Credentialing Christian Counselors and Chaplains for ethical,
competent, and faith-centered professional service.
The Global Association of Certified Pastoral Counselors (GAOCPC) exists to credential Christian counselors, chaplains, and pastoral care providers who serve individuals, families, churches, and communities with integrity, competence, and faithfulness to a Christian worldview. Our certification designations are designed to affirm appropriate education, ministry or professional experience, ethical accountability, and commitment to Christ-centered care. Each certification recognizes individuals who are called to serve in helping professions and who desire professional credibility while remaining anchored in biblical truth and pastoral responsibility.
The Certified Christian Counselor (C.C.C.) designation is intended for individuals who provide Christian-based counseling in churches, ministries, and community settings. This certification affirms foundational training in counseling principles, integration of biblical values, and adherence to ethical standards.
It is well suited for lay counselors, ministry workers, and helping professionals who desire recognized credentials while serving from a Christian perspective.
The Certified Pastoral Counselor (C.P.C.) designation is designed for ordained ministers and trained counselors who offer pastoral counseling within ecclesiastical or ministry contexts. This certification recognizes the unique role of pastoral caregivers who combine theological insight, counseling skill, and spiritual oversight in caring for individuals and families within the life of the Church.
The Certified Chaplain (C.Ch.) designation is granted to individuals serving as chaplains in institutional and community environments such as hospitals, correctional facilities, schools, military settings, and community organizations.
This certification affirms training in chaplaincy care, crisis response, spiritual assessment, and ethical ministry within diverse and often
multidisciplinary environments.
The Board Certified Christian Counselor (B.C.C.C.) designation represents an
advanced level of professional recognition for experienced Christian counselors. It affirms a higher standard of education, clinical or ministry experience, professional maturity, and ethical leadership. This designation is intended for those who demonstrate sustained competence and leadership within Christian counseling practice.
The Board Certified Chaplain (B.C.Ch.) designation is a senior-level certification for chaplains with extensive training, experience, and demonstrated leadership capacity. It recognizes advanced competency in chaplaincy care, supervision, ethical decision-making, and professional ministry within institutional and community settings.
GAOCPC invites you to become part of a growing global network of credentialed Christian counselors and chaplains committed to excellence, ethical practice, and Christ-centered service. Whether you are serving in a church, ministry, institutional setting, or community context, our certification programs are designed to support your calling and strengthen your professional credibility.