Catechetical Certification

The Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelization’s Directory for Catechesis (July 2020), paragraphs 309-318, offers guidance for Catechetical Certification for Catholic School faculty, administrators and presidents.  The Catholic school is a community of faith that has, at its foundation, an educational initiative characterized by evangelical values (DC 309). “The Catholic School participates in the evangelizing mission of the Church and is the privileged environment in which Christian education is carried out” (DC 311).

“In order for the teaching of the Catholic religion to be fruitful, it is fundamental that the teachers be capable of presenting the relationship between faith and culture, human and religious components, science and religion, school and other educational agencies... [I]t is required that the teachers be believers committed to personal growth [emphasis added] in the faith, incorporated into a Christian community, desirous of giving a reason for their faith through their professional expertise” (DC 318).

Therefore, in conformity with the Directory for Catechesis, and our call to personal growth, all Catholic School faculty members, administrators and presidents are to actively achieve catechetical certification, as required by their employment contract.

To that end, they should take a minimum of 2 classes (20 hours) toward required certification each calendar year until they achieve their minimum designated level of certification.  After acquiring certification, faculty members, administrators and presidents are to maintain their certification by earning Enrichment credits.     

Basic Certification is required for Catholic school teachers, Pre-K to 12th, and school administrative personnel. Catechists may acquire Basic Certification by completing 80 hours in the basic certification courses (MAT 1). This level of certification consists of 8 ten-hour courses.

Individual schools may require higher levels of certification of certain faculty members or staff in various roles.

It is recommended that school personnel acquire twenty clock hours at least per year until eighty hours are accumulated, taking no longer than four years to complete the process for Basic Certification.

Intermediate Certification is required for all Catholic school principals, presidents, and assistant principals. Catholic Elementary and Middle School teachers who teach Religion in grades 2-8 must also acquire Intermediate Certification. Personnel may acquire Intermediate Certification by completing 80 hours in the intermediate certification courses (MAT II). This level of certification consists of eight, ten-hour courses.

Individual schools may require higher levels of certification of specific faculty members or staff in various roles.

It is recommended that school personnel working towards this goal acquire at least twenty clock hours per year until they have accumulated eighty hours, taking no longer than four years to complete the process for Intermediate Certification.

Advanced Certification, Undergraduate Theology Certificate or a Baccalaureate Degree in Theology from an accredited Catholic university or approved Catholic institution, is the minimum requirement for Catholic elementary school Coordinators of Religious Education (CRE). There should be a minimum of 20 hours/credits of courses that align with the basic course requirements: Liturgy, Prayer, Creed/Doctrine, Morality, Scripture, Spirituality, Sacraments, etc.

Professional Certification, a Master’s Degree in Theology (MTS, MA, MDiv, STL) from an accredited Catholic university, is required for Catholic high school Religion teachers.

Note: Advanced Certification or a Baccalaureate Degree in Theology from an accredited Catholic university is acceptable as the educator pursues the requirement for teaching Catholic high school Religion.

Catholic Sexual Morality Certification/Theology of the Body Certification is required for any Catholic Elementary and High School administrator, teacher, campus minister, counselor and medical personnel whose teaching or interaction with students contains Christian Anthropology, including the dignity of the human person, identity, what it means to be human, what it means to be male and female, created in God’s image,  the meaning of the human body and God's plan for marital relationships. Specific academic subjects include but are not limited to religion, science, social sciences, literature, health and physical education, psychology, counseling and administration. To learn more about the Theology of the Body training opportunities, visit the bottom of the Ministry & Theology page. 

• Catholic theology coursework offered by a Catholic institution in-person or online 
• Conferences, retreats, parish missions, special presentations, bible studies, etc. 
• Community outreach through volunteer service work with approved agencies in the region.