In the ever-evolving world of mental health care, staying up-to-date is not just a suggestion—it’s a requirement. Whether you’re a Social Worker, Counselor, or other mental health professional, continuing education is key to maintaining your licensure and providing the best possible care to your clients.
But with so many options out there, how do you know which ones are accredited and reliable? That’s where Agents of Change Continuing Education comes into play, offering an extensive library of continuing education courses designed specifically for professionals like you. The exciting news? Agents of Change is now NBCC-approved, meaning all its courses now offer continuing education credits recognized by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC)! Agents of Change is also ASWB ACE-approved.
What does this mean for you as a professional? NBCC approval is more than just a stamp of approval; it’s a guarantee that the courses you’re taking meet the highest standards set by a respected certifying body. With over 150 courses on topics ranging from trauma-informed care to ethics and cultural competence, Agents of Change Continuing Education ensures that you’re meeting your licensure requirements and gaining valuable knowledge to enhance your practice. Whether you need to renew your license or simply want to stay informed on the latest mental health trends, Agents of Change has got you covered.
Did you know? Agents of Change Continuing Education offers Unlimited Access to 150+ CE courses for one low annual fee to meet your state’s requirements for Continuing Education credits and level up your career.
We’ve helped thousands of Social Workers, Counselors, and Mental Health Professionals with Continuing Education, learn more here about Agents of Change and claim your 5 free CEUs.
1) What Does It Mean to Be NBCC Approved?
NBCC approval is a significant credential that ensures a continuing education provider meets the rigorous standards set by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). This stamp of approval signifies that courses have been thoroughly evaluated and found to meet the high expectations necessary for mental health professionals to earn Continuing Education Credits (CECs).
If you’re a counselor, Social Worker, or other mental health professional, NBCC approval means you can trust the content you’re investing your time and money in. Let’s break down what being NBCC-approved entails and why it matters.
Understanding NBCC and Its Role
The National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) is the leading certifying body for counselors and mental health professionals in the United States. Founded in 1982, the NBCC is committed to ensuring the competency and integrity of counseling professionals through comprehensive certification and continuing education requirements.
NBCC certification is often required by state licensing boards, agencies, and employers as proof that a counselor meets professional standards. However, certification isn’t a one-time process. It involves ongoing education to ensure that counselors remain proficient in their field as new research and practices emerge.
Why NBCC Approval Matters
So, why is NBCC approval so important when choosing continuing education courses? For professionals like counselors and Social Workers, maintaining a license requires completing specific continuing education requirements. By choosing NBCC-approved courses, you can rest assured that the hours spent on these courses will count toward your certification or licensure renewal.
Here are some reasons why NBCC approval is crucial:
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Quality Assurance: NBCC-approved courses are thoroughly vetted to ensure they meet the high standards necessary for professionals to remain competent in their fields.
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Licensure Compliance: Many state licensing boards accept only NBCC-approved credits when it comes time to renew a license.
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Professional Growth: The educational content is designed to provide practical, applicable skills that can be immediately incorporated into professional practice.
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Peace of Mind: You don’t have to worry about whether the courses you’re taking will be recognized—NBCC approval guarantees they are.
How NBCC Evaluates Educational Providers
The process of becoming NBCC-approved is not a simple one. Course providers like Agents of Change must undergo a stringent application process to demonstrate that their courses meet the requirements set by NBCC.
The evaluation criteria include several factors:
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Content Relevance: Courses must be directly relevant to the counseling profession and provide skills, knowledge, or theory that can be applied in practice.
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Instructor Qualifications: Course instructors must be recognized experts in their fields, often holding advanced degrees and significant professional experience.
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Learning Objectives: Each course must clearly outline what participants will learn and how it will benefit their professional practice.
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Ethical Standards: The courses must align with ethical standards in counseling and mental health care, ensuring participants receive guidance on best practices and professionalism.
By passing these rigorous standards, Agents of Change has earned its status as an NBCC-approved provider, ensuring all their continuing education courses meet these requirements.
Why NBCC Approval is a Win for You
NBCC approval ensures that continuing education courses meet educational standards and provide value to your professional development. When you choose NBCC-approved courses, you’re investing in more than just compliance—you’re enhancing your knowledge and ability to provide better care for your clients.
Here’s why it’s a win:
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No Wasted Time: There’s no need to worry about whether the course you’re taking will count toward your credits. NBCC approval guarantees that your time is well spent.
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Improved Professional Credibility: Continuing education through NBCC-approved courses adds to your credibility and assures clients and employers that you’re keeping up with industry best practices.
