Earn your school chaplain

Certification

Streamline your school chaplaincy

The NSCA delivers a solid foundation of proven chaplaincy skills and strategies necessary to feel confident in your calling.

  1. Online Application

    Submit your official application to confirm your education level and ministry experience. Undergo background checks.

  2. Enroll and Get Certified

    Complete your initial coursework and all additional safety courses required for school chaplaincy.

  3. Prepare for Employment

    Prepare for introductions and orientation meetings with your new school district.

  4. NSCA Academy

    NSCA-certified school chaplains maintain certification through the NSCA Academy - our comprehensive continuing education development program.

How it works

Upon completing your background checks, training, and safety courses, you will be fully certified as a school chaplain.

Program Details

A Proven Program

The NSCA is the leading provider for training and certification of school chaplains.

Online Training

Get certified with our convenient online training program. With rolling admission, you can start any time.

Expert Support

NSCA program advisors and a Senior Chaplain Board guide you every step of the way, even after employment.

Model Pricing

NSCA certification and continued education through our Academy are included in our model pricing package.

Included in your

Your NSCA Certification

University Training

We are proud to collaborate with Oral Roberts University, a nationally accredited university. Once rigorous international, national, and state background checks, including forensic social media review, are completed, chaplain candidates with a minimum of a two-year degree and 2,000 hours of experience may qualify to enroll in our self-paced online course for convenient learning, which may be completed in as little as eight weeks. In addition, The National School Chaplain Association recommends that its chaplains take advantage of ORU undergraduate and master’s level programs for those desiring to earn an undergraduate or graduate degree as they pursue their desire to be a chaplain.

Safety Training

School chaplains are considered essential personnel on campus and therefore must undergo safety training comprised of three certifications: Active Shooter, Threat Assessment, and Stop the Bleed*.

Our chaplaincy training academy provides opportunities to maintain and enhance the professional knowledge, competency, and performance of NSCA-certified school chaplains. The NSCA Academy promotes the development of resources and programs for school chaplains' ongoing professional learning and growth experiences.

Continuing Education

Qualification. Application. Enrollment.

Find your path.

  • For candidates with a Master’s Degree and 2,000 hours of hands-on ministry experience.

  • For candidates with a Bachler’s Degree and 2,000 hours of hands-on ministry experience.

  • For candidates with an Associate’s Degree and 2,000 hours of hands-on ministry experience.

  • For candidates with 2,000 hours of hands-on ministry experience.

Complete your application

  • Credential verifications

  • Statewide background check

  • International background check

Upon payment you will receive your official login credentials, instructions, and an NSCA account for uploading all required documentation.

Once your application is approved, we will send you an email confirmation and a digital enrollment form.

Select your payment option and start your certification process.