Renew Your IABC Status Through
The Biblical Counseling Academy

We anticipate the renewal process taking approximately 10 weeks, with an estimated commitment of 2–3 hours per week.

This is an estimated timeframe rather than a rigid deadline. The process is intentionally structured over several weeks to allow time for training, live participation, practical engagement, and—most importantly—relationship.

The goal is not to rush you through a checklist. It is to give you time to refresh, reconnect, and prepare to return to active biblical counseling ministry.

Your previous training and experience are valuable. They are part of your history as a biblical counselor and provide an important foundation as you return to active status.

However, the renewal pathway is not designed to be shortened based on how many previous requirements you have completed.

The purpose of this process is not simply to determine which requirements can be checked off. It is an opportunity to refresh your foundation and reestablish a meaningful relationship with an approved training center.

No. You are not being asked to repeat your entire IABC journey.

At the same time, renewal is more than simply carrying forward your previous work. Because your status has been inactive for an extended period, this pathway provides a structured opportunity to refresh your biblical counseling foundation and reconnect with BCA.

Your previous experience matters—but relationship cannot be rushed or replaced by past coursework.

Because meaningful relationships take time.

The renewal process is intentionally designed to give you repeated opportunities to engage with BCA, participate in live sessions, receive practical guidance, and become reconnected with the biblical counseling community.

We believe that this relational component is worth the time.

IABC's approach to certification is relationship-based because biblical counseling is relational ministry.

An approved training center is not simply a place where you complete requirements. It provides an opportunity to know and be known by other biblical counselors, receive encouragement and guidance, and remain connected to the ministry of biblical counseling.

For counselors returning after an extended period of inactive status, rebuilding that relationship is an important part of preparing to return to active ministry.

The estimated 10-week pathway is intentional and is not designed simply to be accelerated based on previous experience.

Your experience may help you engage more comfortably with the training material, but the relational aspects of the process require time. Live participation, interaction, and establishing a relationship are not things that can simply be completed faster because you have previous experience.

We value your experience. We also value taking the time to know you and walk with you.

No.

The process includes refresher training, but it is not simply a self-paced course.

It is designed to bring together training, live participation, practical guidance, and relationship with an approved training center.

The goal is to help you reconnect with the people and ministry relationships that support faithful biblical counseling.

No.

Enrollment begins the renewal process with BCA. After completing requirements, BCA will personally endorse your renewal status to IABC for final review and approval.

Your active status is updated through IABC after that approval.

IABC and BCA have distinct roles.

IABC is the certifying organization responsible for the credential, final review and approval of your renewal.

BCA is an IABC-approved training center that provides the training, guidance, relationship, and endorsement that are part of your renewal process.

They are separate organizations working together to help you return to active status.

Renewal is not intended to be the end of your relationship with BCA.

Our hope is that the relationship you establish during this process will continue beyond your renewal as part of a lifelong commitment to ongoing education, encouragement, accountability, fellowship, and growth as you serve in biblical counseling ministry.

We don't simply want to help you renew your IABC status. We want to walk with you for the years of ministry ahead through continued training, support, and relationship.