| Frequently Asked Questions |
| Q: Who can apply for HKPCA membership? |
A: Those who have counseling academic qualifications and practice experience or those who are interested in counseling are welcome to apply for our general membership. Different membership categories are approved according to the applicant’s academic credential and counseling practice experience. For details about criteria of membership categories, please refer to ''Membership Criteria''. |
| Q: How to apply for HKPCA membership? |
| A: Please submit your application form online or by mail. Visit the ''Application''section on our website for online and paper application. |
| Q: How long is the membership application process? |
| A: The processing time of application is about 10 weeks on condition that all relevant supporting documents are provided. The Association will notify you by email the outcome of your application. |
| Q: Which membership categories will I be in? |
A: There are several categories of membership in our Association. Applicants who have a Bachelor’s Degree or a Master’s Degree in Counseling or a related field are usually approved as “Member”. |
| Q: What should I do if my personal information has changed? |
| A: All personal information update can be done on our website ''Member Login''area. The username and password were mailed to you along with the certificate. If you forget the password, please click the "Forget Password" button.Then enter your username (membership number) and at least one phone number (mobile/office) for vertification.The system will send you the password automatically to your registered email address after the identification process is done. |
| Q: What are the counseling related academic qualifications? |
A: Academic qualifications at the same level under the Qualifications Framework [Click] in Hong Kong with sufficient components in counseling theories, counseling skills and human development are considered as equivalents. |
| Q: What is the qualification of HKPCA Certified Counsellor ? |
A: Applications for professional membership are evaluated based on the applicant's academic credential and supervised counseling practice experience. Certified Counsellor should complete a master or above degree in counseling or in a counseling–related field with a clear "theory" and "practice" component in counseling. The total number of contact hours in the academic program, including both the theory and practice components, should aggregate to 320 hours. The following domains should be adequately covered in the “theory” component. Compulsory domains include Counseling theories and orientation, helping process and skills, counseling ethics. Other required domains (at least 3 of 5) include human growth and development, social and cultural foundation, measurement and appraisal, program evaluation, and group work. The applicant should have accumulated sufficient hours of supervised practice and supervision subsequent to the completion of training. Detailed ''Certified Counsellor Criteria''are listed on the website. |
| Q: What are the requirements of Approved Supervisor? |
A: Applications for Approved Supervisor are evaluated based on the applicant's academic credential, counseling practice experience, and counseling supervision experience. Requirements for HKPCA Approved Supervisor are as follows: 1.Possess a master's degree in counseling (or its equivalent); 2.Have 20 or more years of experience in providing counseling (including counseling training) and/or 10 years of post-master experience in providing counseling; and 3.Have at least 5 years of post-master experience in providing counseling supervision. |
| Q: What is the charge of HKPCA Approved Supervisor? |
A: The hourly rate of supervision fee depends on the supervisor's qualification and experience, so no fixed recommended rate can be provided by our association. Please note that the supervision fee and other supervision arrangements should be negotiated between Approved Supervisors and supervisees. |
| Q: Does HKPCA provide referral for counseling services? |
A: HKPCA does not offer referral services. |
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