An equivalency is the documented and demonstrated ability to meet the competency standards for the NACC which have been acquired in a way other than those specified in the Standards. The NACC Standards allow for one unit of CPE to be obtained by petitioning for an equivalency (Standard 420.2). And a committee of the Certification Commission is responsible for deciding whether an equivalency is granted or denied.
 

NACC POLICY AND PROCEDURE FOR EQUIVALENCY

(Most Recent Revision: November 2005)

1. POLICY

   An equivalent of one CPE unit may be sought providing the candidate documents and demonstrates that the competency areas outlined in the Standards have been satisfactorily addressed.  These competencies must be attained through formal academic and/or accredited programs, which are educational, experiential, and supervised ( Standards, 420.2). Candidate must be taking or have taken one full unit of CPE prior to applying for equivalency. The proposed equivalency shall include with documented evidence:

1. The actual practice of ministry to persons ( 330.1).
2. An adult education model of learning that relies on the action-reflection form of reporting and evaluating the practice of ministry (330.2).
   

   The educational methods used in the program to help students evaluate their personal and pastoral functioning shall include but not be limited to: verbatims, case conferences, worship seminars, spiritual assessments, theological reflection and group process (350.28).

3. A specific time period (unit of training) which consists of at least 400 hours of supervised learning. At least 200 of these hours shall involve the actual practice of ministry and at least 100 hours shall involve group work, various types of reflection and didactics on the practice of ministry (330.3).
   

   The learning experience submitted must be a single learning experience and not a combination of several experiences.

4. A small group of peers (3-8) in a common learning experience (330.4)
   

   Students meet regularly in a supervisor-directed peer group (3-8), whose purpose is to facilitate learning through interpersonal dynamics and to foster leadership (350.25). Students demonstrate leadership in utilizing peer groups for interaction, support, clarification and confrontation as means of integrating their personal and pastoral identity (350.34).

5. Pastoral Supervision (330.5)
   

   Students learn to reflect theologically on their ministry and to articulate a pastoral theology that is both contemporary and functional (350.35).

6. An individual contract for learning (330.6).
   

   Students draw up a learning contract in dialogue with the supervisor. This contract specifies personal, pastoral and professional goals, the means to achieve them, and the criteria for measuring their achievement (350.22).

7. A theoretical perspective on all educational elements of the program (330.7).
   

   The candidate describes the various components of the program and how they work together.

8. An evaluation of the student's experience, including final evaluations by both student and supervisor (330.8).

 

2. PROCEDURE
    
1. Documentation Process

 

1. Candidate prepares a written narrative of the claimed competency, which demonstrates how the experience (one program) parallels the above requirements. (i.e. numbers 1-8) Candidate provides written documentation, which backs up the claimed competency. In the written narrative the Candidate refers to Standards and illustrates competencies with specific examples.
2. Documentation of required written assignments and didactic sessions which shows the curriculum of the experience. Specify time for each didactic and other group work.
3. A copy of the learning contract negotiated with supervisor.
4. Final evaluations by both the student and supervisor. Both evaluations are required.

 

2. Application Process
    

1. Candidate makes request to the Chair of the Equivalency Committee and includes written materials with the request, including copies to each member of the Equivalency Subcommittee. The non-refundable fee of $200.00 is made payable to the NACC and is mailed directly to the National Office.
2. The Chair of the Equivalency Committee and two members of the Subcommittee of the Commission will review the materials and render a decision.
3. Decision of the Equivalency Review Committee is final and binding.
4. The Chair of the Equivalency Committee communicates the decision to the candidate within 60 days of the original request.
5. The Committee report granting equivalency must be included in certification materials at the time of the candidate's request for certification. Also submit a copy of the candidate's and the supervisor’s evaluations of the equivalency unit.
6. Equivalency is granted pending the candidate’s entering into a process of certification with NACC.

Please send copies of your materials to each of the following committee members:

Rev. John Crabb, SJ
Chair
5 Apple Road
Apartment 34
Beverly, MA 01915

Ms. Mary C. Nelson
1025 S.E. 4th Avenue
Apartment 308
Dania, FL 33004

Rev. Agustin Orosa OS Cam.
3345 S. 10th St.
Milwaukee, WI 53215

Any questions should be directed to certification@nacc.org, or to the National Office.