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Practical Learning: NBCC-approved courses often focus on real-world applications, allowing you to immediately implement what you’ve learned into your practice.
The Benefits of Agents of Change Being NBCC Approved
Now that Agents of Change is NBCC-approved, all of its courses meet the high standards set by the NBCC, offering you a convenient and reliable way to earn your required credits. This approval is especially beneficial for counselors and other mental health professionals who need to maintain their licensure but also want to learn practical, actionable skills they can use in their daily work.
Here are some highlights of how Agents of Change leverages its NBCC-approved status:
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Wide Range of Courses: With over 150 NBCC-approved courses, you have access to diverse educational content on topics ranging from trauma care to ethics and beyond.
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Flexibility: All courses are offered online, meaning you can complete them at your own pace from the comfort of your home or office.
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Relevance: Agents of Change regularly updates its course catalog to include the latest trends and research in mental health care, ensuring that your education remains relevant.
How NBCC-Approved Courses Support Career Growth
Earning continuing education credits through NBCC-approved courses is more than a licensure requirement—it’s an opportunity for professional growth. As the field of mental health evolves, the tools and knowledge you need to provide high-quality care also change. Taking courses that are NBCC-approved ensures you’re staying ahead of these changes, helping you build a strong foundation for long-term career success.
Whether you’re seeking to:
- Advance to a new role within your organization,
- Open a private practice, or
- Strengthen your current skill set,
NBCC-approved continuing education courses help you achieve these goals by providing knowledge and resources you can trust.
How to Verify NBCC Approval for a Course
When selecting continuing education courses, always ensure that the provider states NBCC approval clearly on their website or course materials. For example, Agents of Change displays its NBCC approval prominently across its website, making it easy for you to confirm that the courses you’re considering meet the required standards.
If you’re ever in doubt, you can verify a course provider’s NBCC status directly through the NBCC website by searching their database of approved providers.
Learn more about Agents of Change Continuing Education. We’ve helped thousands of Social Workers, Counselors, and Mental Health Professionals with their Continuing Education and want you to be next!
2) Who Does NBCC Serve?
The National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) plays a pivotal role in shaping the mental health profession, particularly for counselors and other related professionals. With the primary goal of establishing and maintaining standards of practice, the NBCC serves a wide range of professionals who are committed to improving mental health care across the United States and beyond.
While the NBCC’s primary focus is on counselors, its reach extends to other mental health practitioners, such as Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs), and Addiction Counselors. Each of these groups benefits from NBCC-approved courses and certifications, ensuring they meet licensure and certification requirements.
1. Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs)
Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) represent one of the largest groups served by the NBCC. With over 120,000 licensed professional counselors in the United States, LPCs work in a variety of settings, including private practice, community mental health agencies, schools, and hospitals. Their work ranges from individual therapy to group counseling, career guidance, and crisis intervention.
The NBCC’s National Certified Counselor (NCC) credential is one of the most recognized certifications for LPCs, demonstrating that a counselor has met stringent educational and professional standards. The NCC credential is voluntary but highly sought after, as it enhances a counselor’s professional credibility and job prospects.
Key NBCC Services for LPCs:
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Continuing Education: LPCs are required to complete continuing education credits (CECs) regularly to maintain licensure. NBCC-approved courses, such as those offered by Agents of Change, ensure LPCs meet these requirements while staying current with new counseling techniques and ethical practices.
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Ethical Guidelines: The NBCC provides a framework of ethical guidelines, ensuring LPCs operate with integrity and professionalism in their practices.
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Career Development: Many LPCs seek advanced certifications through the NBCC, furthering their professional development and opening doors to specialized fields such as trauma counseling or school counseling.
2. Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors (LCPCs)
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors (LCPCs), similar to LPCs, are licensed to provide mental health services, but they typically possess more advanced clinical training and supervision experience. There are approximately 55,000 LCPCs practicing in the U.S. LCPCs focus on diagnosing and treating more complex mental health issues, and they often provide clinical supervision to other counselors.
LCPCs frequently seek NBCC-approved courses to maintain their licensure, especially as they take on more specialized roles in clinical practice.
Key NBCC Services for LCPCs:
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Clinical Supervision Certification: The NBCC offers certifications and courses designed for counselors who wish to provide clinical supervision to others. This is especially relevant for LCPCs looking to guide the next generation of counselors.
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Advanced Continuing Education: LCPCs benefit from more clinically focused NBCC-approved courses, such as those addressing advanced techniques in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or trauma-informed care.
