Pastoral Counseling Certification
Program Code: 5FNCB-PCP2-L1
Credential Type: Certification
Credential Code: 5-Fold Certified Pastoral Counseling Professional – PCP2-L1
Program Overview
The Pastoral Counseling Certification is a professional credential for those offering spiritual support, biblical guidance, and ministerial care to individuals and families. Issued by the 5-Fold National Certification Board, this certification affirms a minister’s readiness to counsel with compassion, discernment, and spiritual wisdom under pastoral authority.
This exam-based credential is intended for those already providing or preparing to provide counseling within church, ministry, or outreach settings. For in-depth study, candidates may enroll in pastoral care programs through Emet School of Ministry (ESOM) or faith-based counseling degrees through Emet Global University (EGU).
What the Certification Exam Includes
- Online Study Guide
- Practice Test (Included in Cost)
- Comprehensive Certification Exam
- Credential Conferral upon Passing
What You Will Learn if You Enroll in a Partner Program (ESOM or EGU)
Formal academic programs will include topics such as:
- Biblical foundations of counseling and pastoral care
- Ethics, confidentiality, and ministerial boundaries
- Spiritual healing and support for grief, trauma, and addiction
- Marriage, family, and personal growth support
- Prayer, deliverance, and discernment counseling
- Real-world case studies and scenario responses
Note: These are included in coursework, not the certification exam.
What the Refresher Course Includes (Optional)
- Overview of pastoral counseling methods
- Access to sample intake forms and session outlines
- No instructor support
- Recommended for pre-exam review and skill development
Mentoring Guidelines
- Mentoring is based on the pastoral counseling manual
- Manual is included in ESOM or refresher course packages
- The certification exam does not include the manual
Career Field Application
This certification supports service in:
- Church-based pastoral care or lay counseling
- Marriage and family support teams
- Crisis response and grief support ministry
- Outreach and recovery programs
- Ministry of mental health advocacy and referral
Tuition and Fees
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition (Certification Exam) | $587.00 |
| Enrollment Fee | $25.00 |
| Refresher Course (Optional) | $199.00 |
| Tutoring – 4 Sessions (Optional) | $150.00 |
| Exam Re-Take Fee (with 1 Year Exp.) | $250.00 |
| Credential Conferral Fee | $38.00 |
| Total Program Cost | $650.00 |
| Certification Renewal (Every 5 Years) | $199.00 |
Program Structure
- Credit Hours: 3
- Program Length: 4 Months
- Delivery: Online, Self-Paced
- Support Options: Optional mentoring and tutoring available.