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Do I have to be certified to become a Member?

No.  CASC/ACSS has 4 types of Membership, 1) student, 2) Associate 3) Certified 4) Emeritus.  
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Am I certified after a unit of SPE?

No. One receives a "Certificate" of completion after 1 unit of SPE. It takes 2 basic and 2 advanced units of SPE before one is eligible to apply for certification. 

Do I need a degree to be certified?

• Yes, normally a Masters of Divinity, an MA in Theology or a related degree is required for certification.  If there is any question about one's  academic background or degree, the Academic Assessment Committee can provide helpful advice.  Please contact the Educational Standards Commission chair  at [email protected] or by clicking here. 

Why should I become certified?

Certification is the highest level of education and training for Spiritual Care Practitioners and Psychospiritual Therapists. It demonstrates a commitment to the highest ethical standards and accountability, best practice and ongoing professional development.  It ensures that the member has met the rigorous requirements for professional training, and attained a recognized degree of proficiency and competency in their chosen field of specialization.   Certification also demonstrates a commitment to the discipline of Spiritual Care and Psychospiritual Therapy and a desire to advance the professional interests of their colleagues and peers.  Certification is also a requirement of regulatory colleges and associations. 

How much does Certification cost?

Please see the  Membership page for current yearly fees for the various membership categories. Currently Certified Members pay $395 per year.  The one time fee to apply for certification is $350.00.

How long does Certification take?

​If one already has a graduate degree in theology or a related field, It is possible to take all the training required (2 basic and 2 advanced units of SPE) in a year.  This would involve a SPE residency program. The required hours of supervised clinical experience needed before one can apply for certification will take another 6  months or more, depending on whether one is working/volunteering full or part time.  
If one is taking 1 SPE unit per year, it may take as long as 5 or more years to become ready for certification.  
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What is the difference between certified and other member types?

• Students are any person taking a course in Supervised Psychospiritual Education or Supervisory Education. 
• Associate Members are any Members who are not yet certified.  They can have zero to 5 or 6 units of basic and advanced SPE education. 
• Certified Members have a minimum of 2 basic and 2 advanced units of  SPE, a graduate degree in Theology or related field, and successfully completed the Certification process (writing papers and interview). They complete a peer review every five years. 
• Emeritus Members are no longer earning renumeration from the practice of Spiritual Care, Psychospiritual Therapy or Supervisory Education.​

WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR CERTIFICATION?

The Professional Practice Commission (PPC) deals with all aspects of a member's professional practice outside of education and ethics.  They advocate for members in areas of employment and hiring, scope of practice, standards of practice and ongoing professional development and education. PPC updates and manages the certification process and oversees peer review for certified Members. 
The Education Standards Commission (ESC) is responsible for the proper running and accrediting of educational courses and training programs.  ESC oversees the admission into basic and advanced SPE as well as  Supervisory Education. 
​Once a person has completed their education, they are supported by the PPC.  If a person is working and completing their professional Education, they are under both PPC and ESC. For more information about the PPC, visit the Commissions page here. ​​