Application - Chaplain Renewal

Humanist Chaplain Renewal Application
Applications are processed on a rolling basis, and the application process typically takes 2-4 weeks to review, approve, and issue credentials. You can speed up the process by ensuring all fees are current.

Our standard procedure includes the following steps:
- Staff will check your application and paid fees.
- Staff schedules and completes phone interview.
- Your application and summary of the phone interview will be reviewed by The Humanist Society Board of Directors.
- The Board reviews applications on a weekly basis.
- You will be notified via email with instructions for any necessary final steps once the Board has reached a decision.
*MDiv Equivalencies

In accordance with industry standards, MDiv equivalency is defined by the Association of Theological Seminaries (ATS) as “72 graduate semester hours or comparable graduate credits in other systems that represent broad-based work in theology, biblical studies, and the arts of ministry and that include a master’s degree and significant ministerial leadership. Ministerial experience alone is not considered the equivalent of or a substitute for the master’s degree.”

Due to the secular nature of humanist chaplaincy and lack of humanist oriented graduate programs, the Humanist Society has identified other graduate degrees that we consider equivalent to an MDiv for the purposes of our endorsement. Please note that ATS, graduate schools, and national chaplaincy certification boards do not necessarily accept these as equivalencies for an MDiv.

Possible equivalencies: MA Religion/Religious Studies, MA Theology/Theological Studies, Masters of Social Work, MA or MS Psychology, MA Leadership Studies
Applicants who hold other graduate degrees that they believe to be equivalent to an MDiv may request approval within the endorsement application.
Humanist Chaplain Endorsement Renewal Requirements:
- Completed Renewal Application
- Active American Humanist Association Membership
- Phone Interview
- Approval from THS Board of Directors
- Current on $100 Annual professional fee
Renewal is required following 2-year initial endorsement, which is then valid for a 5-year period.

The final decision on endorsement is made at the discretion of The Humanist Society Board of Directors, and endorsement renewal may be denied for any reason.

Please note: Employers and national chaplain certification boards set their own standards for chaplains.
Personal Information
Legal Name*

First NameLast Name
Name (If different from Legal Name)
Pronouns
Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Phone Number*

Area CodePhone Number
Email*
example@example.com
Previous Residence (if changed within the last 5 years)
Background Information
Are you a member of the American Humanist Association?*

YesNo
How long have you been an AHA Member?
NOTE: AHA membership is a requirement for endorsement, and you will be expected to maintain your membership for as long as you are endorsed with The Humanist Society.

If your membership has expired please renew Here.
Are you a member of an AHA Chapter or Affiliate?*

YesNo
What is the name or your group?
Please describe in detail your involvement:
Would you be interested in joining one (if available in your area)?
Your Endorsement
Which Endorsement do you currently hold? (For all endorsements issued or last renewed prior to July 2024, your endorsement will be a "Legacy" option):*

Associate Chaplain (Legacy)Chaplain (Legacy)Aspirant Chaplain (2024)Standard Chaplain (2024)Advanced Chaplain (2024)
You have the option to advance in your endorsement with The Humanist Society. Please indicate which of the following applies to you:*

Renewal at the same Endorsement Level (Legacy Endorsements will be converted to the current matching Endorsement Level provided the qualifications are met (Associate = Aspirant; Chaplain = Standard Chaplain)Upgrade to Standard Chaplain (min. requirement MDiv/Equivalent plus 1 Unit CPE)Upgrade to Advanced Chaplain (min. requirement MDiv/Equivalent plus 4 Units CPE)
Qualifications
A Master of Divinity (MDiv) or equivalent degree is a requirement for the Standard and Advanced Chaplain endorsements. Do you hold an MDiv or equivalent degree?*

Yes, I hold an MDivYes, I hold an Equivalent DegreeNoCurrently Pursuing MDivCurrently Pursuing Equivalent Degree
*MDiv Equivalencies

In accordance with industry standards, MDiv equivalency is defined by the Association of Theological Seminaries (ATS) as “72 graduate semester hours or comparable graduate credits in other systems that represent broad-based work in theology, biblical studies, and the arts of ministry and that include a master’s degree and significant ministerial leadership. Ministerial experience alone is not considered the equivalent of or a substitute for the master’s degree.”

