping individuals navigate emotional and mental health challenges, such as stress and anxiety, by employing therapeutic techniques to offer support and guidance.

While counsellors can register with professional associations to demonstrate a commitment to ongoing professional development and adherence to industry best practices, is it mandatory?

This article will delve into whether counsellors in Australia require registration, its benefits and outlines the steps to becoming a registered counsellor.

Is registration required for Australian counsellors?

In Australia, counselling is an unregulated profession which means that counsellors are not legally required to be registered. This allows anyone to call themselves a counsellor regardless of their qualifications or experience.

Despite counselling being an unregulated profession, many employers in the healthcare and mental health sectors prefer to hire counsellors with relevant qualifications and registration.

Registered counsellors undergo extensive training, adhere to ethical guidelines and maintain professional development, ensuring a high level of competence, knowledge and professionalism.

Australia’s two largest industry associations are the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) and the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA).

These organisations play a vital role in promoting ethical standards and professional accountability, offering memberships to counsellors who meet their criteria.

While registration with these associations is voluntary, it is often seen as a mark of credibility, giving clients and employers confidence in the counsellor's skills and professionalism.

What are the benefits of being a registered counsellor?

While it is not mandatory for counsellors in Australia to be registered, there are benefits to doing so from both a career and professional development perspective.

Recognition for your skills and experience
Becoming a registered counsellor signifies that you meet high standards of education, training and ethical practice in counselling.

It shows that you are committed to providing a high level of care and professionalism which may enhance your credibility with clients, employers and other professionals.

Ongoing professional development
Registration provides access to continual learning opportunities through workshops, networking events and on-demand resources. This focus on professional growth allows you to stay informed about best practices in counselling while continuing to develop your skills.

Increased job opportunities
Many employers prefer or require counsellors to be registered as it guarantees that the practitioner has undergone proper training and adheres to ethical standards.

Additionally, professional associations such as PACFA provide access to a jobs board that allows you to connect with potential employers seeking registered counsellors.

Increased visibility and networking opportunities
As both PACFA and ACA have directories to search for registered counsellors on their website, becoming a registered counsellor enhances visibility within the counselling profession, making it easier for potential clients and employers to find you. 

ACA or PACFA registration also provides opportunities for networking with other counsellors, which can lead to referrals and collaborations. 

What is the difference between the ACA and PACFA?

Both ACA and PACFA aim to uphold high standards in the counselling community ensuring accreditation, professional development and growth, ethical conduct and high standards in education and practice.

There are, however, some differences between the two. Key differences include:

ACA vs PACFA
The largest single registration body for counsellors and psychotherapists with over 16,000 members. 

Operates as an umbrella representing associations such as the College of Counselling and College of Psychotherapy.

 

Has Australia’s highest standards for registration as a counsellor.

Memberships start at $280 per year for ACA level 1 and $340 per year for ACA level 4.  Membership fees range from $318 per year for the Certified Practising (New Graduate) membership to $426 per year for the Registered Clinical membership. 
Accepts a Diploma in Counselling qualification for entry-level membership.  Only accepts a course equivalent to a bachelor’s degree or higher for entry-level membership. 
Only accepts counselling qualifications for registration. Accepts all qualifications for registration provided that specific eligibility requirements such as the minimum hours of learning, client contact and supervision are met. 
Accepts online courses as part of the eligibility criteria.  Does not accept online courses as 140 hours of learning must be face-to-face.
Does not offer a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) pathway. Assesses RPL applications on a case-by-case basis.

How to become a registered counsellor in Australia?

The information below outlines the steps to becoming a registered counsellor in Australia.

For more detailed information on what is involved in becoming a qualified counselling professional and the steps required, refer to our comprehensive guide on how to become a counsellor.

  1. Complete a Diploma of Counselling
    Studying a Diploma of Counselling is a great way to gain an introduction to the field as it offers practical skills and foundational knowledge of the counselling world.

    The ACA has a list of accredited Diploma of Counselling courses you can pursue. Upon completing the course, you will be eligible for level 1 of ACA’s membership. PACFA, however, only accepts qualifications equivalent to a bachelor’s degree for their entry-level membership.

  2. Study a Bachelor of Counselling
    A Bachelor of Counselling provides more in-depth practical and theoretical knowledge, preparing you for a wider range of opportunities in the field.

    Both ACA and PACFA have a list of accredited Bachelor of Counselling courses that meet their membership requirements. Upon completing your studies, you can apply for ACA’s level 2 membership or PACFA’s Certified Practising (New Graduate) membership.

  3. Registering with PACFA or the ACA
    You can complete PACFA and ACA registration through the respective websites. It is important to ensure that you meet their eligibility requirements and submit all relevant documentation.

    If you have completed a course not accredited by PACFA or ACA, you may need to fulfil additional eligibility criteria such as providing evidence of learning hours or undergoing further assessment.

