If you’re starting to research counseling programs that lead to a graduate degree, you probably have a lot of questions. What specialty should you pursue? How long will it take to earn your degree? Which school is right for you?

An important consideration is whether or not the program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). What is CACREP accreditation and why should it matter to you?

CACREP-accredited counseling programs meet high standards of content and quality. When you attend a school that meets CACREP standards, you have strong reason to expect that the program’s content and training align with nationally recognized professional standards for counselor preparation.

CACREP was established in 1981 in collaboration with the Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (ACES) and the American Personnel and Guidance Association (APGA, a precursor to the American Counseling Association, or ACA). As an accrediting body, CACREP is committed to advancing the counseling profession by developing standards and procedures that promote excellence in related educational programs.

By creating and strengthening standards that reflect societal needs, diversity of instructional approaches, and best practices, CACREP prepares counseling professionals to provide services “consistent with the ideals of optimal human development.”

In the United States, there are two types of accreditation—institutional and specialized. Institutional accreditation looks at the entire department or college, while specialized accreditors, such as CACREP, look at professional preparation programs within institutions. In other words, the degree-specific program holds the accreditation, not the institution where it is offered.

CACREP accredits master’s and doctoral degree programs in counseling, and its specialties are offered by colleges and universities in the U.S. and worldwide. Programs voluntarily submit a self-study for review by counselors and counselor educators.

In order to become accredited, a counselor education program must fulfill certain requirements regarding:

As of March 2026, CACREP accredits nearly 1,000 master’s and doctoral counseling programs at colleges and universities across the United States, and students can use the CACREP directory to search for programs by specialty area, location, and delivery format, including online options. 

CACREP-accredited status declares to you and the public at large that an institution’s counseling program is fulfilling its commitment to educational quality. While this “seal of approval” is sometimes a prerequisite to licensure and practicing as a counselor, local requirements vary by state and should be considered when pursuing a career. 

When you attend a college or university with a CACREP-accredited counseling program and coursework, you can expect the following of your chosen program:

CACREP accreditation is often treated as a marker of program quality because accredited programs must meet established standards for curriculum, faculty, supervision, and student learning outcomes. Students can use the CACREP directory and current state licensure information to evaluate whether a program aligns with their professional goals. 

CACREP accreditation is not always necessary, but it’s an important step in ensuring compliance with widely recognized standards among counselors and counselor educators. As a rule, it may help to improve your chances of finding employment after graduation or earning acceptance into another institution when pursuing continuing education. The credential may also make a range of professional prospects easier to attain, such as finding loans or partners to open an independent counseling practice.

While in some states it’s possible to become a counselor without graduating from a CACREP-accredited program, you may encounter limitations in your career. For instance, some employers prefer to hire individuals with an accredited degree, while some financial institutions make it difficult to go into business if they believe you lack professional training.

There’s no reason to assume a non-accredited program will provide a subpar education. These institutions tend to fall into one of four categories:

If you are considering or enrolled in a non-CACREP program, it’s worth confirming early which states you are eligible to seek licensure in—and planning your career path accordingly. Most states do not require CACREP accreditation, and many graduates of non-CACREP programs have successful counseling careers. Whether you have your eyes on a CACREP-accredited program or not, be sure to review your program’s page on the school’s website or contact your university’s enrollment specialist for more information.

Start your counseling career with an CACREP-accredited program by requesting information from one of our sponsored programs:

Earn Northwestern’s CACREP-Approved Degree

Earn a CACREP-accredited master’s in counseling online from top-7 ranked¹ Northwestern University.
 

¹U.S. News & World Report: 2026 Best National University Rankings 

• CACREP Accredited
• Earn your MA in Counseling from Northwestern in as few as 18 months
• Accelerated full-time, traditional, or part-time tracks available

Request more info from Northwestern University.

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CACREP accreditation matters in many states, but it is not a one-size-fits-all rule for counselor licensure. In some states, graduating from a CACREP-accredited program can make the licensure process more straightforward, and in certain jurisdictions, it may be required for at least some applicants or licensure pathways. In other cases, graduates of non-CACREP programs may still qualify through coursework review, degree content evaluation, supervised experience, endorsement, or other state-specific standards. Because licensure standards can change, students should always check the current requirements with the counseling licensure board in the state where they plan to practice.

*Only 4 states strictly require graduation from a CACREP-accredited program for LPC licensure.

*Source: CACREP and ACA Education & Accreditation, both accessed in March 2026

Start your counseling career with an MPCAC-accredited program by requesting information from one of our sponsored programs:

MPCAC-Accredited Online MA at NYU. GRE Not Req.

NYU Steinhardt’s online master of arts in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness prepares students to work with diverse clients to create lives of health and meaning.

• Prepare to become a mental health counselor
• Accredited by the MPCAC
• As few as 21 months to complete
• GRE not required 

Request more info from NYU Steinhardt.

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Many states have their own licensure procedures that don’t require CACREP accreditation. For example, special out-of-state applicant requirements apply in California—pursuant to California Business and Professions Code (BPC)—including coursework taken from a school that holds a regional or national institutional accreditation recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, a school approved by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education, or an acceptable continuing education provider.

The following do not require degrees from CACREP-accredited programs:

Make a difference for children and schools. Earn a master’s in school counseling online. No GRE req’d.

Counselors work in a range of settings, serving a variety of populations. Completing a master’s degree program in counseling is a step toward a career in the field.

As you research counseling programs, it’s important to consider specific factors beyond accreditation. Would you prefer a program that offers more flexibility? Do smaller class sizes better suit your learning style?

Take some time to explore the many CACREP-accredited online counseling programs that offer online student support services, clinical placement assistance, and live online classroom discussions.

 Last updated: March 2026