- Be Roman Catholic or a member of one of the churches in union with Rome. For a complete church list, see this link. Please note that only members of churches on the first portion of the list, “Churches in union with Rome,” are eligible to apply for certification with the NACC. Ecclesiastical Endorsement is a requirement for certification and the NACC requests the Ecclesiastical Endorsement on your behalf after your application receives approval to move forward with an interview.
- Full Member in the National Association of Catholic Chaplains (NACC). In order to receive a Certification Application, you must have completed a Full Membership application and be current on your payment of annual Full Membership fees of $325. For a membership application, please click HERE. For further inquiries regarding membership, please contact our Membership Specialist, Kathy Shine, at membership@nacc.org.
- Bachelor’s Degree. A Bachelor’s degree from a college, university, or theological school accredited by a member of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (www.chea.org).
- Graduate-level Coursework. A minimum of eighteen (18) graduate-level credits of theological study from an accredited institution, pastoral formation program, diocesan ministry training program, or professional ministry program.
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- Equivalencies for the Bachelor’s and/or graduate-level credits may be granted providing the Applicant demonstrates and documents that the submitted coursework and supplemental experience and education satisfactorily address the requirements of Qualification 301.QUA3. Click HERE for more information on Education Equivalency.
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- The Certification Commission requires transcript analysis at the applicant’s expense for all degrees acquired outside the United States, except degrees from Pontifical Universities or affiliated institutions.
- Two (2) Units of CPE. A minimum of two (2) units of CPE from an accredited ACPE, USCCB/CCA, or CASC/ACSS CPE Center. No CPE equivalencies are granted for this level of certification.
- Ministry Hours. A minimum of five hundred (500) ministry hours within three years prior to application for certification. Ministry hours may include employment, volunteer ministry hours, or any additional accredited CPE hours beyond the 2 CPE units (see QUA 4) required for Certified Associate Chaplain.
If you have any questions, please contact the Director of Certification and Pastoral Care at certification@nacc.org or (414) 483-4898 x304.
