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Understanding Youth Ministry Certification

What is Certification?

"Certification is the process whereby a person is granted recognition for demonstrated compliance with the professional standards of her/his ministry."  (Certification Manual of the USCCB Commission on Certification and Accreditation)

The Archdiocese of Cincinnati youth ministry certification process complies with the National Certification Standards for Lay Ecclesial Ministers Serving as Youth Ministry Leaders. In order to receive youth ministry certification in the Archdiocese, candidates must present convincing evidence that they have achieved competence in the key competency areas described in these national standards. 

Benefits of Certification

·        Archdiocesan Approval & Official Recognition:  Certification officially recognizes competent lay ecclesial ministers capable of serving as youth ministry leaders in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati.  Certification means that an individual is formally approved for youth ministry in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati.

·          A Credential Recognized both Locally and Nationally:  Lay ecclesial ministers serving as youth ministry leaders who are certified in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati receive a credential that is meaningful both locally and nationally, because certification here is based on national standards and procedures approved by the USCCB Commission on Certification and Accreditation.

·         Ongoing Formation and Training:  To be certified is to be recognized as committed to ongoing growth, formation and development.

·         Quality Assurance:  Certification establishes high standards of quality youth ministry here in the Archdiocese. 

·         Comprehensive Youth Ministry:  Certification acknowledges competence in comprehensive youth ministry as described in the U.S. Bishops’ blueprint for youth ministry, Renewing the Vision — A Framework for Catholic Youth Ministry (USCCB, 1997).

Am I Qualified?

Candidates for certification are assessed according to the National Certification Standards for Lay Ecclesial Ministers — Serving as Youth Ministry Leaders:
   Standard One.  Lay Ecclesial Ministry Identity
  Standard Two.  Personal and Spiritual Maturity
  Standard Three. Theology
  Standard Four.  Pastoral Praxis
  Standard Five. Professional Practice

Each of the standards contains a number of specific competencies.  To obtain a complete copy of the National Standards, contact the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry.

The Application

Along with other materials, the application calls for:

·        Verification of fingerprinting and criminal background check;

·          Copy of Associate of Religious Education Certification (or higher) through the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis;

·        Evidence of satisfactory completion of an approved youth ministry training/formation program; or

·         Evidence of satisfactory completion of an approved general pastoral ministry formation program, enhanced by specific youth ministry training to fill in the “gaps;” or

·        A portfolio of ministry training and experience that provides compelling evidence of one’s competence relative to the National Standards.

What's the Process?

Step One — Contact your regional Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry to discuss the requirements to see if you’re a potential candidate. 

Step Two — Receive and review an application packet.  If you wish to proceed, write a brief letter declaring your intention to move forward with certification.  At this point the Office will open a certification file and appoint a certification “coach” who will assist you in the process.

Step Three — Assemble the materials called for in the application. Certification is competency-based, meaning that you will be assembling materials that demonstrate your competence relative to the National Certification Standards.

Step Four — Submit your application and prepare for the Review Board interview.  If application materials are in order, the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry will convene a three-person Review Board.  The Board will review your application materials and conduct an interview with the purpose of assessing and affirming competence.

Step Five — The Review Board will make a recommendation whether or not to grant certification.  The final decision to grant or deny certification lies with the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry.