Board Certification With the Association of Professional Chaplains (APC)

Board certification with the Association of Professional Chaplains (APC) is within reach for chaplains. There are varying levels of certification offered. Check out this useful table to understand the requirements. It is advisable to first become a member of APC, as becoming a member of APC (cost $110) will save you money on your application fee ($395/APC member, $545/nonmember).

Why is certification important?

Board certification is the process by which candidates demonstrate their competence, qualifications and ability to function as a professional chaplain. One purpose of board certification is to assure the public and the employing organization that the chaplain has met established national qualifications and competencies for professional chaplains, and is held to a code of ethics. Additionally, it promotes the continuing education and development of certified spiritual care providers.

By preparing for certification, chaplains have an opportunity to increase their knowledge and clinical skills, which can increase their effectiveness in their practice of chaplaincy care. To maintain their board certification, chaplains must engage in 50 hours of continuing education annually and thus stay current with the knowledge, skills and best practices of their profession.

From the BCCI website article, The Benefits of BCCI Board Certification. 

If you have questions about the certification process, please review the BCCI homepage, email [email protected] or call (847) 240-1014.

CRCNA chaplains inquiring about the status of your endorsement and/or to request a copy of your endorsement, please email [email protected].

Lastly, if you have questions about becoming certified by the Canadian Association for Spiritual Care, please see this article.