American Council of International Psychologists & Counselors
ACIPC
Psychologists accord appropriate respect to the fundamental rights, dignity, and worth of all people. They respect the rights of individuals to privacy, confidentiality, self-determination, and autonomy, mindful that legal and other obligations may lead to inconsistency and conflict with the exercise of these rights.
What are the roles of psychologist in society?
Psychologists can help people learn to cope with stressful situations, overcome addictions, manage their chronic illnesses, and tests and assessments that can help diagnose a condition or tell more about the way a person
What are the rules of a psychologist?
Five General Principles. The five general principles of the American Psychological Association (APA) Code of Conduct state that all psychologists must strive to conduct themselves with beneficence and nonmaleficence, fidelity and responsibility, integrity, justice and respect for people’s rights and dignity.
What are the 4 rules of ethics in psychology?
There are four ethical principles which are the main domains of responsibility for consideration by researchers within the code; respect, competence, responsibility and integrity.
What is counseling role in society?
Counseling provided by trained professionals can make a profound impact on the lives of individuals, families and communities. This service helps people navigate difficult life situations, such as the death of a loved one, divorce, natural disasters, school stress and the loss of a job.
Counseling & Psychotherapy Ethics Code Explained
- Autonomy is the respect for a client’s free will.
- Beneficence and non-maleficence are the commitment to improve a client’s wellbeing and avoid harming them, respectively.
- Fidelity is honoring professional commitments.
- Veracity is a commitment to the truth.
Seven golden ethical principles:
- Be an ethical leader.
- Use moral courage.
- Consider personal and professional reputation.
- Set the right tone at the top.
- Maintain an enquiring mindset.
- Consider the public interest.
- Consider ‘the right, the good and the virtuous’ actions”
About ACICAM
American Council of International Psychologists & Counselors (ACIPC) is a non-governmental private certification organization for psychologists & counselors individual professionals, clinics, medical centers, organizations, and educational institutions. The purpose of ACIPC certification is to encourage, recognize and certify the accomplishment of professional goals and standards and to encourage continuous improvement through a comprehensive evaluation process.
At the sole discretion of the ACIPC Board of Directors, initial recognition and certification are granted annually. Under certain circumstances, the ACIPC may require visitation during the accreditation period.
The only salons, businesses, and professionals that are accredited and reaccredited by ACIPC are permitted to use the ACIPC logo and name in publications, displays, and on websites.
ACIPC certification may provide exceptional opportunities to reveal your expertise and knowledge to perform at the highest level in your professional roles.
Understand and monitor any psychologists & counselors activities in real-time with ACIPC and shape a secure and sustainable psychologists & counselors future for the world.
ACIPC Professional Psychology & Counseling (PPC):
ACIPC Professional Psychologists & Counselors (PPC) is a license in psychologists & counselors by the ACIPC’s Board of Directors, after all tests and investigations. The PPC certification is the psychologists & counselors profession’s highest standard of competence, a symbol of achievement and assurance of quality.
What is Certification?
Certification is the professional recognition accorded institutions, businesses, or individuals that meet established qualifications standards through evaluations by peer reviewers. The business and professionals concern themselves with quality assurance and continuous improvement.
Why Certification?
Certification requires evaluation against a set of standards to measure the accomplishment of institutions, treatment, and business goals, integrity, quality, and reaching international standards.
ACIPC Vision, Mission, Objectives:
ACIPC inspires and enables a professional world through its accreditation and certifications of psychologists & counselors, and specialists.
ACIPC’s certification provides assurance that a business or individual meets the quality standards of the profession.
We inspect and evaluate the business organization, operation, management, research, and development.
Visions
Excellence in institutions, organizations, clinics, and professionals’ quality certification internationally.
Mission
Our mission is to build lively and supportive international professionals, business owners, entrepreneurs, and scholars by distinctly expanding opportunities to connect and explore new ideas and experiences.
Objectives
- State of the Profession
- Internationalization
- Professional Impact
- Organization and Personal Management
- Quality control throughout accreditation for psychologists & counselors
ACIPC Certifications
ACIPC certification is a third-party attestation of an individual’s level of knowledge or proficiency in a certain industry or profession. ACIPC certifications are time-limited; some expire after a period, while others can be renewed annually as long as certain requirements are met.
ACIPC Certification can significantly help your business gain access to worldwide businesses and professionals’ activities. Whether you are just starting a business, or your company is already established, you can drastically benefit from ACIPC Certification.
Certifications Renewal
For some professions renewal usually requires ongoing education (continuing education – CEUs) to be updated on advancements in the field.
