N a t i o n a l   A s s o c i a t i o n   o f   F o r e n s i c   C o u n s e l o r s

H o n e s t y  -  C o m p e t e n c y  -  I n t e g r i t y

NCCA Accredited

National Association of Forensic Counselors, Inc.

Certification Commission:
AMERICAN COLLEGE OF CERTIFIED FORENSIC COUNSELORS





CANDIDATE HANDBOOK

1. INTRODUCTION

The National Board of Forensic Counselors, Inc (NBFC),was established in 1993 as a not for profit 501 (c) 6 tax exempt corporation. The corporation reorganized as the National Association of Forensic Counselors under the state of Nevada corporation laws in 1994. The American College of Certified Forensic Counselors (ACCFC) is the Certification Commission of the NAFC.

2. MISSION AND PURPOSE

The mission of the ACCFC Certification program is to develop and promote policies and procedures to assure clients, and the public at large of the competence of NAFC certified practitioners and to ensure the availability of comprehensive forensic services in safe practice environments.

The specific purposes of NAFC is to develop, establish, maintain and administer credentialing certification, and recertification for practitioners who meet and satisfy appropriate professional knowledge and practice standards concerning forensic counseling practices, and to issue the appropriate NAFC credential or certification to those practitioners who meet the relevant NAFC standards. To identify, develop, foster, promote, and maintain professional practice standards, ethics and principles

2.1 CANDIDATES WITH DISABILITIES

It is the policy of the NAFC and its Certification Commission ACCFC to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) regulations governing both facilities and administration. The Commission will take steps reasonably necessary to make its examination programs accessible to persons with disabilities. Appropriate and effective modifications and/or auxiliary aids will be provided to such persons with disabilities unless doing so would impose an undue burden on the Commissions program or fundamentally alter the measurement of skills or knowledge that the program is intended to test.

An applicant may request a change in certification procedures or process due to a disability, handicap or other reason. Such notice and documentation must be provided with the application for examination at least 45 days in advance of the examination date. The applicant is responsible for demonstrating that the request should be granted.

2.2 NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY

NAFC and its Certification Commission does not discriminate against any individual on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability or any other characteristic protected by law.

3. ACCFC PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION COMMISSION

The NAFC and its certification commission the ACCFC is solely responsible for setting policy, developing procedures and establishing guidelines for the certification program without undue influence from external sources outside the program in order to maintain and protect the integrity of the certification program.

3.1 COMMISSION COMPOSITION

The Certification Commission has seven (7) members and one (1) public member.
All members of the Commission must be certified members in good standing except for the one public member who must not be involved in forensic counseling or its sub-specialities.

3.2 NOMINATION and ELECTION PROCEDURES

The nominating committee established by the commission will propose a slate of candidates from the pool of applications based upon the individuals qualifications. The slate of candidates are published in the Forensic Therapist Magazine, notices sent to the membership along with candidate qualifications. Member ballots are mailed to Bandor and Associates an independent accounting agency who then counts the ballots and presents the results to the Board of Governors.

3.3 MEETING OF THE CERTIFICATION COMMISSION

The Certification Commission is required to meet each quarter in order to review compliance with certification standards, review standards, studies, panel reports and other business the commission may have. The Certification Commission Chairman is required to attend the annual Board of Governors meeting at which time the chairperson shall present the annual report to the board of the previous years activity including but not limited to study results, number of candidates testing during the previous year, pass/fail rates, test panel reports, recommendations, and other business and activities the commission may have.

4. ELIGIBILITY FOR CERTIFICATION

The NAFC shall be responsible for determining candidate eligibility requirements in conjunction with the certification commission. Applicants for certification must meet the criteria for the forensic counselor examination. To be eligible to sit for the forensic counselor examination, applicants must meet the following criteria:

A). The candidate shall truthfully complete and sign the application which shall be verified by the commission as to experience, education, supervision, and licensure.
B). Possess a minimum of a Master's degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
C). Be state licensed in their profession, i.e., clinical social work, professional counseling, psychology, addictions, etc, in the jurisdiction of their employment or practice. The exception to this requirement is state/federal employees whose state/federal agency does not require licensure.
D). No ethical complaints against your license within the past 5 years Certificants exempt under C above must maintain state/federal agency employment.
E). No felony or misdemeanor convictions for a violent offense, i.e. , sexual, robbery, assault, battery, domestic violence, etc.
F). A minimum of two years of fulltime supervised practice counseling or treating criminal justice/correctional clients with behavioral, emotional, addictions, coexisting disorders, or psychiatric disorders.
G). Meet all training and education requirements as delineated on the application for addictions, personality disorders, forensic counseling, etc.

