The standard

A designation is only worth what stands behind it.

This is what stands behind ours. Everything the standard requires applies to every member holding a HICS designation, without exception and regardless of what other qualifications they hold. It is published in full so that a client, an employer or a referring professional can read it and decide for themselves what a HICS counsellor is, and is not, competent to do.

  1. 01Member qualifying criteriaThe bar cleared before admission: a recognised qualification and training, 200 supervised hours, five personal sessions, and a written board examination.Read the criteria
  2. 02Scope of practiceThe areas a member is trained and authorised to work in, and the point at which that competence ends.Read the scope
  3. 03LimitationsPublished in fullThe absolute list of what no HICS member may do, in any circumstances, whatever a client asks. The line members do not cross.Read the limitations
  4. 04Code of conductThe ethical standard every member is bound by, and re-declares each year. Published here in full.Read the Code
  5. 05The OathThe commitment every member makes, and signs, on admission.Read the Oath
  6. 06Conditions of retaining membershipWhat keeps a member in good standing: continuing supervision, professional development every year, and a standing that stays open to check.What membership requires
  7. 07AI and digital toolsWhat the Code requires when a digital tool assists the work.Read the digital standard
Published
HICS publishes the standard so you can read it, not take it on trust.
Verified
Every criterion is confirmed before admission, not self-declared: training with the provider, hours with the supervisor, the qualification from certified documents.
Enforced
Membership can be lost. The standard carries consequences.
Specific
Named requirements and named limits, not a promise of high standards.

HICS is a voluntary, non-statutory membership body. Membership is not a legal requirement to practise, confers no statutory authority, and is not equivalent to registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa.

Humanitas Independent Counselling Society membership designation. Not a statutory registration.