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Licensure Renewal: Like LPCs, LCPCs must meet continuing education requirements, and NBCC-approved courses are often mandatory for maintaining their licensure.
3. Mental Health Counselors
Mental Health Counselors make up a large segment of professionals served by the NBCC. There are approximately 70,000 mental health counselors practicing across the U.S., providing critical mental health services to individuals, families, and groups. Their work often overlaps with that of LPCs, but mental health counselors frequently work in specific areas, such as substance abuse, trauma, or family therapy.
The NBCC plays a key role in certifying and supporting mental health counselors through continuing education and certification programs.
Key NBCC Services for Mental Health Counselors:
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Specialty Certifications: Mental health counselors can pursue certifications in niche areas, such as addiction counseling or grief counseling, through NBCC-approved programs.
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Continuing Education in Specialty Areas: With mental health being a broad field, NBCC-approved courses help these counselors stay updated on emerging trends and best practices, particularly in specialties like trauma-informed care, suicide prevention, and multicultural counseling.
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Professional Networking: The NBCC creates opportunities for mental health counselors to connect with peers through conferences and workshops, enhancing professional development.
4. Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs)
Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs) are another group significantly impacted by NBCC certification and continuing education programs. With around 60,000 licensed MFTs practicing in the U.S., these professionals specialize in working with couples and families to improve relationships and mental health within the family dynamic.
Although MFTs are certified by different boards in most states, many NBCC-approved courses are relevant to their field and accepted by licensing bodies for continuing education credit.
Key NBCC Services for MFTs:
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Relevant Continuing Education: MFTs often turn to NBCC-approved courses on topics such as family systems therapy, relationship dynamics, and conflict resolution.
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Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Many NBCC-approved courses are designed to appeal to a range of mental health professionals, offering MFTs the chance to learn from a broader perspective and integrate techniques from other counseling specialties into their practice.
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Ethical Standards and Professionalism: MFTs benefit from NBCC ethical guidelines and best practices, particularly when handling complex family or relationship issues.
5. Addiction Counselors
Addiction Counselors provide specialized care for individuals struggling with substance abuse and addiction issues. There are more than 50,000 licensed addiction counselors in the U.S., many of whom seek NBCC-approved courses to stay current on best practices in addiction treatment.
Given the complexity of addiction as both a mental and physical health issue, these professionals require continuing education that covers a wide range of topics, including substance abuse treatment models, motivational interviewing, and dual diagnosis care.
Key NBCC Services for Addiction Counselors:
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Certification and Training: The NBCC offers certification options for counselors looking to specialize in addiction treatment, providing them with the credibility and knowledge needed to handle complex cases.
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Targeted Continuing Education: NBCC-approved courses help addiction counselors stay informed on the latest research and treatment methodologies in addiction recovery, including trauma-informed approaches and holistic care.
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Cross-Training Opportunities: Addiction counselors often work with clients who have multiple diagnoses, making NBCC-approved courses on mental health, trauma, and behavioral therapy particularly valuable for expanding their skill set.
6. School Counselors
School Counselors serve a vital role in the educational system, providing emotional and academic support to students from elementary through high school. There are approximately 100,000 school counselors in the U.S., many of whom require NBCC-approved continuing education to maintain their certifications and licensure.
School counselors are responsible for their students’ academic development and for supporting their mental health and emotional well-being. This makes NBCC-approved courses in areas like childhood trauma, behavioral issues, and crisis intervention particularly important.
Key NBCC Services for School Counselors:
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Child-Centered Continuing Education: NBCC-approved courses focusing on child and adolescent mental health, school-related stress, and conflict resolution are particularly beneficial for school counselors.
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Professional Standards and Certification: The NBCC sets high standards for school counselors, ensuring they are equipped with the necessary skills and ethical training to manage the emotional needs of students.
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Support for Crisis Intervention: Many school counselors deal with crisis situations, such as bullying, family issues, and emotional trauma. NBCC-approved crisis intervention courses help these professionals navigate difficult situations with confidence and care.
To summarize, the NBCC serves a diverse group of mental health professionals, each with unique needs and roles in the mental health system. Below is a recap of the primary groups served by the NBCC:
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Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs): Over 120,000 professionals
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Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors (LCPCs): Approximately 55,000 professionals
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Mental Health Counselors: About 70,000 professionals
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Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs): Around 60,000 professionals
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Addiction Counselors: More than 50,000 professionals
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School Counselors: Approximately 100,000 professionals
Each of these professionals depends on NBCC-approved courses to maintain licensure, stay informed, and improve their practices. Whether seeking advanced certifications or simply fulfilling continuing education requirements, these professionals benefit from the NBCC’s rigorous standards and commitment to high-quality education.