Once the application is received at the NAFC office, the application is forwarded to the ACCFC screening committee at which time "all" information on the application is verified. If the application contains information that cannot be verified, the applicant is contacted for clarification and further information. Once an application has been successfully cleared and verified, the applicant is scheduled for examination. If an application is denied, the applicant is provided in writing the reasons for rejection and what remediation is required.

4.1 PREPARATION FOR THE CFC EXAMINATION

Suggested study materials that may assist candidates in preparing for the examination have been outlined by the Commission. Lists are available in the application materials for examination and on the NAFC website. Materials suggested may be loaned from libraries, purchased from book stores, or purchased from NAFC at cost.

The Commission does not offer any course of study leading to the certification as a forensic counselor, nor does the commission offer a course of study to prepare for the examination. However, the commission may from time to time endorse a seminar or workshop provided by independent providers for examination preparation or continuing education.

4.2 ELIGIBILITY APPEAL POLICY

If an application to sit for the forensic counselor examination is not accepted by the Commission due to a lack of fulfilling any of the requirements, the applicant may appeal this action in writing to the Hearing Review Panel. The request must be received at least 30 days before the date of the requested examination date. Applicants are responsible for demonstrating that the appeal should be granted. All such appeals will be reviewed by the Hearing and Review Panel. The hearing and review panel will notify the applicant of its decision. The applicant may appeal the Hearing and Review Panel's decision to the Commission. The decision of the Commission shall be final.

4.3 EXAMINATION DATES AND EXAMINATION SITES

Examination dates and examination sites are published in the Forensic Therapist Magazine and other professional publications at least nine months prior to the scheduled testing date. Testing sites may be at a hotel, library, or local college/university according to arrangements the commission makes. All testing sites must be and will be ADA compliant.

5. APPLICATION INFORMATION

The commission will administer examinations though out the year at announced times and locations. The examination dates and locations will be published at least nine (9) months in advance in The Forensic Therapist Magazine, the NAFC website, and other professional publications. Applications are accepted and scheduled in order of remittance. To ensure availability, it is advised that you register for an examination at least 60 days prior to the test date.

All applicants are further advised that the doors to the examination room will be closed promptly at the start of the examination, and no one will be permitted to enter once the examination has started. Applicants who do arrive after the examination room is locked will forfeit their application and testing fees. Application/information can be obtained by writing to or calling:

National Association of Forensic Counselors
ACCFC Certification Commission
1910 St. Joe Center Road, Building #53
Fort Wayne, Indiana 46825
Phone: 260-426-7234
Fax: 260-426-7431
Email

FEES:
Application fee...........................................$25.00
Examination fee..........................................$250.00
Certification fee......................................... $125.00
Annual Renewal fee.....................................$125.00

6. PROCTORED EXAMINATION

The examination is proctored by qualified and trained certified forensic counselors that at the time of your testing will provide you with instructions on testing conduct and rules. Examinations are proctored by two (2) proctors, 1 male, 1 female.

6.1 EXAMINATION SECURITY AT TIME OF ADMINISTRATION

At the time of testing you will be required to:

1. Produce a state or federal picture identification, i.e. , drivers license, issued identification card, passport, military identification, etc.
2. Check your coat, attache case, purse, books, sweaters, pens, pencils, cell phone (turned off), tape recorders, paper, etc, with the proctor prior to being seated by the proctor. Nothing may be carried into the examination room.
3. If you must use the lavatory during the testing period, you must close your booklet, place the answer sheet inside, and return the the booklet to the proctor. All examinee's will be escorted to the lavatory by one of the proctors.
4. When you complete the examination, you shall be instructed to close the booklet, place the answer sheet inside the booklet and return it to the proctor and promptly leave the testing room.
5. You will be instructed that you will not be permitted to speak with any of the examinees during the examination period or attempt to look at any examinees examination.

