CTC Frequently Asked Questions

What is the value of the International CTC Certificate?
The CTC Certificate has been in existence since 2012. Feedback from participants and from international administrators confirms its value as practical, research-based learning for aspiring or practicing counselors. Many international schools support participants so that they are able to attend these courses.

Will my CTC Certificate be accepted by international schools as the training needed for international school counselors or do I need a Masters in Counseling? Every international school and every country has a different set of requirements for both teachers and counselors. For counselors, some require a degree specifically in school counseling while others require a Masters degree or beyond. All international schools recognize the CTC Certificate as an enhancement to practice for all current or aspiring counselors.   

Is the certificate recognized as a counseling certification for a state in the US?
No. US counseling certification is granted by each state and all states have different requirements. You will need to contact that state directly to inquire about the procedure to apply for U.S. counseling certification. With the exception of Virginia, you must be a US citizen.                  

What are the benefits of a CTC certificate? How do I get the certificate? How long will it take?
Participants who successfully complete four online courses OR three online courses and attend the in-person Intensive International School Counselor Skill Workshop will receive the CTC Certificate of International School Counseling. The certificate will be a recognition of participation in training designed particularly for counselors working in the international school setting. Taking all courses online during the school year OR three courses during the year and attending the Intensive Skills Practice in-person, the CTC's Certificate program can be completed in one calendar year.

Are CTC courses for counselors only? Can teachers and principals participate as well?
Our courses are open to counselors, teachers and principals. Depending on your needs, please check the PTC course descriptions, TLI course descriptions and the CTC course descriptions.

I’m a teacher and have a degree in something other than teaching. Can I still get my certificate of international counseling with the CTC?
Yes, if you complete four courses online with the CTC or three courses online and attend the Intensive International School Counselor Skills Workshop, you will be awarded the CTC's Certificate of International School Counseling.

What type of background or degree is required to attend CTC courses? Do you accept people with degrees and work in fields other that education?
The CTC is dedicated to professional development for those currently counseling or are about to counsel or teach in international schools. All CTC courses are oriented to the international school setting and you need to feel comfortable with that orientation in each course.

I teach in a public school system (or I’m retired from the US public school system). I am interested in teaching abroad. Do I qualify for one of your courses?
Our CTC courses are geared towards those who are already working in international schools or who are about to enter their first job in one. Occasionally we have had a counselor from a country who has only worked in their own national system. So, yes, you could potentially come, although we do give priority to our member schools as well as those already in an international setting.

Can I take CTC courses for graduate credit?
We currently work with TCNJ to offer graduate credit for CTC courses. For more information, please check out this page.

Do you offer any tuition discounts for the courses?
The CTC offers a unique discount to participants from schools who are members of the Principals Training Center (PTC).  Contact your school to inquire on their membership status, or click here to see if your school is a PTC member.