In This Article
- Is registration required for Australian counsellors?
- What are the benefits of being a registered counsellor?
- What is the difference between the ACA and PACFA?
- How to become a registered counsellor in Australia?
- Accredited counselling courses in Australia
- Your journey to becoming a registered counsellor
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
- 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.
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 |
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.