The members must earn the specified number of CEUs, from approved institutions or professional organizations.
Maintain Certification
To maintain Certification, business or individual ACIPC certificate holders must demonstrate that any relevant and appropriate continuing education courses (CE), seminars, or training undertaken by the ACIPC education and training department or any legitimate organization/corporation or an accredited/recognized university or institution.
ACIPC Information will be available about continuing education (CE) opportunities and new certifications. ACIPC often distributes an e-newsletter that keeps members informed about new statistics and best practices in the field. Webinars may be offered on hot topics as well.
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
The American National Standards Institute defines the standard for being a certifying agency as meeting the following two requirements:
Delivering an assessment based on industry knowledge that is independent of training courses or course providers
Granting a time-limited credential to anyone who meets the assessment standards
Types of Accreditations/Certifications
There are four general types of accreditations/certifications. Listed in order of activities, development level, and portability as follows:
Institutions
Corporations (businesses)
Professionals
Products
ACIPC Codes of Ethics
If members haven’t already picked up that credibility and trustworthiness are essential as a practitioner in a field, they will after joining a professional association. It’s vital to understand these codes in order to know what is considered best practice and what is accepted in the industry.
With credit to IABC and appreciation for providing the Codes of Ethics, ACIPC requires its Accredited, Certified members to embrace these ethical guidelines in their work and to sign the following statement as part of the application and renewal processes: “I have reviewed and understand the ACIPC Code of Ethics.”
ACIPC reserves the right to terminate accreditation, certification, and/or membership for any member found guilty of violating the code, laws, and policies.
Code of Ethics
I am honest—my actions bring respect for and trust in the communication profession.
I communicate accurate information and promptly correct any errors.
I obey laws and public policies; if I violate any law or public policy, I act promptly to correct the situation.
I protect confidential information while acting within the law.
I support the ideals of free speech, freedom of assembly, and access to an open marketplace of ideas.
I am sensitive to others’ cultural values and beliefs.
I give credit to others for their work and cite my sources.
I do not use confidential information for personal benefit.
I do not represent conflicting or competing interests without full disclosure and the written consent of those involved.
I do not accept undisclosed gifts or payments for professional services from anyone other than a client or employer.
I do not guarantee results that are beyond my power to deliver.
Policies Updates
It’s amazing how much one piece of legislation can impact a profession. A section of the ACIPC is devoted to updating members about these changes. We also advocate for the profession and notify members about how to prepare for any change.
Institutional Accreditation/Certification
Accreditation is a type of quality assurance process under which services and operations of institutions or programs are evaluated by an external body to determine if applicable standards are met. If standards are met, accredited status is granted by the agency.
Accreditation is a process of validation in which institutions are evaluated. The standards for accreditation are set by a peer review board.
Accredited qualifications, also known as regulated qualifications, are those that are reviewed, recognized, and monitored by regulatory bodies in order to make sure that they meet specific criteria and quality standards.
Accreditation and Certification Process
Accreditation and certification is a process for implementing any formal process. It is a systematic procedure for evaluating, examining, recitation, and authorizing systems prior to or after an institution is in operation.
Become an Accredited Institution
Earning an accreditation in the United States is a voluntary, nongovernmental process. Schools, colleges, and universities are requested to be evaluated and/or have their programs evaluated by an independent accrediting agency. Accrediting agencies are private educational associations.
Accreditation in the U.S. and other Countries For institutions located within the United States, regional accreditation of the institution is required for accreditation eligibility. Not all countries have the equivalent of regional accreditation and the government may provide the authority to grant diplomas, certificates, and/or degrees. When considering any degrees or programs, students are encouraged to contact institutions they may wish to attend in the future as well as the human resource department of specific employers. Diploma, certificate, and/or degree acceptance policies will vary by institution and employer.
Eligible for Certification and Membership:
You are eligible to become certified or a member of ACIPC if you identify yourself as one of the following types:
- Psychologists & Counselors
- Any Institution, School, or Training center majoring in psychology & counseling
- Clinics
- Entrepreneur
Membership
Whether you are interested in accrediting and certifying your business and profession, developing your business and knowledge, strengthening your network, furthering your career or in need of some quality friends, ACIPC membership can be a great option for you. In addition to providing information about your chosen field, ACIPC can enhance your personal and professional development and provide endless networking opportunities.
Being a member of ACIPC means having a committed professional development association dedicated to building careers at the highest level of professionalism.
The membership year for all membership categories is 12 months from the date your application is approved.