At the time of testing the proctors will again explain all rules, prohibitions, etc. Please cooperate with the proctors as they are required to administer the examinations following the association's guidelines.

6.2 EXAMINATION SCORING

After each examination is administered and received by the Commission, your examination is scored using a ScanTron machine with ParScore Software within one day of receipt. After your examination is scored, you will be sent a report indicating whether you passed or failed.

If a candidate receives a failing score, he/she may retake the examination after a 30 day period has lapsed since the first examination, 6 months between the second and third in
any given year. Candidates who fail to pass the examination after three attempts will be
advised to locate a course of continuing education or training before another examination will be scheduled.

6.3 EXAMINATION ADMINISTRATION

All certification examinations are 150 questions, multiple choice of four written examination. The examination takes approximately 2 1/2 hours, however, 3 hours is permitted by the association to complete the test.

There are 5 domains in the examination as discussed in another section of this manual,
the examination is proctored by two trained proctors who at the time of the examination will discuss the rules and prohibitions during the examination period as discussed above in section 6.1.

7.1 PASSING SCORE DETERMINATION

A passing score for the forensic counselor examination was developed by the test development committee who explored a number of standard procedures. The procedure selected by the Test Development Committee is the modified Angoff method which is the method most utilized by certification and licensing boards. The determined cut off score for the forensic counselor examination has been set at 70% which means you must get 105 questions correct out of 150 questions. You will receive a pass/fail score with your raw score as well as percentage.

7.2 VERIFICATION OF SCORES

Candidates with reason to believe a discrepancy exists in the scoring or reporting of their examination results may request a re-scoring of the answer sheet. Requests for re-scoring must be received no later than 30 days following the release of examination results. Requests received after 30 days will not be processed. There will be a $50 fee for all re-scoring of the answer sheet if it is requested that it be rescored by hand rather than ScanTron.

7.3 CONFIDENTIALITY

Examination scores are confidential and will not be disclosed unless the Commission receives a written request to do so from the candidate or is directed to do so by court order or subpoena. Candidates must also indicate in writing which particular scores may be disclosed for which certification and identify the specific person or organization to who the scores should be revealed. Because of the NAFC and its Commission ACCFC privacy policy, the Commission will publish the names of all individuals that have passed the examination and are certified in good standing on its web directory www.webcounselortherapist.com , by request and if provided a release from the candidate to do so. If you do not wish for your name to be listed on the web directory you must contact the commission
upon receipt of your test score in writing within 30 days of receipt. After 30 days and if you fail to contact the commission in writing, it will be considered an implied consent that you desire to be listed on the web directory.

7.4 EXAMINATION DEVELOPMENT & ANNUAL REVISION

The ACCFC formed a group of subject matter experts (SMEs) from the certified forensic counselor membership to conduct a Role Delineation Study, Job Task Analysis for each of its forensic certifications. After completing the Role Delineation Study which provided the blue print for the examinations, the SME group worked to develop and write questions from a pool of items solicited from the association membership, verified content and alignment with the test domains and strands, and confirmed that the question formats followed valid testing standards.

Throughout this process, the SME group worked in conjunction with Indiana University/Purdue University and membership experts to ensure that accurate and valid testing practices were followed.

The domains on the examination and the percentage of questions for each domain are identified in the role delineation study for each examination is as follows:

A copy of the Role Delineation Study for any examination providing competency outline, performance domains, tasks, and associated knowledge and skills is available for $25.00 by contacting NAFC at 260-426-7234.

In order to assure that the ACCFC certification examination continues to evaluate competency in the profession of forensic counseling and that the examination is not compromised, a percentage of items from within each domain is replaced by equally difficult and valid questions from the item bank which was rated utilizing the Angoff method.

Every three (3) to five (5) years, NAFC surveys its membership in order to stay abreast of changes within the profession of forensic counseling and its sub-specialties. The survey is in the form of a job task analysis.


