Applicants who have completed a Bachelor’s degree from a college, university, or theological school accredited by a member of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, but do not have a minimum of 18 (eighteen) graduate-level credits of theological study may apply for equivalency. Graduate-level credit equivalency may be obtained through an accredited pastoral formation program, diocesan ministry training program, or professional ministry program. Please note that The candidate for certification will need to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of Vatican II and Post Vatican II documents of the Church, Systematic/Foundational Theology, Scripture, Theology of the Trinity, Christology, Ecclesiology, Sacramental Theology, Catholic Social Teaching, Canon Law, Ecumenical and Interreligious Practice. (ITP2.1)
- Articulate an understanding of one’s baptismal call and chaplaincy as a ministry of the church. (ITP2.2)
- Demonstrate an understanding of The Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services. (ITP 4.1)
Considerations for Permanent Deacons
- If you have earned a Master’s Degree in Theology or Pastoral Ministry as part of your formation program, you already meet the educational prerequisite for the CAC Certification. This will be evidenced by your graduate transcript.
- If you did not earn a Master’s Degree as part of your formation program, but your diocesan formation program abides by the National Directory for the Formation, Ministry and Life of Permanent Deacons in the United States, then your diaconal formation satisfies the education prerequisites for CAC Certification. This will be evidenced by a letter from your Director of Diaconate Formation stating that the program you have completed abides by the directives in this directory.
- If you did not earn a Master’s Degree as part of your formation program and your diocesan formation program does not abide by the National Directory of Formation, Ministry and Life of Permanent Deacons in the United States, then you will need apply for educational equivalency.
Educational Equivalency Application Process
Application for Educational Equivalency must be submitted to the NACC Office no later than nine (9) weeks prior to the Certification application deadline.
- Submit Bachelor’s degree transcripts to NACC Office per CAC Application Checklist.
- Read CAC Education Equivalency Instruction Sheet and gather the required transcripts and documentation indicated in the instructions.
- Complete CAC Education Equivalency Application form.
- Email all documents to certification@nacc.org.
- Upon receipt of the documents, you will be invoiced a $50.00 application fee.
Equivalency Forms
If you have any questions/concerns, please contact the Director of Pastoral Care and Certification at certification@nacc.org.
