---
title: How do I become a counsellor in New Zealand? (PSC)
description: Counsellors in Aotearoa New Zealand are not state regulated, meaning anyone can practice as a counsellor regardless of their qualifications or experience. However, to be employed as a counsellor, most
---

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# How do I become a counsellor in New Zealand? (PSC)

**Counsellors in Aotearoa New Zealand are not state regulated**, meaning anyone can practice as a counsellor regardless of their qualifications or experience. However, **to be employed as a counsellor**, most organisations require practitioners to hold membership with a professional body such as the **New Zealand Association of Counsellors (NZAC)**. **NZAC requires all members to have completed either a Bachelor’s** **or Master’s degree in Counselling**. These qualifications are offered through various tertiary institutions across Aotearoa New Zealand.

You can view a list of **NZAC-accredited counselling education programmes** here: [https://nzac.org.nz/site/membership/accredited-education-programmes?nav=sidebar](https://nzac.org.nz/site/membership/accredited-education-programmes?nav=sidebar)

Holding membership with NZAC indicates that a counsellor has received a high level of formal education and training, and is committed to **ethical and professional practice** in accordance with NZAC’s standards and Code of Ethics.

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