Due to the secular nature of humanist chaplaincy and lack of humanist oriented graduate programs, the Humanist Society has identified other graduate degrees that we consider equivalent to an MDiv for the purposes of our endorsement. Please note that ATS, graduate schools, and national chaplaincy certification boards do not necessarily accept these as equivalencies for an MDiv.

Possible equivalencies: MA Religion/Religious Studies, MA Theology/Theological Studies, Masters of Social Work, MA or MS Psychology, MA Leadership Studies
Applicants who hold other graduate degrees that they believe to be equivalent to an MDiv may request approval within the endorsement application
Please list equivalent degrees relevant to chaplaincy.*
Please describe your degree/program and how it applies to chaplaincy. *
NEW!

If you were initially endorsed prior to July 2024, or have otherwise not provided this documentation in the past, please upload your documents below.
Upload Scans/Photos of your MDiv/equivalent Certificates or Transcripts:

Browse Files

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One (1) Unit of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE), supervised ministry, or equivalent work experience must be completed to be eligible for our Standard Humanist Chaplain Endorsement. Please detail how you meet this requirement. Include dates, settings, and responsibilities of your position.
The Standard Humanist Chaplain Endorsement requires a minimum of 1 Unit of CPE. Upload Scans/Photos of your CPE Certificates or Transcripts:

Browse Files

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Four (4) Units of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE), supervised ministry, or equivalent work experience must be completed to be eligible for our Advanced Humanist Chaplain Endorsement. Please detail how you meet this requirement. Include dates, settings, and responsibilities of your position.
The Advanced Humanist Chaplain Endorsement requires a minimum of 4 Units of CPE. Upload Scans/Photos of your CPE Certificates or Transcripts:

Browse Files

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What is your current profession or occupation? Please describe your work with some precision; single word responses are too vague:*
Are you currently providing Chaplain services?*

Yes, Full-Time PaidYes, Part-Time PaidYes, VolunteerNo, but seeking Chaplain employmentNo, but seeking volunteer rolesNo
Are you currently board-certified to practice Chaplain services? (APC, ACPE, CPSP, etc.) *Note: The Humanist Society endorsement does not constitute board certification*

YesNoSeeking Certification
How do you define your role as a Humanist Chaplain? In what ways do you function as a Humanist Chaplain?*
The Humanist Society encourages endorsees to seek continuing education that will help broaden one's understanding of humanism and inform one's work. This includes (but is not limited to); books, articles, lectures, conferences, online courses, onsite courses, group facilitated discussions.
What educational opportunities have helped inform you since your last certification?*
What qualifications (education, employment, life experiences, etc.) do you possess that will enable you to meet the responsibilities of this endorsement?*
In what aspects do you feel you could use improvement in order to fulfill the duties of this endorsement? We will try to connect you with relevant educational opportunities.*
The Humanist Society adheres to the Humanist Manifesto III. Please review the Humanist Manifesto prior to answering the following question.
How has your definition of humanism expanded and/or grown as a result of your work as a humanist professional and continuing education?*
Please comment on anything else about yourself that you believe would help us evaluate your application:*
Acknowledgements
Ethical Code of Conduct & Chaplain Covenant
I acknowledge I have read and will continue to abide by The Humanist Society ethical code of conduct*

Yes
I acknowledge I have read and will continue to abide by the Chaplain Covenant*

Yes
I verify that all information submitted in this application is true to the best of my knowledge and that I understand falsifying information will result in denial of endorsement*

Yes
Should be Empty:

Humanist Chaplain Renewal Application

Personal Information

Background Information

Your Endorsement

Qualifications

Acknowledgements