Canadian College of Professional Counsellors and Psychotherapists

The Canadian College of Professional Counsellors and Psychotherapists (CCPCP) is a national, voluntary, self-regulatory college dedicated to protecting the rights of public consumers of mental health services. Membership is made up of professionals who demonstrate a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of ethics and competence in the delivery of mental health services.

CCPCP’s ‘inclusive model’ is open to practitioners from a variety of educational backgrounds and disciplines including counsellors and therapists, nurses, educators, life coaches, theologians and other professionals. The college brings together qualified practitioners committed to protecting the public’s interest by providing the highest standard of mental health care for the clients we serve. And we welcome you to join us.

How to Apply for Membership in the CCPCP

Here’s a look at the requirements for membership.  The step-by-step instructions below will outline the application process for you.  Begin by identifying the class of membership you are applying for. 

The CCPCP offers five classes of membership:

1. Student Member

2. Candidate Member

3. Full Member

4.  Advanced Counselling Practitioner   

5.  Associate Member

How to apply for Student Membership

The CCPCP welcomes students currently enrolled in counselling-related programs in educational institutions to apply for membership in the CCPCP.   Student members are expected to conform to, and accept, the CCPCP Code of Ethics and Bylaws, and Standards of Professional Practice.  Early affiliation with a voluntary regulatory college can establish an important foundation for your professional credentials.

Step one: Submit the name and contact information of your school. Provide a brief description of the program you're enrolled in and a list of counselling-related courses.

Step two: Provide proof of enrollment.

Step three: Provide a letter of reference from one instructor or practicum supervisor who is familiar with your work.

Membership fees:  $0    Student membership is free for qualified students.  This is a non-voting class of membership.  The CCPCP assumes no responsibility for counselling related activities or services provided to the public by student members. 

How to apply for Candidate Membership CCPCP-R(c) 

Step one: Provide proof of successful completion of a minimum of 450 hours of training in applied skill development related to the core areas of competency required for the practice of counselling, psychotherapy, or other mental-health related services.  Click here for the competency profile

Step two:  Successfully complete the CCPCP qualifying exam/evaluation. (Members of an approved association or college are exempt from the exam.  See the list of Pre-Approved Associations under the Streamlined Application Process to see if you qualify for the exemption.)

Step three: After completing the required hours of training, you’re ready to acquire liability insurance and work under supervision as a volunteer or paid practitioner providing direct counselling services to clients.

When you’ve compiled a total of 500 hours of direct client contact and met with your supervisor for 2 hours per month, you can apply for Full Member designation. Letters of reference and other documents are required. See te application on the website for details.

Supervisors must have 8+ years of experience, full membership status in a regulatory college or professional association, and liability insurance.

Membership fees: $200 application fee that includes the Qualifying Exam/Evaluation. 

$100 application fee only (Exam waived for affiliation with pre-approved associations or colleges)

Yearly dues:  $150:

How to apply for Full Membership(CCPCP-R)

Congratulations! If you have fulfilled the following requirements, you are eligible to apply to register as a Full Member.  

Step One:  Complete a minimum of 450 hours of training in applied skill development related to the core areas of competency required for the practice of counselling, psychotherapy, or other mental-health related services.  Click here for the competency profile

Step two:  Successfully complete the qualifying exam. (Members of an approved association or college are exempt from the exam.  See the list of Pre-Approved Associations on the website under the Streamlined Application Process to see if you qualify for the exemption.)

Step three: After completing the required hours of training, you acquired liability insurance and worked under supervision as a volunteer or paid practitioner providing direct counselling services to clients. If you compiled a total of 500 hours of direct client contact and met with a supervisor for 2 hours each month you are ready to apply for Full Membership.  Letters of reference and other documents are required. See the application on the website for details.

Membership fees: $200 application fee that includes the Qualifying Exam/Evaluation (if required). 

$100 application fee only (Exam waived for affiliation with pre-approved associations and colleges)

Yearly dues:  $200

How to Apply for Advanced Counselling Practioner (CCPCP-ACP)

The CCPCP offers a designation as an Advanced Counselling Practitioner in recognition of members with advanced education and experience in a specific area of specialization.  Applicants for the ACP designation will be evaluated by the CCPCP Examination Committee. The process provides the opportunity for applicants to submit documentation of training, referrals, credentials, and supervised experience related to their area of specialization. (See the application on the website for details.)

Membership fees: $200 for each ACP Application (Must be a Full Member to apply)

Yearly dues: $100- Per Advanced Designation

How to Apply for Associate Membership

The CCPCP welcomes professional associations, educational institutes, and community agencies to join a collaborative network of organizations united in support of CCPCP members.  Professional associations and colleges that would like their members to be considered for pre-approved status, please contact the CCPCP Registrar.

Associate Membership is open to private and non-profit training institutions, pre-approved professional counseling associations, medical institutions, community agencies, and insurance providers.

Associate Members are featured on the CCPCP website and receive a wall certificate in recognition of the association’s commitment to regulating the standards of competency in the delivery of mental health services to the public.