Membership Benefits:
- Networking:
ACIPC may offer courses, conferences, seminars, and workshops. These would be opportunities for you to socialize with others in your professional field.
- Job Fair:
There is some job fair where you can make contact and stay up to date with the HR people who are responsible and looking for the right employees.
- Extend your knowledge:
Staying informed on your industry’s trends will only help you in the long run and will put you one step ahead of the competition. ACIPC courses, conference, seminars, workshops, and webinars to keep themselves and their members up to date on the latest innovations, research, and trends.
- Mentoring:
Mentoring is the foundation of ACIPC when it comes to working with younger members. You may never get in the room with someone at the top of your field, for a very long time. But ACIPC has the ability to pair you with someone with much more knowledge and experience.
- Leadership:
ACIPC gives you an opportunity to develop your skills as a leader, and this is important not only for your personal growth but for the growth of your business as well.
- Improve Your Network:
Networking is a very important key for the leaders of the community. Making connections is critical and joining ACIPC gives countless opportunities to connect on a local and global level. Creating professional relationships is important and joining ACIPC allows you to have a sense of security, trust, and confidence. You’ll be able to support and help one another in reaching your professional goals and be a professional leader in the field.
- Give back to the community:
ACIPC coordinates socially conscious initiatives to support community efforts. We make sure to be plenty of options internationally for members to choose from if members are looking to give back.
ACIPC back” to the profession, perhaps by presenting at one of our events or by authoring an article in online journals. While this in itself is an admirable thing to do, it’s a win-win transaction as it also raises your profile in the professional community.
- Make a new friend:
Use ACIPC clusters as an opportunity to escape the norm and meet new professional people that may give you a reason to come out of your shell a bit more and have fun and do business as well.
- B2B: Business-to-Business, which is a model that focuses on selling products and services to other companies. Think of it as a supportive enterprise that offers the things other companies need to succeed or get a leg up on the competition.
- Professionalism:
It might be the most skeptical of reasons to join, but there’s no doubt that membership of ACIPC is seen as an “A” plus by prospective employers. Your association with the brand sends the message that you are serious about your profession, and you are willing to put your money where your mouth is.
- Bonuses:
Most ACIPC services offer for members only either free or with substantial discounts that easily cover the cost of membership.
- Awards:
ACIPC also sponsors Recognition Awards, Achievements Awards, and Leadership Awards. These awards are important because they shine a light on outstanding work that should be showcased but might otherwise have remained undiscovered. Our professional awards honor organizations and individuals whose passion, talent, and expertise make the greatest contributions to the field of profession.
You can honor the recognition, achievement, and leadership when you nominate a project, program, or individual for one of these prestigious awards. The awards recognize organizations, products, projects, people, books, and articles.
- ACIPC Annual Conference:
Enjoy discounted member rates that allow our members to present research and project activity attend professional workshops, go on tours, and network with leaders.
- Use ACIPC Certificate and Recognition internationally.
- Unlimited Reputable Representation.
- Participate in ACIPC’s Member forums.
- Use ACIPC Logo if you are an active member.
- ACIPC may accredit or certify the psychology & counseling activities, not personal behaviors and life actions.
Institutional Accreditation/Certification
Accreditation is a type of quality assurance process under which services and operations of institutions or programs are evaluated by an external body to determine if applicable standards are met. If standards are met, accredited status is granted by the agency.
Accreditation is a process of validation in which institutions are evaluated. The standards for accreditation are set by a peer review board.
Accredited qualifications, also known as regulated qualifications, are those that are reviewed, recognized, and monitored by regulatory bodies in order to make sure that they meet specific criteria and quality standards.
Why does ACIPC Institutional Certification Matter?
Our certification assures institutions’ programs meet standards to produce graduates ready to enter critical psychology & counseling fields that are leading the way in innovation, emerging the new world of fashions, designs, and beauties, anticipating research, treatment, and safety needs of the public.
Accreditation and Certification Process
Accreditation and certification is a process for implementing any formal process. It is a systematic procedure for evaluating, examining, recitation, and authorizing systems prior to or after an institution is in operation.
Become an Accredited Institution
Earning an accreditation in the United States is a voluntary, nongovernmental process. Schools, colleges and universities are requested to be evaluated and/or have their programs evaluated by an independent accrediting agency. Accrediting agencies are private educational associations.
Accreditation in the U.S. and other Countries
For institutions located within the United States, regional accreditation of the institution is required for accreditation eligibility. Not all countries have the equivalent of regional accreditation, and the government may provide the authority to grant diplomas, certificates and/or degrees. When considering any degrees or programs, students are encouraged to contact institutions they may wish to attend in the future as well as the human resource department of specific employers. Diploma, certificate, and/or degree acceptance policies will vary by institution and employer.
