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The ISCA Certified Counselor Program offers participants a series of 16 carefully curated courses that comprehensively cover the key roles and areas essential for school counselors working in international schools. Upon completing the required courses and assessments, participants will earn their ISCA Certified Counselor certificate. This program equips participants to apply theory to practice in their unique contexts, utilizing the latest resources and research in international school counseling.

What is the curriculum of the ISCA Certified Counselor Program?









The curriculum for the ISCA Certified Counselor Program consists of a series of courses (16 total), each ranging from 2 to 16 hours in duration. The course topics reflect the important areas of which the role of a school counselor needs to have knowledge.

Participants have the flexibility to choose individual courses or pursue the full certificate program or a specialization certificate. To learn more about the curriculum for the new ISCA Specialization Certificate Program, see below.









For participants in the ISCA Certified Counselor Program, each course includes a required assessment that must be completed within 10 days of the course conclusion. An additional fee of $50 will be charged per course. This fee covers assessment grading and feedback from the course faculty member. See below for more information regarding assessment guidelines and requirements.


A cornerstone of our ISCA Certified Counselor Program is the alignment with our Professional and Ethical Standards. ISCA has adopted and adheres to the ASCA Professional and Ethical Standards and ISCA remains up-to-date with international best practices in counseling. The curriculum of each course directly reflects our commitment to maintaining professional excellence and ethical standards in counseling education and practice.

Certification FAQs

View a List of the Certificate Courses 


The ISCA Specialization Certificate Program will engage participants in a journey on a specific topic of interest. Participants will be able to apply theory to practice in their unique contexts, drawing from the most up-to-date resources and research related to international school counseling.

The ISCA Specialization Certificate Program focuses on specific areas of interest, based on topics which have been identified as essential to their supportig students and working in schools. These specializations will allow participants to deepen their expertise and expand their knowledge and capabilities in these areas. Over the next year, ISCA will be adding new specializations to the certificate program.

What is the curriculum of ISCA Specialization Certificate program?



The curriculum for the ISCA Specialization Certificate Program consists of a series of courses, each ranging from 2 to 16 hours in duration. Participants have the flexibility to choose individual courses or to pursue a specialization certificate. To learn more about the curriculum for the new ISCA Certified Counselor Program, see above.







For participants in the specialization certificate program, each course includes a required assessment that must be completed within 10 days of the course conclusion. An additional fee of $50 per person will be charged per course. This fee covers assessment grading and feedback from the course faculty member. See below for more information regarding assessment guidelines and requirements.


A cornerstone of our ISCA Specialization Certificate Program is the alignment with our Professional and Ethical Standards. ISCA has adopted and adheres to the ASCA Professional and Ethical Standards and ISCA remains up-to-date with international best practices in counseling. The curriculum of each course directly reflects our commitment to maintaining professional excellence and ethical standards in counseling education and practice.

Certification FAQs


Who teaches the ISCA Certificate Program courses?


We have a team of highly skilled and dedicated facilitators for all ISCA Academy courses. Our certificate faculty members have successfully taught for ISCA Academy and received consistently positive feedback from course participants. They are recognized as leaders and experts in their field. Each faculty member participates in various forms of professional learning offered by ISCA throughout the academic year, including coaching. This not only encourages collaborative learning among faculty members but also guarantees high-quality content delivery, leading to maximum engagement from participants. 

All facilitators who lead courses have been accepted to facilitate their course through a rigorous approval process. ISCA is committed to providing high quality professional learning experiences. As such, all facilitators and courses are evaluated upon the completion of each course. We regularly gather and analyze feedback from participants as we strive to enhance and improve our offerings.

At ISCA, we are committed to delivering excellent instruction specifically designed for adult learners.

Important Details for Both New Programs


What is the ISCA Academy approach to teaching?

The ISCA Academy approach is grounded in the principles of adult learning and best practice in delivering effective professional learning experiences. This includes opportunities for participants to apply their learning immediately, engage in rich dialogue, and collaborate with others to build understanding of key concepts. Our courses are solutions-focused and allow for participants to gain and share resources and strategies for approaching common challenges in our profession.


