The College of Pastoral Supervision & Psychotherapy is a theologically based covenant community, dedicated to "recovery of the soul" and promoting competency in the clinical pastoral field.
« CPE Training and Recovery of Soul by Rev. Dr. Belen Gonzalez y Perez | Main | A Fumbling Therapist »
When a person’s gifts and his/her being are affirmed by a Chapter through a Chapter Certification Review, a person experiences a distinctive charge important to the his/her mission.
Like an arrow released into the space, my sense of purpose became more vivid when I received the blessings from my chapter through their certification review almost a decade ago. But this is not a simple track to tread. The journey to this new beginning as a person certified by the CPSP can be challenging. So, in the spirit of midwifing one another I offer the following:
FAQ
1. How will I get certified through CPSP? Certification matters that are typically dealt with in other certifying bodies by a centralized governance are dealt primarily in the chapter. Your chapter is responsible in assessing your level of competencies, as well as in providing the support and accountability you need to achieve your professional goal/certification. In other words, your board certification process takes place in your chapter. Each chapter is unique and employs distinct approach in its certification process. However, consistent to CPSP philosophy and standards, a consultant representing the Governing Council must be present at the Chapter certification review.
2. What is the function of the Certification Committee? The Certification Committee expedites the credentialing process of each member seeking to be certified by CPSP. The Certification Committee does not duplicate the certification review conducted by the chapter on its members. It simply revisits the process involved in each member’s certification review. It preserves the integrity of the chapter’s review process by helping the Chapter uphold the standards of CPSP. The Certification Committee is responsible for presenting the names of members seeking credentials to the Governing Council for ratification.
3. I am already approved for certification by my chapter. Why do I need to be ratified by the Governing Council? Reviewing and approving members for certification based on CPSP standards is a primary responsibility of a chapter. However, CPSP Governing Council supports as well as holds chapters accountable to be true to their duty in providing certification to their members. CPSP is a community that takes responsibility for the growth and recovery of each of her members. Each Chapter is accountable to the Governing Council and must assure that its decisions are congruent with CPSP philosophy and standards.
4. What major areas of the standards does the Certification Committee revisit in the certification review process of a newly certified member? The Certification Committee attempt to review the whole certification process of each candidate but mainly focuses on the following areas of certification standards: 1. level of theological education from an accredited school/seminary or its equivalency; 2. the required number and quality of CPE units completed or its equivalency; 3. ecclesiastical endorsement where appropriate; and 4. the presence/involvement of an approved outside consultant during the review process.
5. My form(s) were sent in for the fall meeting of the Governing Council. Where is my certificate? Those who are ratified during the fall meeting of the Governing Council will receive their certificates at next meeting of the CPSP Plenary. CPSP traditionally awards certificates to members during the CPSP celebration at the Annual Plenary.
6. When will I find out if I was approved for ratification? Ratification of our members is conducted during the Governing Council meetings (Fall and Spring of each year). A list of the newly credentialed members are included in the General Secretary’s report following each GC meeting. For your convenience we attach a list of the ratified members during the previous meeting of Governing Council.
7. I can't make it to the Plenary to get my certificate(s). What do I do? Your certificate can be either mailed to you or can be received by your convener in your behalf.
8. My certificate was lost/damaged, my name has changed or was misspelled. How do I order a replacement? You may order a replacement by sending your request to Krista. There is a minimum of $25 replacement cost for all certificates.
9. Can I complete and submit form(s) required for my certification to the Certification Committee? No. We do not allow self-advocacy in your certification process. We will only accept forms submitted by the Chapter convener. Completing and submitting of forms are the responsibility assigned to your chapter convener. Chapter conveners seeking certification should have their forms reviewed/submitted by the approved outside consultant(s).
10. Our chapter has submitted our candidates’ form(s) by email. Do we also need to send a hardcopy? Not necessarily. Submission of forms by electronic mail is fine as long as the form being sent is the one used during the review process and bears the convener’s signature.
11. I wasn't approved for ratification. Can I re-apply? Yes, you can. But you may have to wait for the following Governing Council meeting. The certification committee will inform your chapter convener of the result of your application. Your chapter will assist you in your process of re-ratification.
12. I'm job hunting or seeking a promotion at work. Can I get my certificate early? If your prospective employer requires you to submit a copy of your certificate in support to your credentials, you can send a letter of request to the executive committee explaining the urgency of your need.
Posted by Perry Miller, Editor at March 23, 2010 9:10 AM