Eligible for Accreditation
You are eligible to become accredited or a member of ACIPC if your institution identifies itself as one of the following institution types:
- Any universities, Colleges, training centers, and institutions majoring in psychology & counseling
- Any psychology & counseling clinic and treatment centers, and related business
International Institutions
An International Diploma, Certificate, and Degree granting institution and any psychology & counseling center. The institution must provide a certified translation of an official document from an appropriate government organization in their respective countries stating approval, recognition, or accreditation.
International Practitioners
Al International Practitioners majoring in psychology & counseling must provide a certified translation of an official license to practice from an appropriate government organization in their respective countries stating that licensed to practice in the field.
Accreditation Benefits
- The process of preparing an accreditation self-evaluation and self-study increases the focus on quality of learning and renews a commitment to the educational mission.
- The accredited institution reinforces a commitment to continuous improvement, development, and invention.
- An accredited status creates greater visibility and provides prestige and credibility for the institutions and treatment centers.
- Accreditation protects the interests of students and faculty and institutions by ensuring that the educational programs and services offered have attained a level that meets standards that were developed by experts and scholars in the field.
- Accreditation provides a sense of pride within the institution and practitioners.
- Accreditation may lead to more successful expression of medical and business credits.
- Accredited status may be printed on the institution’s website, catalog, business cards, and advertising materials.
- Accredited may help institutions and organizations position for the future of integrated healthcare and treatments
- ACIPC provides guidance to all institutions and organizations’ quality improvement efforts and helps them to develop their programs and activities because Accreditation involves preparing for a survey and maintaining a high level of quality and compliance with the latest standards.
- Quality education, high standard of organization, Patient safety, and quality of care issues are at the forefront of ACIPC standards and concerns.
- Achieving accreditation makes a strong statement to the community about an institution and organization’s efforts to provide the highest quality of education, treatments, and services.
- Accreditation may provide a marketing advantage in a competitive educational and healthcare environment and improve the ability to secure new business.
- ACIPC provides continuing support with professional advice, CE classes, conferences, seminars, and workshops to its members in a variety of topics and settings internationally.
- Accreditation can attract qualified staff and faculty, who prefer to serve in accredited institutes and organizations.
- Accredited institutes and organizations also provide additional opportunities for staff to develop their skills and knowledge.
Step By Step for ACIPC Accreditation
Institutions or Programs new to accreditation have a required Preparation and Review before the onsite visit. A request for Self-Study Reports is on January, April, and September of the year of an on-site visit.
Before Valuation and Eligibility
Before our institution seeks ACIPC accreditation, your program should determine if it falls into the categories that we accredit, and that it meets our Minimum Requirements. Prior to seeking an accreditation review, each program must have a functioning valuation process in place that meets ACIPC criteria for accreditation in five areas: Institution Objectives, Program Educational Objectives, Student Outcomes, Feature Plans & Improvements, and Continuous Improvements.
Requesting Initial ACIPC Accreditation
A Request for Accreditation Review is required from all institutions/programs seeking initial accreditation if the institution has no currently ACIPC accredited programs in the same commission psychology & counseling. The deadline for Accreditation Review is January, April, and September.
Renewing Accreditation
Institutions and/or Programs that are renewing an existing accreditation must submit a request for preparations and review. Your institute or/and program will need to submit a Request for Accreditation Review for any general/comprehensive visits, interim visits, or interim reports.
You must mail to the ACIPC office the official transcripts for two graduates from the most recent graduating class for each program requesting a review.
Accreditation outside the U.S.
While the ACIPC accreditation process for programs outside the United States is identical to the process for institutions and programs within the U.S.A., there are different logistical requirements international programs should consider.
In addition to submitting an application and other materials, institutions and/or programs outside of the U.S. must have each appropriate education authority, recognition, or accreditation agency within their country complete a request for the acknowledgment to be submitted with the Application and formal request for evaluation.
Accreditation Types
Institutional Accreditation
ACIPC evaluates overall schools/colleges/university quality but does not focus on specific academic or professional programs.
Programmatic Accreditation
ACIPC evaluates an academic or professional program of study, not an institution as a whole. A specific academic or professional program of study can be granted accreditation at a variety of certificate, diploma, and degree levels.
Professional Accreditation
ACIPC may evaluate psychologiest & counselors, clinics, treatment facilities, and research centers.