7.5 RETENTION OF CERTIFICANT RECORDS

Once an applicant passes the examination for certification he/she is placed in the NAFC ACCFC secured data base. The data base and its information shall be maintained with the latest computer and software technology and may be updated annually, or as may be required. The following data is retained on a secured computer data base:

A. Members name, address, phone, fax, e-mail, licensure updates, certification renewal, fees paid, ethics complaints and outcomes, continuing education, employment, certification status, examination date and scores, type of certification, test score are all entered.

B. Expired members are retained on a separate "expired member" data base for a period of up to five years.


8. LENGTH OF CERTIFICATION, FEES & RENEWAL

Certified Forensic Counselors (CFC) are certified for one (1) year. Certificants are certified for one year because of the commission's standard that certificants be state licensed and in good standing with their state licensing boards is verified annually. Certified members receive notice of renewal 45 days prior to expiration along with a renewal form.

1. Renewal is made by timely application.
2. Must maintain state licensure without any ethic complaint or reprimand.
3. Must show evidence of 20 hours of approved continuing education for the past twelve (12) months.* 4. Must pay one year certification fee.

* The required 20 hours of continuing education annually upon renewal is necessary in order to assure continued professional growth. The 20 hours must be directly related to addictions, criminal justice/correctional client counseling, mental health, education theory, treatment, ethics, etc. Renewal without proof of continuing education will not be processed until received by the board. The primary purpose of continuing education is personal growth and professional development contributing to increasing one's knowledge in the profession.

9. PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE & DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES

Professional practice and disciplinary procedures of the ACCFC are intended to assist and inform ACCFC certified professionals and candidates for certification of the ethical code relative to professional conduct and disciplinary procedures.

It is expected that candidates for certification and all certified members be familiar with the ACCFC code of ethics as provided in the certification application packet as well as the code of ethics for their profession, i.e., NASW, APA, ACA, ICRC, etc.

9.1 DISCIPLINARY PROCESS

The ACCFC Certification Commission shall appoint a ethics review committee comprised of certified members to consider alleged violations of any of the code of ethics or complaints received from consumers or state licensing authorities.

The committee shall be composed of three certified members whose terms shall run for one (1) year. A member may not serve in any situation in which his/her impartiality or the presence of an actual or apparent conflict of interest might reasonably be questioned. A quorum consists of three members, and committee action shall be determined by a majority vote. The committee shall determine the rules for its meetings and actions,

9.2 THE REVIEW PROCESS

Whenever the NAFC or ACCFC Commission receives allegations of a violation of a code of ethics rule or rules, such allegations shall be forwarded to the ethics committee, If the committee determines that no good cause exists to question a candidates eligibility or a certified members compliance with the code of ethics, no adverse action shall be taken. If the committee determines by a majority vote that good cause does exist, it shall notify the applicant or the certified member of the alleged violation and rule allegedly violated, and shall also include a recitation of rights and procedures.

The applicant or certificant shall have the right to an oral hearing if he/she disputes the truthfulness or accuracy of the allegation and the individual will be notified that he/she must bear his/her own expenses in connection with any such hearing. Individuals must notify the ethics committee within 15 days of receipt of the notification if they wish to dispute the allegations, request an oral hearing or comment regarding appropriate sanctions. Sanctions may be imposed by the ethics committee if the allegations are determined to be true and a violation of the code of ethics. If the applicant or certificant fails to respond, the allegations will be taken as true by the committee. The applicant or certificant will be deemed to consent to the imposition of sanctions by the ethics committee if he/she does not does not dispute the allegations.

9.3 THE HEARING

If an applicant or certificant disputes the allegations or requests a hearing, the ethics committee shall schedule a hearing. The ethics committee, the applicant or certificant may if they desire be represented by legal counsel, and may make opening statements, present documents, and testimony, examine and cross examine witnesses under oath, make closing statements and present written briefs if so desired. The ethics committee shall determine and apply evidentiary rules. Relevant evidence may be submitted. Disputed questions shall be determined by majority vote of the committee.

