The Evangelical Board of Certified Chaplains (EBCC) provides a clinical chaplain certification for evangelicals serving in health care settings. Membership in the Evangelical Board of Certified Chaplains is open to anyone who aligns with the Statements of Faith of the National Association of Evangelicals and meets the required qualifications and competencies.
The Steps to Becoming Certified by the EBCC
1. Qualifications for Board Certification
Undergraduate Degree
Bachelor’s degree from a college or university accredited by a member of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation: CHEA.org.
Master of Divinity Degree
Master of Divinity degree from a theological seminary accredited by a member of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation: CHEA.org.
Faith Group Endorsement
Faith group endorsement from an evangelical denomination. The faith group must be recognized by the Department of Defense (Armed Forces Chaplains Board).
Clinical Pastoral Education
Four units of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) from the Association of Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE).
Work Experience
Minimum of 2,000 hours of work or volunteer experience as a chaplain after the completion of the four units of CPE.
Competency Responses
Written responses of 50 to 75 words for each of the 31 Evangelical Board for Certified Chaplains (EBCC) Competencies.
2. Application (+fee)
If you have reviewed the qualifications and believe you are qualified for EBCC certification, we welcome your application. As part of the application, you will write written responses of 50 to 75 words for each of the 31 board-certifying chaplain competencies. Upon completing the application, you will set up annual payments of $200 for your board-certified chaplain certification.
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3. Board-Certified Chaplain Review Meeting
After your application and payment is received, your information will be reviewed. Within 60 days of submitting your application, you will be contacted to schedule a virtual Board-Certified Chaplain Review Meeting. You will meet for a 30-minute virtual Board-Certified Chaplain Review Meeting. If you successfully pass the Board-Certified Chaplain Review Meeting, you will electronically receive a Board-Certified Chaplain Certificate. If you fail to pass the Board-Certified Chaplain Review Meeting, you will be instructed on areas to improve to hopefully pass a future Board-Certified Chaplain Review Meeting.
4. Start Serving!
While your particular mission field is unique, you are not alone. The Evangelical Chaplains Commission is here to connect you with other chaplains and support you in your ministry. As an ECC chaplain, you have access to the Chaplains Resource Center — full of resources created by and for chaplains. You will also connect with other chaplains at our annual Chaplains Training Workshop. And, we provide personalized support by phone, video conference, and in person visits when possible.