How to Become A Chaplain South Africa

A chaplain is, traditionally, a cleric, or a lay representative of a religious tradition, attached to a secular institution, or a private chapel.

Become a Board Certified Chaplain in South Africa

ACCSA leads the Chaplaincy Profession with the only certification standards backed by knowledge testing and competency examination.

Currently, more than a dozen chaplaincy groups within S.A. offer varying education/training, however, no other organization that trains and certifies chaplains can demonstrate the use of a standardized, evidence-based curriculum nor the scoring of knowledge and competency tests.

This is but one of the ACCSA`s key success factors and represent a higher bar than any other chaplain certification process.

Our standardized knowledge test and standardized exam:

  • Brings to the chaplaincy profession the same rigor in education, training and testing demanded by care disciplines.
  • Establishes the framework for an ongoing process of implementation, research and quality improvement.

Pastoral Counsellor (BCPC), Board Certified Associate Chaplain (BCAC) or Certified Chaplain Assistant (Becoming an Advanced Board Certified Chaplain (ABCC), Board Certified Chaplain (BCC), Board Certified CCA) with the Association of Certified Chaplains in South Africa indicates your dedication to the highest professional standards and ethics.

ACCSA certified professionals have demonstrated their devotion to continuing professional development and a devotion to the spiritual health of those they care for.

Below are the requirements to Become A Chaplain South Africa

Advanced Board Certified Chaplain (ABCC)

For Chaplains who have demonstrated advanced skills in the provision of and leadership in spiritual and chaplaincy care by successfully completing a standardized test of core knowledge derived from evidence-based quality indicators for spiritual care as well as a simulated patient exam that evaluates competency in direct patient care.

Board Certified Chaplain (BCC)

The Chaplain is a professional that is employed in outside industry such as medical care, prisons, commerce, etc. They serve the employees and/or patients of these organizations.

Board Certified Pastoral Caregiver (BCPC)

The Pastoral Caregiver is primarily a Congregational Pastor. Their primary area of responsibility is the local church.

Board Certified Associate Chaplain (BCAC)

The Associate category is for those seeking professional chaplaincy certification but do not yet meet the other requirements for that status.

How do you become a certified chaplain in South Africa?

Essential requirements for certification include endorsement from your faith tradition, a master’s degree from an accredited theological school, at least four units of CPE, post-training clinical pastoral experience, preparation of clinical materials and a face-to-face appearance before a certification committee.

How do I become a chaplain without a degree in South Africa ?

Generally, no ministerial degree is required to achieve basic certification as a professional chaplain. Chaplaincy training courses in how to counsel people for depression, grief, crisis, trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder are part of the curriculum for most chaplain training programs.

What qualifications do you need to be a hospital chaplain in South Africa ?

Entry requirements

They usually have a degree or a professional qualification. Employers expect chaplains to have experience as a leader in their own faith and experience of spiritual and pastoral care. Employers may also ask for some experience in healthcare work.

How long does it take to become a chaplain in South Africa ?

Some organizations require prospective chaplains to have between two and four years of religious leadership experience, and some require ordination. Requirements in training and experience can vary depending on the type of chaplaincy you’re seeking or your religion.

Do chaplains get paid in South Africa ?

The median annual income for chaplains is R 687111.34, which means that half earn more than this while the other half earn less. The top 10 percent earn more than R 965143.69, while the bottom 10 percent earn less than R 468378.56.

Is chaplain a good career?

If you naturally reach out to others during emergencies or crises or feel the desire to help others strengthen their faith, becoming a chaplain could be a great career choice for you. Chaplains minister to the religious needs of the staff members of the organization, as well as the people it serves.

Can you be a chaplain with a bachelor’s degree?

To become a chaplain you could either complete a formal degree in theology, psychology or counselling, or have degree-level qualifications and experience in a field such as welfare, combined with on the job training. For example, to be a school chaplain you may also need teaching qualifications