The Crisis, Trauma and First Response (CTFR) Certificate
The Crisis, Trauma, and First Response Certificate Course for Chaplains provides the basic and fundamental skills and knowledge needed in order to provide chaplaincy spiritual care to those people who have been impacted by an emergency, crisis, trauma, or disaster. Not all chaplains working in first response settings are board certified or credentialed. As a result, there has been a vast difference in skills and knowledge across those working in this capacity. First response organizations have called for a more uniform knowledge base of those chaplains who do not hold board certification or credentialing. This course and the resulting certificate fills that gap.
Board Certified Chaplain – First Responder
SCA is proud to announce First Responder Credentialing and Board Certification for all First Responder Chaplains. These are the first credentialing available in the United States available to First Responder Chaplains!
There are three tiers to select from. Initially the committee will be reviewing experience and years of service. Equivalencies will be taken into consideration. This will allow current FR Chaplains access immediately while the field adjusts to meeting the requirements as they are designated. Please be aware that BCC-FR is not, of itself, an acceptable BCC for hospital or military chaplaincy. This certification has a very specific focus on the preparedness of chaplains working full time in crisis and trauma situations. It requires a knowledge of on-site deployment but also of post care of public servants in police, fire, and EMS professions.
First Responder CPE? Yes, you will read about it. A highly qualified group of experienced FR Chaplains have assisted in created 2 Units of CPE specifically focused on the needs of a FR Chaplain. These two units will only be the equivalent of one current CPE unit.
We look forward to working with you in raising the criteria of FR Chaplaincy and providing you with the skills, knowledge, and experience to be the best provider of spiritual care as a First Responder Board Certified Chaplain.
Tier I – Credentialed First Responder Chaplain (CC)
Standards
- SCA Membership
- The Crisis, Trauma and First Response (CTFR) Certificate
- Letter(s) of recommendation
- Minimum BA
- Pastoral background: Lay minister or leader, Chaplain volunteer, Faith-based counselor or small group leader, Faith-based community organizer
- 500 hours (including training, on site with teams, minimum number of calls) and/or 1 year on assignment
- Agree to comply with the SCA Code of Ethics: https://www.spiritualcareassociation.org/code-of-ethics/
- Cost: $50
Optional background check with sunset limits (20 years)
Continued Competency Requirements:
- Renewal every year
- 20 CEUs annually
- 100+ Contact Hours annually
- Completion and submission of a Critical Incident Reporting report to the SCA First Responder Division when the SCA First Responder badge is utilized.
Tier II – Board Certified First Responder Chaplain (BCC)
Standards
- SCA Membership
- The Crisis, Trauma and First Response (CTFR) Certificate
- Background Check (sunset limit 20 years)
- Advanced degree appropriate to chaplaincy
- Pastoral background: Clergy Member, Chaplain, Pastoral Counselor, Supervisor or Educator
- 750 hours (including training, on site with teams, minimum number of calls) and/or minimum 1 year on assignment
- SCA BCC
- 2 Units FRC CPE and/or 1 unit CPE in a FR setting
- Agree to comply with the SCA Code of Ethics: https://www.spiritualcareassociation.org/code-of-ethics/
- Cost: $150
Continued Competency Requirements:
- Renewal every year
- 20 CEUs annually
- 100+ Contact Hours annually
- Completion and submission of a Critical Incident Reporting report to the SCA First Responder Division when the SCA First Responder badge is utilized.
Tier III – Advance Practice First Responder Chaplain (APBCC)
Standards
- SCA Membership
- The Crisis, Trauma and First Response (CTFR) Certificate
- Background Check (sunset limit 20 years)
- Advanced degree appropriate to chaplaincy
- Pastoral background: Clergy Member, Chaplain, Pastoral Counselor, Supervisor or Educator
- Prior training/experience in the field of First Responder Chaplaincy:
1000 hours (including training, on site with teams, minimum number of calls) and/or 2+ years on assignment - SCA APBCC
- 2 Units FRC CPE and/or 1 unit CPE in a FR setting
- Additional specializations: mental health and/or trauma-informed skills such as:
Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)
SafeTALK – Suicide Alertness for everyone
Psychological First Aid (PFA)
Non-violent Crisis Intervention
Counseling techniques (e.g., cognitive behavioral therapy, EMDR, suicide prevention)
Anger management, self-care, and trauma counseling - Agree to comply with the SCA Code of Ethics: https://www.spiritualcareassociation.org/code-of-ethics/
- Cost: $175
Continued Competency Requirements:
- Renewal every year
- 20 CEUs annually
- 100+ Contact Hours annually
- Completion and submission of a Critical Incident Reporting report to the SCA First Responder Division when the SCA First Responder badge is utilized.
For candidates seeking FR BCC or FR APBCC certification with SCA through reciprocity:
- The chaplain must be certified by an organization with which SCA has an established reciprocity agreement. Please refer to the list of organizations on the certification webpage
- The chaplain must complete the BCC1 application process as outlined on the SCA website.
- Once BCC1 is approved, the chaplain may then apply for First Responder certification.