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Membership and Certification Applications & Procedures

 
The Board of Directors and the Leadership of AAPC announced a new opportunity for membership. Membership in AAPC is open to all who support AAPC’s mission to bring healing, hope, and wholeness to individuals, families, and communities. The primary benefit of membership is to be a formal participant in the dialogue on the integration of spirituality and one’s professional practice.
 

Member Standards and Application  A member supports AAPC’s mission to bring healing, hope, and wholeness to individuals, families, and communities.

Student Member Standards and Application for students enrolled in an AAPC approved training program, a seminary or an academic program – undergraduate or graduate.
 
Pastoral Care Specialist and Application   This category is intended for lay persons and those persons who are already functioning as a parish minister, rabbi, or military chaplain, or who are credentialed as Institutional chaplains.

  Training Programs for Pastoral Care Specialist

 

Categories of Certification

Members who desire recognition of their specialized training and experience in pastoral counseling may be certified in the following categories:

 Membership Manual (formerly Certification Committee Operational Manual) The standards for AAPC membership and certification are contained in the Membership Manual

 Definitions

 **All applications may be requested in Microsoft Word format, by calling the association office at 703-385-6967, or by email request from membership@aapc.org. **


Certification Committee

 CHAIR OF CERTIFICATION -- Ron McDonald, D.Min., Chair: 901-272-9850; email: mcdonaldron@comcast.com

      Membership Services Coordinator  at the Association Office, 703-385-6967, or email: membership@aapc.org

The Association Certification Committee desires to be available to the membership and those seeking certification. Persons with questions concerning membership or equivalencies should first consult with the Regional Certification Committee Chair. For additional information on specific topics, these four standing subcommittees have been established:

Affirmation of Faith Community Involvement/Religious Endorsement: AAPC requires from all candidates active involvement in a local religious body or faith group. Persons ordained or recognized in a tradition that requires endorsement are expected to be endorsed and in good standing with their faith group. 

    NOTE: Religious Body endorsements may take a few months to obtain and in some cases require meeting with a committee. It is recommended that requests for endorsements be made well in advance of the due date for application to AAPC.  Contact List of Religious Endorsors

     

Application Process and Procedures

Applications: Please print applications from this web page or ordered by contacting the Association Office.

Submission of Applications: Completed applications, including all required supporting documentation and processing fee, are to be sent to the Association office.

Processing and Review: All applications will be processed by the Association office. Applications for those categories requiring a committee consultation will then be forwarded to the appropriate Certification Committee Chair. The Chair will notify the applicant regarding documents to be submitted, and time and place of the consultation.

AAPC Application Fees

AAPC Annual Dues


Thank you for your interest in AAPC membership we look forward to working with you.