    Both ACA and PACFA also require annual membership renewal. This process typically involves meeting certain criteria such as completing a minimum number of formal supervision hours and professional development requirements each membership year.

  4. Continue professional growth
    As you gain more experience or pursue further studies such postgraduate accredited courses with PACFA or ACA, you can apply for higher membership tiers which may enhance your professional standing and provide additional career opportunities.

The courses below are listed by qualification level, from lowest to highest.

Graduate Certificate in Counselling
Graduate Certificate in Counselling
Guide the way by gaining the foundational skills in counselling to practise respectful and inclusive counselling. You will experience interactive teaching in a supportive learning environment. Skills relevant to industry Learn the theoretical and practical elements of the helping relationship to make ethical decisions in a range of contexts. Dedicated student support Be supported by a learning community of students and academics. Accelerated learning with immediate application Study one unit at a time, online and accelerated, instantly adding value to your career and organisation. Start anytime – intakes are open every two months.
Graduate Certificate 8 months 4 Units
Units
  • Counselling Theory and Approaches
  • Core Counselling Skills
  • Principles of Ethical Conduct in Counselling
  • Plus Electives
Graduate Certificate of Counselling
Graduate Certificate of Counselling
Accessible, flexible and accelerated Study anywhere, anytime with our flexible online format. This course is delivered in accelerated mode, allowing you to earn your degree and put your skills into practice sooner. Fully supported Be supported throughout your study journey by a personal Student Success Advisor and online learning community of like-minded students and friendly, accessible staff. Job ready skills, relevant to industry Gain a wide range of skills – identified and designed by industry experts – to meet the complex and evolving needs of individuals and communities. Professional recognition The ECU Graduate Certificate of Counselling is a pathway to the Master of Counselling, which has been accredited by the Australian Counselling Association (ACA). ECU’s online Graduate Certificate of Counselling is for professionals who want to expand their foundational skills and make a difference to the lives of individuals, families and communities. Students may study this course and continue to the master's degree to equip themselves to become full-time counsellors. Alternatively, they may wish to add to their existing skillset in roles including: Social work Career coaching Psychology Other allied health Human resources Youth work Human welfare roles Local government support/community development roles Case work Disability support work Cognate undergraduate social science or behavioural science
Graduate Certificate 6 months 3 Units
Units
  • Foundations of Counselling Practice
  • Theories and Techniques in Counselling
  • The Role of the Counsellor
Graduate Diploma in Counselling
Graduate Diploma in Counselling
The University of Canberra’s Graduate Diploma in Counselling further develops your counselling skills with practical, in-person experience, support and feedback from academics. The course will extend and expand your counselling skills and deepen your knowledge and theoretical understanding of trauma, loss and grief and its impact on people's lives. Opportunity to undertake a placement at an approved counselling agency Key focus on human diversity, inclusion and respect Be supported by a dedicated Student Success Adviser 100% online and accelerated Apply knowledge and skills immediately Develop industry-relevant skills Start anytime – intakes are open every two months
Graduate Diploma 16 months 8 Units
Units
  • Counselling Theory and Approaches
  • Core Counselling Skills
  • Principles of Ethical Conduct in Counselling
  • Diversity Inclusion Respect
  • Introduction to Placement and Supervision
  • Counselling Skills in Practice
  • Loss, Grief and Trauma in Counselling
  • Placement A - Putting It All into Practice
Master of Counselling
Master of Counselling
Accessible, flexible and accelerated Study anywhere, anytime with ECU's flexible online format. This course is delivered in accelerated mode, allowing you to earn your degree and put your skills into practice sooner. Fully supported Be supported throughout your study journey by a personal Student Success Advisor and an online learning community of like-minded students and friendly, accessible staff. Job ready skills, relevant to industry Gain a wide range of skills – identified and designed by industry experts – to meet the complex and evolving needs of individuals and communities. Professional Recognition The Master of Counselling has been accredited by the Australian Counselling Association (ACA). ECU’s online Master of Counselling provides advanced, evidence-based counselling knowledge and skills for professionals who want to make a difference in the lives of individuals, families and communities. Students may study this course to prepare to become a counsellor. Alternatively, they may wish to add to their existing skill set in roles including: Social work Career coaching Psychology Other allied health Human resources Youth work Human welfare roles Local government support/community development roles Case work Disability support work Cognate undergraduate social science or behavioural science
Master's 24 months 12 Units
Units
  • Foundations of counselling practice
  • Theories and techniques in counselling
  • The role of the counsellor
  • Ethics in counselling
  • Counselling in a digital world
  • Trauma informed counselling
  • Child and adolescent counselling
  • Counselling at the cultural interface: Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander peoples and practice
  • Mental health counselling
  • Advanced theories and techniques in counselling
  • Plus Professional Placement
Master of Counselling
Master of Counselling
Job ready skills, relevant to industry Extend and enhance practical skills that are identified by industry experts as key to meeting the complex needs of individuals and communities. Dedicated student support Be supported by a learning community of students and academics. Expert placement support Have the opportunity to undertake placements at an approved counselling agency. Course highlights Be supported by a dedicated Student Success Advisor Online and accelerated Apply knowledge and skills immediately Develop industry-relevant skills Start anytime – intakes are open every two months Whether helping others cope with crisis, put challenges into perspective or find a life worth living, guide the way and practise respectful and inclusive counselling. The Master of Counselling consists of research-led content that is delivered via supported and interactive teaching while allowing students to undertake experiential learning. Students will work closely with clinical supervisors while undertaking placement units.
Master's 24 months 12 Units
Units
  • Counselling Theory and Approaches
  • Core Counselling Skills
  • Principles of Ethical Conduct in Counselling
  • Diversity Inclusion Respect
  • Introduction to Placement and Supervision
  • Counselling Skills in Practice
  • Loss, Grief and Trauma in Counselling
  • Understanding Mental Health
  • Next Level Counselling Skills
  • Creative Practices in Counselling
  • Placement A - Putting It All into Practice
  • Placement B - Masters Practicum

