To gain admission into the NSCA Academy, candidates must pass a background check and meet the qualifications for one of the two admission paths:

1. Traditional Path
- Requires a minimum of a two-year degree.
- A minimum of 2,000 hours of documented, hands-on ministry experience.
2. Ordained Ministerial Path
- Requires at least 6,000 hours (equivalent to 3 years) of full-time, hands-on ministerial experience.
- Candidates must be ordained clergy.

Each path ensures that candidates have the education and practical experience needed to excel in school chaplaincy.

If you have served as an ordained clergy in one or more of the following ministerial roles or areas, you qualify for the Ordained Ministerial Path:

- Pastoral Services: Pastoral service, counseling, church planting, discipleship, elder, deacon, teacher.
- Chaplaincy Roles: Police chaplain, military chaplain, first responder chaplain, hospital chaplain, airport chaplain, marketplace chaplain, etc.
- Ministries: Children’s ministry, youth pastor, evangelist, student ministry, athletes’ ministry, women’s ministry, men’s ministry, orphan outreach, elderly ministry, disability ministry, emergency shelter, homeless ministry, prayer groups, evangelism, hospitality ministry, home visitation.
- Specialized Support: CISM (Critical Incident Stress Management), missionary work, teaching, leadership, praise and worship.
- Group and Community Leadership: Home group leader, guest services, leadership in prayer groups.

These roles and activities reflect the diverse ways ordained clergy serve their communities and contribute to the development of spiritual and emotional well-being.

The application and enrollment process for the school chaplaincy program is simple and streamlined. Follow these steps:

1. Sign Up for the Free Introductory Course
Begin by enrolling in the free introductory course on school chaplaincy. This course provides an overview of the role and prepares you for the application process.
2. Submit Your Application
Upon completing the introductory course, log in to the NSCA Academy Portal and follow the prompts to submit your application.
3. Provide Required Documents
After submitting your application, you will receive instructions within the portal to upload the necessary documents, including:
- Personal identification
- Reference letters
- Diplomas or certifications
4. Complete a Background Check
A background check is required for all applicants. Instructions for completing this step will be provided in the portal.
5. Access Enrollment and Certification Information
All updates regarding your enrollment, certification, and next steps will be shared through the NSCA Academy Portal.
6. Complete Your Coursework
Once enrolled, you can begin your online coursework, which is also accessed through the portal. The program is flexible, allowing you to complete the coursework in as little as 8 weeks.

This process ensures a clear path from introduction to certification, with support available to guide you every step of the way.

The NSCA Academy is available for a comprehensive price of $997, which includes:
- A mandatory background check
- 40 hours of online coursework designed to prepare you for the school chaplaincy role

Additional Safety Certifications:
To enhance your readiness, the program also recommends completing additional safety certifications offered at special NSCA rates:
- Active Shooter + Behavioral Threat Certification: $179.99
- Stop the Bleed Certification: This course must be completed locally. NSCA provides resources to help you access the course, which is often free or available at a low cost.
These certifications are valuable additions that equip school chaplains to respond effectively to critical situations, ensuring the safety and well-being of their school communities.

The NSCA Academy is trusted by school districts, education professionals, legislators, and successful chaplains. It provides a solid foundation of proven chaplaincy skills and strategies, ensuring you feel confident in your calling. Upon completing the training, safety courses, and background checks, you will be fully certified as a School Chaplain, qualifying you to receive full pay and benefits.

The NSCA Chaplains Certification Course is an 8-week, three-credit-hour course offered by Oral Roberts University (ORU).

Yes, the program includes:
- A 10-hour Active Shooter & Behavioral Threat Assessment course
- A First Aid and Stop the Bleed Training, usually completed in a single day

The salary for school chaplains varies depending on the district. Schools have many options when hiring a chaplain, either full-time or part-time. In most states, federal and state funding designated for mental health services, as well as school safety and security, can help support chaplain salaries. Each school district will ultimately decide the salary based on their budget and needs.

The NSCA School Chaplain Certification includes the following:
- The 8-week online training course through Oral Roberts University (ORU)
- Active Shooter Certification
- Behavioral Threat Assessment Certification
- Stop The Bleed Certification

To maintain an active NSCA certification status, you must meet the following requirements:
- A monthly membership fee of $25
- Continuing education, which is provided with the membership fee within the NSCA Academy
- Up-to-date safety certifications

Once you have completed your chaplain certification, you will have full access to training updates, continuing education courses, school chaplain conferences, and more, all within the NSCA Academy Portal.

To retain your active NSCA certification status and continued access to the Portal, a monthly membership fee of $25 is required. This fee covers your ongoing education and access to updates and resources within the NSCA Academy.