We’ve helped thousands of Social Workers, Counselors, and Mental Health Professionals with Continuing Education, learn more here about Agents of Change and claim your 5 free CEUs!
3) Agents of Change: A Leader in Continuing Education
In the fast-paced world of mental health care, staying current with the latest research, techniques, and best practices is essential for any professional. This is where Agents of Change Continuing Education stands out as a premier provider of continuing education for Social Workers, Counselors, and other mental health professionals.
With over 150 courses designed to address various topics, Agents of Change is dedicated to providing high-quality, accessible, and practical education that helps professionals maintain their licensure and improve their skills.
Not only are Agents of Change courses NBCC approved, they are also approved for ASWB ACE credit, making them a top choice for both Social Workers and Counselors alike. This dual accreditation ensures that mental health professionals across different disciplines can rely on Agents of Change to meet their continuing education requirements while advancing their professional development.
Why Agents of Change Continuing Education?
What sets Agents of Change apart from other continuing education providers? The answer lies in its commitment to offering a comprehensive, user-friendly, and impactful learning experience tailored to the needs of today’s mental health professionals.
Here are a few reasons why Agents of Change has become a leader in the field of continuing education:
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NBCC and ASWB ACE Approved: All courses are recognized for both NBCC credit and ASWB ACE credit, making them accessible and valuable for Counselors and Social Workers.
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Wide Variety of Courses: With over 150 courses available, Agents of Change covers everything from trauma-informed care to ethics and cultural competence.
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Convenience: Courses are offered online, making it easy for busy professionals to fit education into their schedules without sacrificing quality.
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Affordable Pricing: Agents of Change offers affordable, competitive pricing to ensure that continuing education is accessible to all mental health professionals, regardless of their budget.
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High-Quality Content: Courses are developed by experts in the field and are designed to provide practical, actionable knowledge that can be applied immediately in professional settings.
NBCC and ASWB ACE Approved
One of the most significant benefits of choosing Agents of Change for your continuing education needs is that their courses are approved by both the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) and the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) through their Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. This dual accreditation is rare and offers a range of advantages for professionals across various fields:
NBCC Approval
As an NBCC-approved provider, Agents of Change ensures that its courses meet the high standards required for Counselors and other NBCC-certified professionals. This approval guarantees that the hours you spend on their courses will count toward maintaining your licensure and advancing your professional skills.
NBCC approval is particularly relevant for professionals like:
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Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs)
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Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors (LCPCs)
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Mental Health Counselors
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Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs)
With the wide range of courses offered by Agents of Change, NBCC-certified professionals can find courses that not only meet licensure requirements but also help them grow in specialized areas like trauma-informed care, ethical decision-making, and more.
ASWB ACE Approval
For Social Workers, ASWB ACE approval is just as crucial. The Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) sets rigorous standards for continuing education providers, ensuring that Social Workers receive high-quality education that enhances their skills and helps them maintain their licensure.
Agents of Change is an approved provider through the ASWB ACE program, meaning their courses are recognized for continuing education credit across a variety of states for Social Workers, including:
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Licensed Social Workers (LSWs)
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Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs)
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Licensed Independent Social Workers (LISWs)
The fact that Agents of Change is approved for both NBCC and ASWB ACE credits means that professionals in different fields can trust their courses to fulfill licensure renewal requirements without needing to juggle multiple providers. This makes Agents of Change an efficient and effective choice for busy professionals looking to streamline their continuing education.
Over 150 Courses to Choose From
Agents of Change offers a wide variety of courses, ensuring that no matter what area of practice you specialize in, you’ll find relevant, engaging material. Here’s a breakdown of the types of courses you can expect to find:
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Trauma-Informed Care: Learn how to effectively support clients dealing with trauma, including the latest research on trauma’s impact and treatment strategies that promote healing.
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Cultural Competence: Explore the importance of cultural awareness in counseling and social work, with courses designed to enhance your understanding of how to navigate cultural differences in practice.
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Ethics: Stay current on the ethical standards governing your profession, with courses that cover real-world scenarios and provide guidance on maintaining ethical practices in challenging situations.
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Gain advanced skills in this widely-used therapeutic approach, with courses that focus on applying CBT techniques in different client populations.
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Addiction Counseling: With the growing focus on substance abuse and addiction treatment, Agents of Change offers courses on the latest techniques and approaches for helping clients recover from addiction.
In addition to these popular categories, Agents of Change continually updates its catalog with new courses, ensuring you always have access to the most relevant and up-to-date material available.
