What are the requirements for becoming certified by the NACC?

You must meet the following minimum requirements to be certified by the NACC:

• Roman Catholic in good standing.
• Full membership in the NACC.
• The successful completion of at least four units of clinical pastoral education in an accredited CPE center.
• A Master's degree in theology, divinity, religious studies, pastoral ministry, or spirituality granted or acknowledged by an accredited academic institution will be required for all those meeting a certification committee after January 1, 2005. "Accredited" refers only to those institutions and/or programs within institutions that are accredited by agencies endorsed by either the United States Department of Education (U.S.DOE) or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), including the Association of Theological Schools (ATS).
• A current letter of endorsement (for details, see Checklist for Supportive Materials Required for Certification Interview.)
• A letter of recommendation from the person to whom the candidate reports in one's place of employment. If unemployed, a letter from anyone in a reporting position that can attest to the workplace experience of the candidate will be required.
• Final evaluations by the candidate and CPE supervisor of all completed CPE units.
• A narrative statement by the candidate, not to exceed 10 pages, that explains and documents how he/she demonstrates the competencies required for certification.
• A current autobiography, not to exceed 7 pages, that addresses the personal, professional and faith development of the candidate.
• One verbatim by that candidate of his/her ministry.
• Presenter report(s) from any past certification interviews.

[Note: See Checklist for Supportive Materials Required for Certification Interview for further requirements. Also, review the NACC Standards for Certification of Chaplains (Section 300 of the NACC Standards).]