VALUATION PROCESS
Mission Statement and Goals
Valuation planning begins with the institutional mission statement, which describes the communities that are served and the institutional purposes and other characteristics that define your institution. At the same time, your institution’s valuation leader should work with an appropriate mix of faculty and administrators to develop a plan of action and timeline to ensure departmental assessment goals and deadlines are met.
Objectives & Student Outcomes
Institution and Program educational objectives are based on the needs of the institution and/or program’s constituencies and are expressed in broad statements that describe what graduates are expected to attain within a few years of graduation. Student outcomes relate to the knowledge, skills, and behaviors that students acquire as they progress through the program and describe what students are expected to know and be able to do by the time of graduation. Defining educational objectives and student outcomes provides faculty with a common understanding of the expectations for student learning and supports consistency across the curriculum, as measured by performance indicators. Performance indicators represent the knowledge, skills, attitudes, or behavior students should be able to demonstrate by the time of graduation that indicate competence related to the outcome.
Conduct Valuations
Valuations offer a framework through which you can identify, collect, and prepare data to evaluate the achievement of student outcomes and program educational objectives. Effective assessments use relevant direct, indirect, quantitative, and qualitative measures appropriate to the outcome or objective being measured. Appropriate sampling methods may be used as part of an assessment process.
Efficient and effective assessment strategies require an understanding of the arrangement between educational practices and strategies. This can be accomplished by mapping educational strategies to learning outcomes. Strategies for data collection and analysis need to be systematic and consistent and focus on valuation related to the performance indicators.
Appraise Valuation
Appraise processes interpret the data and evidence accumulated through the assessment process and determine the extent to which student outcomes and educational objectives are being earned. Considerate evaluation of findings is essential to ensure that decisions and actions taken as a result of the valuation process will lead to program improvement.
Decision Making
Valuation provides a framework for a meaningful feedback process, which is critical to strategic decision-making. Creating and maintaining an ongoing quality assurance system helps to keep your institution and program relevant to the professions it serves, supports the highest quality student experience, and confirms that your graduates are well prepared for their careers.
FEES SCHEDULE
MEMBERSHIP:
Individuals’ Membership Annual Fee $510
Clinics/Schools/Organizations/Businesses Annual Fee $1,800
ACCREDITATIONS/CERTIFICATION (Institutions & Organizations):
Initial Application Fee: Submit Application for
Accreditation (nonrefundable) $450
On-Site review (inside the U.S.) $2,100
On-Site review (outside the U.S.) $4,200
On-Site program review $1,950
An extra day, per evaluators (inside the U.S.) $210
An extra day, per evaluators (outside the U.S.) $500
Visit to branch/satellite locations:
Per location $1,950
Annual Fee (Institution) $630
Annual Fee (Program) $300
Each program reviewed $390
Change of Name $300
Change of Ownership $690
New Program $590
Online/Distance Education $930
Non-Credit, Short-Term Modules $600
Travel Expense Expenses Incurred
| After travel has commenced (outside the U.S.) | No Refund |
| Non-refundable travel costs (outside the U.S.) | Actual Cost Incurred |
RENEWAL OF ACCREDITATION
Renewal of Accreditation (inside U.S.) $900
Renewal of Accreditation (outside the U.S.) $2,400
An extra day, per evaluators (inside the U.S.) $330
An extra day, per evaluators (outside the U.S.) $600
Visit to branch/satellite per location $600
Travel Expense Expenses Incurred
Institutions Outside the U.S. Travel Expenses:
Travel expenses include but are not limited to roundtrip airfare (business class), lodging, transportation, meals, international calls, visa costs and travel medical and security insurance, airport pick-up, escort, and daily ground transportation between each of the visit locations.
Interim Reviews
In some cases, the results of an on-site review may call for an interim report. This does not require an additional on-site review but there are still some charges for institution/program reviews.
On-site Reviews Cancellation Fees
Cancellation fees will be charged when an institution cancels an on-site review.
WORKSHOPS & CONFERENCES
ACIPC holds several workshops and conferences for accredited members and initial applicants to involve and learn more about accreditation criteria, policies, and procedures. The institutions may have a chance to share ideas on current issues involving proprietary institutions.
Workshop Fees
The workshops and conference registration fees are not included transportation, hotel accommodations, and other expenses.
Institutions will be registered for a workshop only when they receive confirmation from ACIPC.
| Initial Accreditation Training | $930 |
| Programs Setup | $630 |
| Consultation and Review | $2,100 |
| Renewal Accreditation | $630 |
| Distance Education Training | $630 |
| Staff Training | $510 |
| Deferral | $390 |