9.4 SANCTIONS

Sanctions for violating the code of ethics or application rules may include, but shall not be limited to, one or more of the following:

A. Denial or suspension of eligibility;
B. Revocation;
C. Censure;
D. Reprimand;
E. Suspension
F. Training or other corrective action;
G. Remediation
H. Conditions relating to the above.

9.5 APPEALS

The applicant or certificant may appeal to the ACCFC commission a final decision by the ethics committee. An appeal must be filed within 30 days of the applicants or certificants receipt of the ethics co-committee decision. The ethics Committee may file a written response to the appeals statement of the applicant or certificant. The Certification Commission shall render a decision on the record without oral hearing, although written briefing may be submitted, The decision of the Certification Commission shall be final.

9.6 DECISIONS

The decision of the ethics committee and the Certification Commission shall be rendered in writing. The decision shall contain factual findings, conclusions and any sanctions applied. The decision shall be transmitted to the applicant or certificant by certified mail or tracked carrier, return receipt requested.

9.7 RELEASE OF INFORMATION

The applicant or certificant authorizes ACCFC Certification Commission to communicate all information relating to application, certification and review thereof to a state and federal authorities which may be required by law, employers, educational programs, etc, by but not limited to association magazine, newsletters, journals, etc.

9.8 WAIVER

The individual releases, discharges and exonerates NAFC, ACCFC Certification Committee, its officers, directors, employees, committee members, agents, the ethics committee and any person furnishing documents, records, testimony and other information relating to eligibility, certification, recertification from any and all liability of any nature and kind arising out of the furnishing or inspection of documents, records and other information and any investigation, evaluation and communications made by NAFC,
ACCFC Certification Commission, and the Ethics Committee.

9.9 SUBMISSION OF INFORMATION TO NAFC OR ACCFC

Persons concerned with possible violations of the ACCFC code of ethics or an individuals professional conduct shall identify the persons alleged to be involved and the facts concerning the alleged conduct in as much detail and specificity as possible with available documentation in a written statement addressed to the Certification Commission. The statement must include the name, address and telephone number of the person making the statement and others who may have knowledge or facts concerning the alleged violation.

10.0 RECERTIFICATION

Recertification is annual. The reason NAFC requires annual renewal is that one of the requirements for certification is that certificants be state licensed and in good standing with their licensing board. This is verified annually by the ACCFC screening committee. The standards committee is presently reviewing this requirement and the feasibility of revising the one year certification to two years.

Recertification also requires twenty hours of continuing education to assure that the certificant is staying abreast of changes in the profession, and professional development. If an applicant is short continuing education hours, their certification will be extended for a limited time, usually 60 days, to obtain the required hours.

The recertification requirements established by the commission are as follows:

1. State licensure must be maintained in good standing.
2. Recertification requires completion of a recertification application.
3. Evidence of twenty (20) hours of continuing education, i.e., workshops, seminars, college courses, in-service training, distant education courses, etc.
4. Payment of the recertification fee.

10.1 EXPIRED CERTIFICATIONS

If a certified member fails to renew their certification on their certification date, they may apply for reinstatement within nine months of their expiration date by meeting the recertification requirement and a late fee of seventy five (75) dollars. After nine months the member must reapply to take the written examination.

If the certificant has questions regarding their certification status, all inquiries must be in writing stating specifically the questions they have in regards to their certification status to the certification commission for response. The inquiring certificant shall be notified within 10 working days of the receipt of the inquiry with appropriate documentation.


10.2 EXCUSED REASONS FOR FAILURE TO RECERTIFY

It has been the policy of the NAFC since its inception to assist members whenever it is feasible and does not violate any law or ethic. The NAFC will excuse members because of hardship or tragedy. In the event of a hardship or tragedy that is verifiable, the NAFC will waive the annual renewal fee only for one year so the member may maintain their certification if all other requirements are met. An example of acceptable reasons for waiver of annual fee include, but are not limited to the following:

1. An act of God, hurricane, tornado, etc.
2. Member becomes unemployed for more than 60 days.
3. Financial hardship.
4. Death of spouse or immediate family member.
5. Member becomes disabled.
6. Act of terrorism.

By submitting an application for certification, each applicant agrees to be bound by the forgoing ACCFC Certification Commissions policy and procedures.