Convenient and Accessible Learning
One of the standout features of Agents of Change is the convenience and accessibility of their courses. All courses are available online, allowing professionals to complete them at their own pace and on their own schedule. This is particularly important for busy professionals who may not be able to attend in-person trainings or courses with rigid timeframes.
Here’s why the online format works for so many professionals:
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Self-Paced Learning: Whether you prefer to complete a course in one sitting or spread it out over several weeks, the self-paced nature of Agents of Change courses makes it easy to fit continuing education into your life.
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24/7 Access: With courses available 24/7, you can access your educational material whenever it’s most convenient for you—whether that’s during your lunch break or after the kids are in bed.
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Mobile-Friendly: The courses are optimized for mobile devices, meaning you can complete your education from your smartphone or tablet, making it even easier to learn on the go.
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Instant Certification: Once you complete a course, you receive your certificate instantly, allowing you to quickly apply your earned credits toward licensure renewal.
Affordable Pricing for All Professionals
At Agents of Change, the mission is to make high-quality education accessible to all professionals, which is why their pricing is designed to be affordable without sacrificing the quality of the content. They understand that continuing education is a mandatory expense for many professionals, so they strive to provide value through competitive pricing, while still offering top-tier educational content.
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Affordable Course Bundles: Many courses are available as part of bundles, offering professionals the opportunity to complete multiple required courses at a discounted rate.
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Flexible Payment Options: With options to pay per course or sign up for an unlimited access subscription, Agents of Change ensures you can fit continuing education into your budget.
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No Hidden Fees: The price you see is the price you pay—there are no extra fees for certificates or course materials.
Expert Instructors and Practical Knowledge
The courses offered by Agents of Change are created and taught by industry experts with years of experience in their respective fields. These instructors bring real-world knowledge and expertise to the courses, ensuring that participants gain practical, actionable skills that they can apply in their work immediately.
Some key benefits of learning from experienced professionals include:
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Real-World Application: Courses are designed with a focus on practical skills, meaning you can take what you learn and immediately apply it to your current work.
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Interactive Learning: Courses incorporate a variety of learning formats, including case studies, quizzes, and multimedia, making the learning process more engaging and memorable.
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Current and Relevant Content: Instructors ensure that course material is always up-to-date, reflecting the latest research, best practices, and industry standards.
A Commitment to Professional Development
Finally, Agents of Change goes beyond just meeting licensure requirements. Their courses are designed to inspire ongoing professional development and personal growth for mental health professionals. Whether you’re looking to specialize in a new area, advance your career, or simply stay current with industry trends, Agents of Change is there to support you every step of the way.
With its dual approval for both NBCC credit and ASWB ACE credit, Agents of Change is a trusted partner for professionals across the mental health spectrum, ensuring that your continuing education needs are met efficiently, effectively, and affordably.
4) FAQs – NBCC Approval for Agents of Change
Q: What is the significance of NBCC and ASWB ACE approval for continuing education courses?
A: NBCC and ASWB ACE approval are critical credentials that ensure the continuing education courses you take meet the high standards set by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) and the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB).
These approvals mean that the courses have been rigorously evaluated and are recognized for continuing education credits that count toward maintaining licensure. For Counselors, Social Workers, and other mental health professionals, taking NBCC- and ASWB-approved courses guarantees that your investment of time and money will fulfill your licensure requirements while providing relevant and practical knowledge.
Q: Who can benefit from taking Agents of Change courses?
A: Agents of Change courses are designed for a wide range of mental health professionals, including Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs), Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors (LCPCs), Mental Health Counselors, Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs), Social Workers (LSWs, LCSWs, LISWs), and Addiction Counselors.
Because Agents of Change is NBCC and ASWB ACE approved, both Counselors and Social Workers can earn continuing education credits that are accepted for licensure renewal in many states. Additionally, professionals seeking to deepen their expertise in areas like trauma-informed care, ethics, and cultural competence will find value in the diverse course offerings.
Q: How do I ensure that my state accepts NBCC or ASWB ACE credits for licensure renewal?
A: While NBCC and ASWB ACE credits are widely accepted across the United States, each state has its own specific licensure renewal requirements. Before enrolling in a continuing education course, it’s a good idea to check with your state’s licensing board to confirm that they accept NBCC- or ASWB-approved credits for your specific license.
Most state boards provide a list of approved providers or outline their requirements clearly on their websites. Agents of Change provides NBCC and ASWB-approved courses, making it easier to ensure that the credits you earn will be recognized.