What’s the Difference Between CACREP-Accredited and Non-CACREP Counseling Programs?
When people start researching counseling master’s programs, one of the first confusing terms they come across is CACREP. Some universities proudly display that their program is CACREP-accredited, while others offer counseling degrees without it. On student forums and Reddit threads, you’ll often see heated debates about whether CACREP “matters” for your career, and the answer is not always simple.
For some students, attending a CACREP-accredited program is non-negotiable. For others, a non-CACREP program may be more affordable, flexible, or convenient. The right choice depends on where you plan to live, what population you want to serve, and how much professional mobility you want.
This article explains what CACREP accreditation is, what it means for counseling students, how non-CACREP programs fit into the picture, and what factors to consider when choosing between them.
What Is CACREP?
The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) is an independent accrediting body recognized in the counseling profession. Established in 1981, its purpose is to set consistent standards for graduate-level counseling education across the United States.
A CACREP-accredited program has been reviewed by peer evaluators and found to meet rigorous benchmarks in areas like:
- Curriculum content (human development, ethics, assessment, research methods, multicultural counseling, etc.)
- Faculty qualifications (professors must have doctoral degrees in counselor education or closely related fields)
- Clinical training (programs must include specific practicum and internship hours)
- Resources and student support
When a program earns CACREP accreditation, it means its graduates are presumed to have completed a curriculum aligned with national professional standards.
Why CACREP Matters
Licensure Portability
Licensure as a professional counselor (LPC, LMHC, LPCC, depending on the state) is regulated at the state level. Some states explicitly require CACREP degrees to qualify for licensure, while others allow “equivalent” programs.
The biggest advantage of CACREP is portability. If you earn your counseling degree in one state but move to another, having a CACREP-accredited degree makes it much easier to meet licensure requirements without needing additional coursework.
For example:
- States like Ohio and Kentucky specifically require CACREP for new counseling applicants.
- States like California and New York do not require CACREP, though California has its own unique curriculum requirements.
- With the rise of the Counseling Compact, which allows licensed counselors to practice across member states, CACREP is becoming even more valuable since compact membership often assumes standardized training.
Federal Employment
If you are interested in working for the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Army, or other federal agencies, a CACREP-accredited degree is usually required. Federal job postings for counselors often specify CACREP as a minimum qualification.
Professional Identity
The counseling profession has long sought recognition alongside psychology and social work. CACREP is part of that effort, helping to unify counselor training nationwide. Many professional organizations, such as the American Counseling Association, strongly endorse CACREP.
What About Non-CACREP Programs?
Not every counseling program has CACREP accreditation, and that does not necessarily mean the program is “bad.”
Reasons Programs May Not Have CACREP
- Cost and process: Accreditation is expensive and time-consuming for universities.
- Faculty composition: Programs may have faculty with degrees in psychology or social work rather than counselor education, which CACREP requires.
- Institutional focus: Some universities choose regional accreditation over specialized accreditation.
Advantages of Non-CACREP Programs
- Broader access: Many are more affordable or located in areas without CACREP options.
- Specialization: Some emphasize unique concentrations (for example, art therapy or pastoral counseling) not emphasized by CACREP.
- Flexibility: Online and part-time options are often more available outside CACREP-accredited schools.
For students who know they want to stay in one state that does not require CACREP, a non-CACREP program may still provide a valid route to licensure.
State Licensure Variations
The United States has a patchwork of state boards and rules. This is where students often get frustrated when comparing notes online.
- CACREP Required States: A growing number of states now require CACREP for new applicants (Ohio, Kentucky, and others).
- CACREP Encouraged but Not Mandatory: Some states accept equivalent coursework but warn that CACREP is preferred.
- Non-CACREP Accepted: States like California and New York have their own frameworks and accept non-CACREP programs if coursework aligns.
Because of this patchwork, the decision depends heavily on where you plan to practice. If you are unsure about your future location, CACREP provides more flexibility.
Student Experiences
On Reddit and similar forums, you’ll often see students weighing CACREP versus non-CACREP programs:
- Some students regret choosing non-CACREP because they later moved to a state with stricter rules. They found themselves needing extra classes or even considering another master’s degree.
- Others report no issues at all, especially if they remained in states that accept equivalency. For them, the non-CACREP option was cheaper and still led to full licensure.
- Several students point out that employers in community agencies or private practice rarely ask whether a degree is CACREP. They care more about licensure status, clinical skill, and cultural fit.
Cost Considerations
CACREP programs are sometimes more expensive, though not always. Public universities with CACREP accreditation may be cheaper than private non-CACREP schools.
When evaluating costs, ask yourself:
- If I choose a non-CACREP program, will I need extra courses or training later?
- Will portability matter for me if I relocate?
- Does the program provide strong practicum placement and supervision support, regardless of CACREP status?
In some cases, paying more for CACREP upfront can save time and money later.
The Counseling Compact and the Future of CACREP
The Counseling Compact is an interstate agreement designed to allow licensed counselors to practice across state lines, like how nurses have a compact. As of 2025, more than 30 states have enacted it, and more are considering it.
The Compact assumes a standardized baseline of education, and CACREP-accredited programs align most easily with that baseline. As the Compact grows, the incentive to choose CACREP increases.
When a Non-CACREP Program Might Still Make Sense
- You are certain you will practice in a state that does not require CACREP.
- The program has strong faculty, practicum connections, and a reputation in your community.
- You need a flexible format (online, part-time) that only a non-CACREP program offers.
- You are pursuing a niche specialization like expressive arts therapy.
Practical Tips for Deciding
- Check your state board’s rules before committing.
- Ask about portability if you think you might move.
- Compare costs realistically, factoring in possible extra coursework.
- Talk to alumni about their experiences with licensure and employment.
- Consider your career goals: if you want to work for the VA or in multiple states, CACREP is safer.
Final Thoughts
So, does CACREP really matter? The answer is yes for some students, less so for others. If you want maximum flexibility, interstate portability, and access to federal jobs, CACREP is the clearest path. If your priority is affordability, convenience, or a unique specialization, a non-CACREP program can still lead to a successful counseling career, provided you meet your state’s licensure requirements.
The key is to research carefully before enrolling. Accreditation is not just a label — it shapes your career options, your mobility, and your peace of mind down the road.