Professional certification as an HCMA Board Certified Chaplain (BCC) is a recognition of the attainment of specialized education and experience as a clinically competent healthcare Chaplain.
An HCMA BCC is an individual who has completed four Units (1600 hours) of clinical pastoral education, a one-year internship program, is ordained, has ecclesiastical endorsement, and meets the Professional Competency Standards for a healthcare Chaplain as established by HCMA.
An HCMA Certified Clinical Chaplain is a person who does not meet the qualifications for BCC, but has completed 1,600 hours (4 Units) of clinical pastoral education, has been peer reviewed by the Area Steering Committee for meeting the Professional Competency Standards, has been recommended by the Teaching Chaplain, and has been approved by the Board of Directors of the HCMA.