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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Higher Certificate in Christian Counselling 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
96703  Higher Certificate in Christian Counselling 
ORIGINATOR
South African Theological Seminary NPC 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Higher Certificate  Field 07 - Human and Social Studies  Religious and Ethical Foundations of Society 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 05  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The Higher Certificate in Christian Counselling is designed to educate, train and equip Christian lay counsellors for a responsible and informed counselling ministry in their church. It aims to equip practitioners, whether untrained clergy or Christian lay counsellors, for improved counselling praxis in their church, simultaneously laying a firm foundation for graduates to undertake further studies in Theology or Psychology.

Rationale:
The Higher Certificate in Christian Counselling (HCCC) is an Entry-Level Higher Education qualification in Christian counselling. It serves (a) to provide learners with foundational knowledge of Christian counselling, (b) to introduce practical tools for effective lay counselling ministry in the local church and community, and (c) to lay a foundation for further studies in the fields of Theology and/or Psychology.

Since Christians often view the church as a source of guidance and counsel, and many churches offer basic counselling services, there is a great need for Pastors, elders, and lay counsellors serving in local churches to acquire the knowledge and skills to provide counsel that is biblically and psychologically sound, and to recognise situations where referral to professional Psychologists or Psychiatrists is required. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Prior learning credits are awarded to learners for relevant, accredited learning and for relevant life experience. A maximum of 60 Credits (50 percent) may be awarded as RPL.

Entry Requirements:
To register, prospective learners require one of the following:
  • Senior Certificate (SC).
  • National Senior Certificate (NSC) passed with Higher Certificate studies.
  • National Certificate Vocational (NCV) at NQF Level 4. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    Compulsory Modules: 72 Credits:
  • The Biblical Basis of Christian Counselling, 12 Credits.
  • Counselling Skills, 12 Credits.
  • Human Development and Christian Counselling, 12 Credits.
  • Ethical and Legal Issues for Pastoral and Lay Counsellors, 12 Credits.
  • Psychopathology and Spiritual Conflicts, 12 Credits.
  • Relationships, Marriages, and Family Counselling, 12 Credits.

    Elective Modules: 48 Credits (any 4 of these 12 Credit electives):
  • Crisis Intervention and Trauma Counselling.
  • Counselling - Abuse and Domestic Violence.
  • Wellness - Personal and Spiritual Growth.
  • Addictions and Co-dependency.
  • Congregational Care and Lay Counselling.
  • Gerontology and Counselling the Terminally Ill.
  • HIV/AIDS Counselling and Care Giving.
  • Advanced Counselling Skills Practicum.
  • Medicine, Health and Healing. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate understanding of the concept Christian counselling from a Biblical point of view.
    2. Define and demonstrate understanding of human development in relation to Christian Counselling.
    3. Demonstrate understanding of the issues related to victimisation, violence and abuse.
    4. Demonstrate the ability to differentiate between psychological and a biblical based, Christ centred approach in Christian counselling.
    5. Apply counselling skills.
    6. Demonstrate essential elements of ethical and legal practice for pastors and lay counsellors.
    7. Provide counsel to assist in family and marriage relationships from a Christian perspective.
    8. Define mental and spiritual health from a wellness and prevention perspective. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • The concept and the need of Christian counselling is explained.
  • Different theoretical approaches are discerned and described.
  • Lay and pastoral counselling as a specific ministry is described.
  • Theology and Psychology concepts are applied in an integrative approach to Christian counselling.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Understanding of phases of development, development Psychology and the neuro-psychological basis of mental disorders is demonstrated.
  • Theories learnt in role model scenarios in Christian ministry and counselling are related and applied.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Dysfunctional relationships are assessed.
  • Possible interventions are formulated from a lay and pastoral counselling perspective.
  • Reconciliation process is established with the aim of assisting the client.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Causes of Psychopathology are explained.
  • Psychological disorders are recognised and referred to medical and/or mental health professionals.
  • People with psychological, emotional, personal and interpersonal problems are ministered to.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Counselling micro-skills are integrated into Christian counselling.
  • Skills, tools and models of counselling theory and praxis are differentiated.
  • Core level of proficiency is developed, enabling the counsellor/Care-Giver to establish a helping relationship with prospective counselees.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Critical insight for evaluating ethical issues in counselling from a Biblical based perspective is displayed.
  • The role and methods of Christian ethics as pertaining to counselling and care-giving in the Christian ministry is understood.
  • Essential elements of ethical and legal practice as it pertains to competence, accountability, confidentiality, dual and multiple relationships, record keeping, referrals, etc. are applied.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • An understanding of premarital and marriage relationships is demonstrated.
  • An accurate assessment of the relationship is made.
  • Couples in their relationship are assisted.
  • The causes of divorce and remarriage are understood.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Intra- and inter-personal behaviour, communication and growth from a Biblical perspective are differentiated.
  • Principles of inner healing and spiritual imagery in counselling are applied.
  • Psycho-educational-ministry in and for the church is practiced focusing on stress management; conflict resolution, life change and transitions as well as support networks.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Integrated assessment provides learners with an opportunity to display an ability to integrate practical performance, actions, concepts and theory across components to achieve competence in relation to the purpose of this qualification.

    All modules include both formative and summative assessment tasks. Most courses include a mixture of assignments, discussion forums, projects, practicals, and quizzes/tests/examinations in the assessment mix. All outcomes are included in summative assessments.

    Experiential learning forms an important element of the learning and assessment strategy. Learners are required to engage in contextual-based practical assignments and submit reports and reflections based on their experiences. They are also required to carry out supervised counselling sessions, being assessed by qualified and experienced practitioners. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This Higher Certificate in Christian Counselling qualification is comparable to one-year Counselling qualifications from around the world with regard to outcomes and assessment criteria, the level of depth and complexity involved in the study process, and with due regard to notional learning time. Similar qualifications are offered at institutions in the United States of America (USA) and Canada.

    Bryant and Stratton College qualification in the USA equip learners with the knowledge to function in positions that include counselling positions, crisis intervention, case management, addiction counselling and other specific roles in the human service field. They gain skills necessary to begin a career in a growing field with our Human and Social Service. Learners also explore various functions of crisis intervention, case management and other areas of the human and social service field. They can after completing the qualification perform assessment of client and use available resources to match support services to improve quality of life of the client.

    In Canada the Kelowna College of Professional Counselling (KCPC) is an accredited training institution that prepares learners for careers as competent professionals in the mental health field. Superior training is reflected in the caliber of our graduates. The Certificate equips learners on professional competence as its main goal with interactive exercises that simulate real-life counselling situations. The qualification also assists learners with their personal growth and ethical decision-making which is an essential component in the practice of professional counselling and Psychotherapy.

    Conclusion:
    The qualification compares favourably with the cited as they also focus on developing skills to understand and address the needs of patients and clients within human and social service environments. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification articulates horizontally and vertically with cognate qualifications:

    Horizontally with:
  • Higher Certificate: Counselling and Communication Skills.
  • Higher Certificate in HIV/AIDS Counselling and Management.

    Vertically with:
  • Advanced Certificate: Counselling and Communication Skills. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2015. 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced qualification.
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. South African Theological Seminary NPC 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.