What are the assessment requirements?

Participants of either certificate program will be expected to complete a short assessment which will be a short assignment, project or presentation that is designed to enhance learning of the topic. This will allow participants to apply their learning to their every day work. We recognize the importance of personalized feedback in fostering continuous growth and improvement. That's why our facilitators are committed to providing meaningful and actionable feedback tailored to each student's unique strengths and areas for development.

Note: If you are not registered in one of the certificate programs, the assessment is not required; however, your full attendance and participation is required to officially complete the individual course.


How can I enroll in either of the two new certificate programs?

On the ISCA Academy enrollment form you will choose which program you would like to enroll in. There is an option for the ISCA Certified Counselor program and the ISCA Specialization Certificate. There is no cost for enrolling in either of the two programs.

Upon enrollment students will receive a welcome email with additional information for registering for specific courses based on your choice of program. Please note that all ISCA Academy courses are still open for registration even if you are not formally enroled in one of the two programs.



When and how can I register for the courses?

Registration for each class will be conducted separately on the ISCA Academy Course Registration webpage. You can explore the course offerings and register for your course(s) starting from June 2024.



When do the new Certificate Programs begin?

ISCA Academy courses are running now! Certificate courses will start as early as August 2024. If you have chosen to be enrolled in one of the two new programs, your program start date commences with the first course from August 2024.


I have successfully completed one or more ISCA Academy courses in the past. Will any of these courses count towards the new Certificate programs?

In general, if you completed an ISCA Model Foundations Course from 2011 onward, we will accept this course as part one of the courses required in the certificate program. Additionally, any other ISCA Academy course you completed from 2021onward, and if that course is/are required for completion of the new Certificate program(s), we will count the course(s) towards your requirements.

ISCA Academy was started in March 2021. We are excited about the popularity of the courses we have offered since the start! Additionally, we have offered the ISCA Model Foundations course since 2011. We will be honoring your past participation in courses that are required for the two new Certificate programs. Please note, however, if the course material has substantially changed, to maintain the integrity of the course material and the complete program, we might not be able to count a previous course as credit to either of the program. During the enrolment process, you'll be prompted to indicate your participation in Academy courses since 2021, and this information will be verified accordingly.

If you have any questions regarding your previous courses, please contact ISCA at events@iscainfo.com and we will discuss your particular situation.



Will I need to complete an assessment from any of the previous courses I have completed?

No, you will not be required to submit assessments for classes taken from March 2021 - July 2024.  Assessments will be required starting August 1, 2024.

What makes this different from other programs?






















































ISCA Academy facilitators possess deep knowledge and specialization in their respective fields. This ensures that participants receive instruction and guidance from individuals who are not only well-versed in international school counseling but are also experts in specific areas of study relevant to the profession.
Our program is taught by faculty who have extensive experience in international school settings, either currently working within these environments or having done so in the past. This firsthand experience provides unparalleled insight into the unique challenges and dynamics of international schools, allowing our faculty to offer practical, real-world perspectives and solutions.
Our program offers a robust and comprehensive curriculum, ensuring that every aspect of the role of an international school counselor is covered. From foundational principles to advanced techniques, we equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to excel as an international school counselor.
Our certificate programs are designed to be completed entirely online, allowing you to learn at your convenience without the hassle or cost of travel. Most classes are synchronous, requiring live attendance, with a few asynchronous options available.
While not required, you'll have opportunities to in-person at the ISCA Annual Conference or at our in-person ISCA Model Trainings held in various international cities each year.
As noted in the Professional and Ethical Standards, it is imperative for school counselors to not only be engaged professional learning to update their skills, but also to participate in a professional membership association. To enhance your learning, build community, and participant in monthly on-going professional learning, joining ISCA provides you with access to resources, networking opportunities, and ongoing support even after you've completed the program. Join a community of like-minded professionals dedicated to excellence in international school counseling.
A cornerstone of our certificate program is alignment with our Professional and Ethical Standards. ISCA adheres to the ASCA Standards and remains up-to-date with international best practices in counseling. The curriculum directly reflects our commitment to maintaining professional excellence and ethical standards in counseling education and practice.

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