CACREP certification requires which level of education?

• A. Master's degree.
• B. Doctoral degree.
• C. Bachelor's degree.
• D. Any graduate degree.

Answer: (B)

CACREP accreditation applies to counseling education programs, not to a single counselor’s credential. Programs that earn CACREP status can be at the master’s level or the doctoral level, reflecting that high-quality counseling education exists in both pathways. For someone aiming to practice as a professional counselor, licensure typically requires completing a master’s degree in counseling or a closely related field, along with supervised hours. A doctoral degree is not required just to practice; it’s pursued for advanced roles such as clinical specialization or faculty positions, and doctoral programs can also be CACREP-accredited. Therefore, the education level most consistently linked to entering the profession through CACREP pathways is a master’s degree. The bachelor’s degree falls short of standard professional preparation, and an “any graduate degree” is too broad since not all graduate degrees meet CACREP standards or are in counseling.