Chaplains: BCCI Standards
The Board of Chaplaincy Certification Inc (BCCI)
The BCCI certifies professional chaplains according to established national standards. It is an affiliate of the Association for Professional Chaplains (APC). Both the BCCI and APC are independent organizations from the Humanist Society. Some employers may require chaplains to be certified under the national standards as outlined by the BCCI. Those standards are listed below:
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Master’s Degree in theological studies
- Endorsement of good standing in accordance with the applicant’s faith tradition (the Humanist Society is recognized as an endorser)
- CPE: 4 units for Board Certified (1600 hours) and 2 unites Associate Certified (800 hours)
- Total of 2,000 hours of work experience following completion of CPE units
Recommendation for additional education:
- American Ethical Union
- International Institute for Secular Humanistic Judaism
- Humanist Studies Program (You can earn a Certificate in Humanist Studies or pursue a Master of Arts in Leadership Studies (MALS) with a concentration in humanism through the Meadville Lombard Theological School.)
*The APC does NOT require that one complete any of the above additional educational programs in order to be certified as a Humanist Chaplain. It is the recommendation of The Humanist Society and the American Humanist Association, that individuals seek additional education to be articulate advocates of the Humanist life-stance.