Expand your opportunity to serve with Advanced Chaplain Certification
Are you ready to go deeper in your ability to fulfill your Chaplain calling?
The path to open doors and expand your calling
You feel a sense of urgency to increase your ability to serve as a Chaplain. You are motivated to excel in your calling, but you lack the needed education, experience, & credentialing and feel like you’re missing opportunities.
Introducing the Advanced Chaplain Certification
Apply Today!
How to apply for the Advanced Chaplain Credentialing:
- Download the PDF application below
- Print it and fill it out
- Send your completed application including payment information to:
International Fellowship of Chaplains
PO Box 1004
Temple, TX 76503-6130
Become a Certified Advanced Chaplain (CAC) through Manna University
Additionally, I.F.O.C. has partnered with Manna University to provide the Certified Advanced Chaplain (CAC) credential. Any I.F.O.C. Chaplain who becomes certified as an Advanced Chaplain can take an assessment through Manna University and receive an academically awarded micro-credential.
Advanced Chaplain FAQs
Where can I find the Advanced Chaplain requirements?
Please use the link above to download the Advanced Chaplain application form for the program requirements.
What will I receive after completing the application requirements?
Advanced Chaplains will receive a unique ID card listing the specialties you are qualified for.
Additionally, you can pursue Advanced Chaplain Specialization in the areas of First Responder Chaplaincy, Community Chaplaincy, and Disaster Chaplaincy by attending the additional training courses and other requirements listed for each specialty.
What are the specialities I can apply for as an Advanced Chaplain?
Advanced Chaplain Specialties
Advanced Chaplain credentials are a prerequisite for all specialties.
DR (Disaster Response) Chaplain
- ICS 100 – Introduction to Incident command system (FEMA.gov)
- ICS 200 – Basic Incident Command System for Initial Response (FEMA.gov)
- IS 700 – Introduction to the National Incident Management System/ NIMS (FEMA.gov)
- IS 800 – National Response Framework, An Introduction (FEMA.gov)
- Emotional and Spiritual Care in Disasters (ICISF)
- Strategic Response to Crisis (ICISF)
Community Chaplain
- Mental Health First Aid (Mental Health Association)
- Crisis Care in Cultural and Religious Diversity (CRC)
- Suicide Prevention, Intervention and Postvention (ICISF)
- Trauma Impact on the Family (CRC)
First Responder
- Certificate of completion of a Citizens Police, Fire or Sheriff’s Academy;
Or professional identification of Active First Responder
Or professional identification of Retired First Responder - Line of Duty Death: Preparing the Best for the Worst (ICISF or CRC)
- Stress Management for the Trauma Service Provider (ICISF)
- Suicide Prevention, Intervention, Postvention (ICISF)
Additional Requirements:
- A minimum of 8 hours of service within the selected Specialty
- A one-page reflection paper on your experience serving within that Specialty
Do I have to renew? What are the requirements for renewal?
Advanced Chaplain standing is renewable every 3 years for $100 with completion of 14 hours of Continuing Education in content relevant to Chaplaincy, over the 3-year period.
Chaplains will be able to choose where to receive their continuing education, but the certificate they are awarded must relate to Chaplaincy, a topic that is relevant to their area of Chaplaincy, or a skill that will enhance their Chaplaincy and the certificate must include the agency, list the contact hours for the course, and must have a representative’s signature from the training agency to count toward renewal.
There is also an additional 7 hours of CEUs required for every specialty being renewed.
Does this replace my annual Chaplain license renewal?
The Advanced Chaplain Credential does not replace your annual Chaplain License renewal. It is in addition to their current license and provides more opportunities and access as a Chaplain.
What are the advantages of getting the Advanced Chaplain Certification?
- Receiving recognition for the advanced training that you have done.
- Focusing your continuing education on a demonstrated pathway that is directly applicable to assisting people in crisis.
- Demonstrating an advanced ability to respond to people that need a Chaplain’s help.
- For those that take advantage of Manna University’s credentialing, receiving an academically bestowed credential that is appropriate to use behind your name and signature.
Do I have to complete a specialty (Tier 2 on the application)?
No, you do not. Only Tier 1 is required to become an Advanced Chaplain.
Do I have to complete the test from Manna University to be an I.F.O.C. Advanced Chaplain?
No, you do not. I.F.O.C.’s partnership with Manna University allows our I.F.O.C. Advanced Chaplains to take a test and receive a University bestowed academic credential, the Certified Advanced Chaplain. It is an optional credential open to already credentialed I.F.O.C. Advanced Chaplains.
How to do I register for the I.F.O.C. Advanced Chaplain class?
I.F.O.C. does not offer an Advanced Chaplain class. Please download the Advanced Chaplain Application. The classes required to become an Advanced Chaplain are developed and offered by other industry experts/non-profits such as the International Critical Incident Stress Management Foundation (ICISF) and others. One must register for these classes directly with the agency that teaches the class(es).
What is a Skill Set?
The Advanced Chaplain credential requires training/education in several different areas or skill sets. Each skill set has a minimum number of contact hours that are required to complete the set. The Chaplain can choose from any combination of the listed classes to meet the skill set’s requirements.
Why are there so many classes listed under each Skill Set?
I.F.O.C. has provided several options of training classes that will fulfill each skill set to give our Chaplains a greater variety of training options while still maintaining the same educational/training standards for each skill set. Each skill set (with the exception of skill set #1) offers a mix of free and paid class options. Please pay attention to the number of contact hours listed by each class to ensure you meet the skill set requirements.
How long should it take to complete the Advanced Chaplain Credential
Since the Advanced Chaplain credential relies on classes taught by other agencies, the time it takes to complete the credential may vary. The credential was developed to take at least one year (depending on the availability of classes) to complete both the training and 50 hours of supervised Chaplain work.
Who can complete the supervisor assessment?
Each Advanced Chaplain applicant is required to submit a supervisor assessment form after completing 50 hours of supervised Chaplain work. This form can be completed by anyone who “supervises” the Chaplain at any location where they perform Chapalin skills. This can be in either a paid or volunteer capacity. An I.F.O.C. Corps Commander may also complete the assessment for any Chaplain who participates in Corps activities in their community. This form is required to apply for the Advanced Chaplain credential and assesses the Chaplain’s skills and not just verification of 50 hours of Chaplain activities.
The Vision
To equip Chaplains with Advanced Training and expand opportunities for service
by increasing knowledge, and opening more doors for impact.
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