Accredited counselling courses in Australia

Below is a full list of ACA accredited courses and PACFA accredited courses. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the relevant institution, PACFA or ACA websites.

While the listed fees reflect full course costs, some institutions may offer Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) that could reduce the cost of the course. For more details, please contact the institution directly.

Accredited PACFA counselling courses

Institution name Course name  Location  Length of course  Delivery mode

Cost of course in 2024

Alphacrucis University College 

Bachelor of Applied Social Science (Counselling Specialisation)

Parramatta, New South Wales

3 years full time 

Blended

$66,960

Australian College of Applied Professions  Bachelor of Counselling  Adelaide
Brisbane
Byron Bay 
Melbourne
Perth 
Sydney
3 years full time Blended or on campus

$64,080

Australian College of Applied Professions Bachelor of Psychological Science and Counselling  Adelaide
Brisbane
Melbourne
Perth
Sydney
3 years full time  Blended or online $64,080
Avondale University  Bachelor of Arts - Counselling  Cooranbong, New South Wales 3 years full time Blended or on campus $63,480
Christian Heritage College Bachelor of Counselling Carindale, Queensland 3 years full time Blended or on campus $52,680
Griffith University Bachelor of Counselling

Gold Coast, Queensland 

 

Mt Gravatt, Queensland

3 years full time On campus $63,000
University of Notre Dame Australia Bachelor of Counselling

Fremantle, Western Australia 

 

Sydney 

3 years full time

On campus  $47,850
University of The Sunshine Coast  Bachelor of Counselling  Sippy Downs and Moreton Bay, Queensland  3 years full time Blended $43,428
University of The Sunshine Coast  Bachelor of Behavioural Science (Psychology) / Bachelor of Counselling  Sippy Downs and Moreton Bay, Queensland 4 years full time 

Blended

$43,152

Accredited ACA counselling courses

Institution name Course name  Location  Length of course  Delivery mode

Cost of course

Australian Institute of Family Counselling

Diploma of Counselling 

Sydney
Melbourne
Queensland
Perth

Flexible

Blended or online

$9,736

Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors Diploma of Counselling Queensland 1 year full time Online $4,990
Australian College of Christianity Diploma of Counselling Canberra
Melbourne
Brisbane
Sydney
2 years full time Blended or online $16,000
Education Centre Against Violence  Advanced Diploma of Aboriginal Specialist Trauma Counselling North Parramatta, New South Wales 1 year part time On campus $1,680
Estrada College  Diploma of Counselling Queensland 1 year full time Online $4,990
Evolve College Diploma of Counselling  Sydney
Melbourne
Brisbane 
Perth
Flexible Blended or online $6,800
Jansen Newman Institute Diploma of Counselling and Communication Skills Adelaide
Sydney
Melbourne
1 year full time On campus or online $3,000
The Institute of Applied Psychology Pty Ltd Diploma of Counselling Sydney Flexible Online $5,499
Torrens University Diploma of Counselling Sydney
Melbourne
Brisbane
Adelaide
Blue Mountains 
1 year full time  Online $13,674

Your journey to becoming a registered counsellor

Becoming a registered counsellor in Australia offers numerous benefits including recognition of skills and experience, access to ongoing professional development, increased job opportunities and enhanced visibility within the industry.

If you are ready to take the next step in becoming a counsellor, our Student Enrolment Advisors are here to guide you through the process. They can provide personalised guidance on the counselling courses offered by our partner universities, helping you choose the right path to achieve your professional goals.

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