GAOCPC Certification Examinations
A structured two-part assessment process measuring shared professional foundations and the specialized competencies required for the certification assigned to each candidate.
Two Required Examination Stages
Candidates are not directed to a general list of examinations. The candidate account determines the specialty assessment that applies to the approved certification.
Part One: Common Core
40 questions
Required for every GAOCPC examination candidate. The Common Core assesses professional foundations shared across counseling and chaplaincy certification.
- Biblical and Christian foundations
- Ethics and accountability
- Responsible pastoral care
- Confidentiality and informed consent
- Boundaries, safeguarding and referrals
- Grief, crisis, trauma and culturally respectful care
Part Two: Assigned Specialty Examination
20 questions
The candidate completes only the specialty examination assigned to the approved certification designation appearing in the Candidate Dashboard.
- Designation-specific knowledge
- Applied professional judgment
- Ethical decision-making
- Leadership or institutional responsibilities where applicable
- Scope-of-practice awareness
- Professional readiness
How Examination Progress Is Recorded
Submission and official examination status are separate stages.
Application Approved
GAOCPC establishes candidate eligibility and records the approved certification designation.
Common Core Submitted
The submission is recorded and the candidate account shows that official review is pending.
Common Core Passed
Once officially recorded as passed, the assigned specialty examination becomes available.
Specialty Submitted
The specialty assessment locks after submission while GAOCPC reviews and records the official result.
Specialty Passed
The examination requirement is recorded as complete.
Credential Review
The complete certification record proceeds to final administrative and credential review.
What the Examinations Measure
Biblical Foundations
Christian worldview, pastoral responsibility, spiritual care, human dignity and responsible use of Scripture.
Ethical Judgment
Confidentiality, boundaries, consent, safeguarding, professional accountability, documentation and referral responsibilities.
Applied Care
Listening, grief support, crisis response, trauma awareness, respectful care, professional limitations and sound judgment.
Specialized Practice
Competencies specifically related to the counseling or chaplaincy designation assigned to the candidate.
Professional Readiness
Maturity, integrity, communication, self-awareness, accountability and responsible Christian service.
Leadership
Advanced candidates may be assessed on governance, supervision, institutional practice, risk and professional oversight.
Access Your Examination Pathway
Approved candidates should use the Candidate Dashboard. Do not attempt to open an examination that has not been assigned to your account.