International Association of Biblical Counselors Continuing Ministry Education Units Policy

The International Association of Biblical Counselors (IABC) is committed to maintaining excellence in biblical counseling by ensuring that its certified counselors continue to grow in their understanding and application of God's Word. As Scripture teaches:

• "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen." (2 Peter 3:18, NKJV)
• "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:16-17, NKJV)

Continuing Ministry Education Units (CMEUs) are required to ensure that IABC counselors remain firmly rooted in the sufficiency of Scripture and continue to develop their counseling skills under the supremacy of Christ.

To maintain an active certification with IABC, counselors are required to complete six (6) CMEUs annually. The CMEU requirement is designed to strengthen counselors in their personal sanctification and ministry effectiveness, ensuring that all certified counselors remain faithful to a biblical framework.

IABC provides one primary training option to fulfill this requirement:

The Sufficiency and Supremacy of Christ in Biblical Counseling Course. This course serves as the designated CMEU pathway and provides a rich theological foundation to uphold the IABC commitment to biblical counseling.

IABC recently launched The Sufficiency & Supremacy of Christ in Counseling training, available to all certified counselors as well as those seeking to deepen their understanding of biblical counseling. This course provides six (6) CMEUs and serves as the primary means to fulfill the annual recertification requirement.

• Course Duration: The course can be completed in as little as one (1) hour per month, making it an achievable and reasonable commitment.
• Completion Deadline: January 1, 2026 for current certification cycles.
• Discounted Cost: A 50% discount is available for a limited time using the promotional code DISCOUNT50 as indicated in the course email.

This training is not only a requirement for recertification but also an opportunity for ongoing spiritual growth and the sharpening of counseling skills in alignment with biblical principles.

IABC requires CMEUs because biblical counselors must demonstrate ongoing growth in the grace and knowledge of Christ (2 Peter 3:18) and remain under the teaching and leadership of biblically sound instructors.

1. The Centrality of Christ in Counseling
• “And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.” (Colossians 1:17, NKJV)​
• Biblical counseling must remain Christ-centered, and ongoing education ensures that counselors keep Him preeminent in their ministry.
2. Commitment to the Whole Counsel of God
• “For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God.” (Acts 20:27, NKJV)​
• CMEUs ensure that IABC counselors are equipped to faithfully handle the Word of God, teaching and applying it in their counseling ministries.
3. The Role of the Holy Spirit in Ministry
• “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.” (John 14:26, NKJV)​
• Ongoing training fosters reliance on the Holy Spirit rather than worldly philosophies, ensuring that counselors remain faithful to biblical doctrine.
4. The Need for Ongoing Growth and Equipping
• “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17, NKJV)​

Just as counseling must be biblical in nature, it must also be continually refined through study and spiritual maturity.

To maintain certification, counselors must provide proof of course completion annually. This verification ensures:

• Commitment to Biblical Growth – Counselors actively engage in learning and applying biblical principles.
• Alignment with IABC Doctrinal Standards – IABC counselors remain firmly rooted in biblical sufficiency, avoiding secular psychology and compromised counseling models.

If a certified counselor does not complete the required six (6) CMEUs within the designated timeframe, the following will apply:

1. Grace Period: Counselors will have a 90-day grace period following the deadline (until March 31) to complete the course.
2. Lapse in Certification: If CMEUs are not completed by the end of the grace period, certification will lapse and require reinstatement through an evaluation process.
3. Reinstatement Process: Counselors who allow their certification to lapse must complete the CMEU course before applying for reinstatement. Additional fees may apply.

IABC views the CMEU requirement as an opportunity for growth rather than a burden. This initiative strengthens counselors, equips them to serve with greater biblical wisdom, and deepens their love for Christ.