Certificate FAQs
We now have the opportunity to offer two new certificate programs to the international school community: (1) the ISCA Certified Counselor and (2) the ISCA Specialization Certificate. Both programs will equip graduates with the most relevant and current knowledge and skills related to international school counseling. ISCA has created these programs so that individuals around the world are empowered to build, enhance, and sustain comprehensive and preventative counseling and student support programs based on the ISCA International Model for School Counseling Programs.
Our vision for the ISCA Certified Counselor program and the ISCA Specialization Certificate program is to upskill and train counselors and other educators to ensure that every student, regardless of which international school they attend, experiences a consistent and high-quality and effective system of holistic support. Aligned with the ISCA Standards, our curriculum focuses on promoting social-emotional growth, encouraging a global perspective, supporting identity development, enhancing academic skills, and guiding students in career exploration. Participants enrolled in the new ISCA Certificate Programs will learn to create and enhance inclusive and engaging learning environments that nurture students’ well-being, cultural awareness, academic excellence, and career readiness, by preparing students for success in life beyond the classroom.
We do this through intentionally designed courses that offer on-going training, specific to the current challenges and needs identified by international school counselors. In this rapidly changing world, students in international school communities have more needs and demands than ever, regarding their academic learning, social emotional skills, expectations in school and at home. Along with rising mental health issues, on-going training in these areas is essential. The new ISCA Certificate Programs are proactively designed to meet these needs.
Our new programs are innovative in design and facilitated by experts in the field. The new offerings will provide opportunities to learn and grow regardless of what stage the participant is in their international educational career.
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.
Things to Know
The certificate programs are based on the philosophy of the ISCA International Model (2022) which is a framework for encouraging and promoting comprehensive and preventative practices among international school counselors. As school counselors it is essential to understand the framework of the International Model. Thus, the certificate program offers specific courses that offer a foundational understanding the ISCA Model as well as in-depth theory and practical knowledge on a variety of topics related to the role of a counselor. This is further enhanced though the specialization certificate program.
The ISCA Certificate program is open to all who are interested. Bachelors degree or equivalent is a minimum requirement. Please note that all courses are taught in English.
Minimum academic and working experience recommendation: To be successful in this program, participants should have experience working in an international school, national public or private school, or university. The Certificate Programs is for the candidate who has knowledge of working in a school setting, with students of various ages. The Programs are not designed as an introduction to working in a school setting and candidates should have experience to be successful.
Whether new to the field or a seasoned professional, continuous professional learning is crucial for school counselors and educators in international settings.
The program is designed by ISCA and is based on the needs and gaps identified in traditional and non-traditional counselor education programs. Of particular interest, the ISCA Certified Counselor programs are perfect for the following groups:
- Practicing Counselors: Individuals currently serving as school counselors will benefit from this program by enhancing and updating their skills, ensuring they remain effective and relevant in international school settings.
- Newly Graduated Counselors: Recent graduates with degrees in counseling or related fields who are entering the profession and seeking training in international school counseling.
- Career Changers: Professionals from related fields such as education, psychology, or social work who are looking to make a career change into school counseling within international school settings and require focused training to make a smooth transition into this new profession.
- International Educators: Teachers or administrators currently working in international schools who have a keen interest in counseling and wish to expand their skill set to incorporate counseling responsibilities into their roles more effectively.
- Continuing Education Seekers: School counselors, regardless of their level of experience, who are committed to continuous professional development and recognize the importance of staying updated with the latest trends, research, and best practices in school counseling, particularly within international contexts.
We have highlighted below some of the benefits to becoming an ISCA Certified Counselor:
1. Professional Recognition: ISCA certification provides formal recognition of a persons expertise and dedication to the profession and building comprehensive school counseling programs. This recognition is not only valuable within the counseling community but is also acknowledged and respected by school leaders, administrators, and colleagues internationally. The certificate program is based on the philosophy of the ISCA International Model (2022). As school counselors, it is essential to understand the framework of the International Model. Thus, the certificate program offers specific courses that offer a foundational understanding of the Model as well as in-depth theory and practical knowledge on a variety of topics related to the role of a counselor.
2. Recognized by School Leaders: ISCA certification serves as a benchmark for school leaders to identify counselors who have undergone rigorous training, adhere to ethical standards, and possess the necessary skills to effectively support students in an international school setting with the ISCA Model as the foundation for a comprehensive counseling program.
3. Enhanced Skills and Knowledge Specific for Working in International Schools: ISCA certification equips participants with specialized skills and knowledge tailored to the unique needs and challenges in international schools.
4. Career Advancement: ISCA certification opens up opportunities for career advancement within the field of school counseling and international schools. Certified individuals are often preferred candidates for counseling jobs, leadership roles, specialized positions, and opportunities for professional development and growth.
5. Community: ISCA membership provides access to a supportive community of school counselors, both locally and globally. This network offers opportunities for collaboration, sharing best practices, seeking advice, and building professional relationships that can enrich one’s career and personal development.
6. Personal Fulfillment: For many educators, making a positive impact on the lives of students is a source of deep personal fulfilment. ISCA certification validates their dedication and commitment to supporting students’ academic, social, and emotional well-being, contributing to a sense of purpose and satisfaction in their work.
Important Details for Both New Programs
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.
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.
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.
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.
Participants will continue to pay per course at the time of registration. The courses are listed with the member and non-member pricing.
If you are not an ISCA member please consider joining ISCA to benefit from these lower prices.
ISCA Academy courses are running now! If you have chosen to be enrolled in one of the two new programs, your program start date commences with the first course you take starting from August 2024.
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.
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?
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.
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 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.
Participants will continue to pay per course at the time of registration. The courses are listed with the member and non-member pricing.
If you are not an ISCA member please consider joining ISCA to benefit from these lower prices.
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.
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.
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.