Pathway to Board Certification

Quick summary: Most U.S. boards expect a graduate theological degree (~72 semester hours), four (4) units of CPE from accredited providers, faith-group endorsement, ~2,000 hours of post-training chaplaincy work, and a competency interview. US-NYSCRT provides religious, non-credit, pre-CPE training and referrals; we do not award ACPE units.

Religious Non-Degree Status. US-NYSCRT provides religious, non-credit, non-degree chaplaincy training. ACPE Disclosure. US-NYSCRT is not an ACPE-accredited center and does not award ACPE units. ACPE units are earned only at ACPE-accredited centers (or other board-accepted providers—see below).
Purpose. This page explains the general U.S. pathway. Always verify current requirements with the board you plan to pursue.

1) Common U.S. requirements (what employers/boards look for)

• Graduate Theological Education
  Target ~72 graduate semester hours (≈ three years) from a recognized/accredited seminary or equivalent. Association of Professional Chaplains
• Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE)
  Four (4) units of clinical training; one unit is commonly ~400 hours. Most boards prefer ACPE-accredited units; some accept additional providers (see board sections). Association of Professional Chaplains+2Catholic Health – The Right Way To Care+2
• Ecclesiastical Endorsement
  A current endorsement/statement of good standing from your faith group is required by major boards. Association of Professional Chaplains
• Post-training Chaplain Experience
  ~2,000 hours (about one full-time year) of professional chaplaincy after completing clinical training is typical. Association of Professional Chaplains+1
• Competency Demonstration & Interview
  Written materials (essays/case work) and a committee interview against published competencies. Association of Professional Chaplains+1

2) Major U.S. certification boards (at a glance)

• BCCI / APC (Board of Chaplaincy Certification, via APC)
  Baseline: graduate theological education (~72 hours), 4 CPE units (ACPE), endorsement, 2,000 hours chaplaincy, competencies + interview. Association of Professional Chaplains+2Association of Professional Chaplains+2
• NACC (Roman Catholic)
  Baseline: 4 CPE units. Accepts ACPE and certain other CPE providers (CPEI/CPSP/CASC, etc.). Requires Catholic formation/endorsement. nacc.org+1
• NAJC (Jewish)
  Baseline: 4 ACPE-approved CPE units (limited equivalency possible) plus Jewish endorsement and competencies. najc.org+1
• SCA (Spiritual Care Association) BCC
  Pathway includes proof of 2,000 hours chaplaincy since clinical training, among other requirements. Employer acceptance varies—confirm with your target institution. Spiritual Care Association

Note: Each board has distinct documentation, theology/endorsement expectations, and accepted CPE providers. Always read the current handbook on the board’s site before you start.

3) Your step-by-step roadmap (US-NYSCRT learners)

1. Finish US-NYSCRT Basic Chaplain Certificate (religious, non-degree; pre-CPE).
2. Complete 4 CPE units at an ACPE-accredited center (or board-accepted provider).
   • Use the ACPE directory to find centers; programs offer Level I/II in single units or residencies. Default+1
3. Earn or finish your graduate theological degree (target ~72 grad credits or the board’s stated equivalent). Association of Professional Chaplains
4. Secure endorsement from your faith group (each board provides instructions/forms). Association of Professional Chaplains
5. Accrue ~2,000 hours of chaplaincy work after clinical training (paid or qualifying roles per board rules). Keep logs. Association of Professional Chaplains
6. Prepare your materials & interview
   • Competency essays/case work using the board’s rubric and timelines. Association of Professional Chaplains+1
7. Apply to your chosen board and sit for the committee interview.

4) Where US-NYSCRT fits

• We provide religious, non-credit, pre-CPE education (Basic; First Response).
• We refer students to ACPE-accredited centers for CPE; we do not award ACPE units. Default
• We can supply letters of participation, skills summaries, and mentoring toward your application packet.

5) FAQs

How long does one CPE unit take?
Typically 10–12 weeks part-time or as part of a year-long residency (3–4 units). Each unit is commonly ~400 hours (clinical + education). Default+1

Does the graduate degree have to be “MDiv”?
Boards emphasize graduate-level theological education meeting their credit/competency standards (APC/BCCI references ~72 hours). Check your board for specifics. Association of Professional Chaplains

Which CPE providers are accepted?
APC/BCCI emphasize ACPE. NACC accepts ACPE and some additional providers; NAJC allows limited equivalencies. Always verify with your board. Association of Professional Chaplains+2nacc.org+2

Is SCA BCC recognized?
Some employers accept SCA BCC; others require APC/BCCI, NACC, or NAJC. Confirm with the employer/health system you’re targeting. Spiritual Care Association

6) Get moving (checklist)

• ☐ Finish US-NYSCRT Basic and (optionally) First Response modules
• ☐ Map out 4 CPE units (apply early; seats are limited) Default
• ☐ Plan your graduate coursework to reach ~72 credits (or board equivalent) Association of Professional Chaplains
• ☐ Request faith-group endorsement requirements Association of Professional Chaplains
• ☐ Track hours and collect supervisor/employer letters
• ☐ Draft competency essays using the board’s rubric (get a mentor) Association of Professional Chaplains

Disclosures

US-NYSCRT provides religious, non-credit, non-degree training and does not award ACPE units. This page summarizes typical U.S. pathways; requirements can change. Always confirm with your chosen board.