ICI

International Counselling Institute

In the age of AI, people need people.

Loneliness and overwhelm are rising faster than ever. That is why we educate and certify professionals and people developing their competencies in support, counselling, coaching and personal development – giving them practical preparation for helping others through knowledge, ethics and attention to the person.

Become an ICI Certified Specialist

Start with a course – membership only after certification.

Browse coursesFind a specialist

ICI Standard

A relationship, not a transaction.

Most organizations end the relationship when the certificate is issued. That's when ours begins.

Discover the Full ICI Standard
  1. 01

    Your certificate is your achievement. Active status is your choice.

    At ICI, your certificate is yours for life – no one can take it away. However, being an active specialist in our public registry is a privilege that requires annual renewal and proof of continuous development. You pay for active membership and tools – not to 'extend the validity of a PDF'.

  2. 02

    Open Knowledge Ecosystem (End of Monopolies)

    Our CPD system doesn't lock you into our ecosystem. We don't force you to buy only ICI courses to maintain your certificate. We recognize learning, conferences and supervision from anywhere on the market. Our only requirement is diversity and continuously expanding your horizons.

  3. 03

    Trust Registry, Not an Advertising Catalogue

    The public ICI Registry includes certified specialists who have verified their identity and hold active membership. It is a verification tool for clients – answering whether this person is currently an active, verified ICI Specialist.

  4. 04

    Professional Tool, Not a Social Portal

    We've consciously chosen not to include forums, comments or built-in CRM systems. ICI is a professional certification institution. We protect your privacy and peace of mind by cutting out the noise – and the legal liabilities that come with storing client data (we're not an EMR system). We focus 100% on your competencies.

Certification path

The path to ICI certification

Six steps from programme purchase to certificate – no hidden levels. Open entry with no formal prerequisites – for learners at different stages of education and professional practice.

  1. 01

    Purchase the ICI Certification Programme

  2. 02

    Complete all lessons and materials

  3. 03

    Complete the certification assessment

  4. 04

    Receive the ICI Certificate and the title of ICI Certified Specialist

  5. 05

    Verify your identity (optional)

  6. 06

    Receive your certificate

See the details of each step

Academy

Learn from anywhere.

Our courses are open to everyone – no membership required.

Certified specialists automatically earn CPD points for eligible courses.

Browse all courses

Verify a certificate

Trust you can verify.

A specialist maintains an active profile in the ICI Registry through active membership and meeting CPD requirements. The certificate remains a valid confirmation of knowledge and competence. Active status means the specialist currently meets ICI requirements.

The registry confirms:

  • verified identity
  • active status
  • active certification tenure
  • professional division affiliation
Find a specialist

ICI doesn't mediate appointments – you contact the specialist directly.

Global Standard

One standard. Many countries.

Explore international regions and browse certified practitioners worldwide.

We are building an international certification system based on a shared ICI Standard – transparent, practical and free from unnecessary bureaucracy.

🌎 The Americas (4)🌍 Europe (11)🌏 Asia (1)🌍 Africa (1)🌏 Oceania (2)

Select a country on the map to filter the directory.

Available countries

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PolandCertification program openAustraliaCertification program openUnited StatesCertification program openUnited KingdomCertification program openCanadaCertification program openNew ZealandCertification program openIrelandCertification program openGermanyCertification program openAustriaCertification program openFranceCertification program openNetherlandsCertification program openItalyCertification program openCzech RepublicCertification program openSpainCertification program openMexicoCertification program openPortugalCertification program openBrazilCertification program openIndiaCertification program openSouth AfricaCertification program open

ICI is a private certification organization. ICI certification confirms compliance with ICI standards. It is not a state licence to practice, nor does it replace the legal requirements in your country. ICI does not provide medical, psychotherapeutic or crisis services. In a crisis, contact your local emergency number or a 24/7 support line.