Frequently Asked Questions
What Does Certification by the National Association of Catholic Chaplains Mean?
- Documented evidence of an undergraduate degree granted or acknowledged by an accredited academic institution.
- Documented evidence of a Master’s degree in theology, divinity, religious studies, pastoral ministry, pastoral studies, or spirituality granted or acknowledged by an accredited academic institution.
- Completion of four units of clinical pastoral education from a program accredited by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education, or the Canadian Association for Spiritual Care.
- Maintenance of high standards of professional competence and moral and ethical conduct.
- Demonstration of personal, professional, and Roman Catholic theological competencies.
- Ecclesiastical endorsement.
- Submission of extensive written materials for review.
- Interview with a three-member team of certified professional chaplains and/or clinical pastoral education supervisors.
- Review of interview team recommendations and vote by the National Certification Commission.
- Renewal of certification every five years for professional chaplains and clinical pastoral educators.