Certified Jail Chaplain
Certified Jail Chaplain (CJC)
Professional Certification for Correctional Chaplains
Advance your professional standing and demonstrate your knowledge, skill, ability, and commitment to providing quality chaplaincy services within the correctional environment.
How To Apply CJC Handbook CJC ApplicationAbout the CJC Certification
The Certified Jail Chaplain (CJC) Program recognizes correctional chaplains who demonstrate professional knowledge, experience, preparation, and a commitment to continued professional growth.
Professional Recognition
Earn national recognition for your knowledge, experience, and commitment to professional correctional chaplaincy.
Professional Development
The program encourages continuing education, professional development, self-care, and growth throughout your chaplaincy career.
Commitment to Excellence
Help elevate professional standards and strengthen spiritual, pastoral, emotional, and supportive services within correctional environments.
Do You Qualify?
Candidates must meet the following eligibility requirements before earning the CJC designation.
Recommended: Completion of Group Crisis Intervention training.
Qualification Point Requirements
Applicants complete an Experiential Background Form (EBF) documenting their education, credentials, experience, training, and professional contributions.
Minimum 156 hours / one year of qualifying service
Minimum 20 points required
Minimum 25 points required
Minimum 25 points required
Applicants must earn at least 350 points and independently satisfy all mandatory minimum requirements.
How to Apply
Follow these steps to begin the Certified Jail Chaplain certification process.
The CJC Examination
The CJC examination is administered online and evaluates knowledge across key areas of professional correctional chaplaincy.
Examination Content
Examination questions are based on five primary content areas.
Jail Security & Operations
25% of the examination
Spiritual Care
25% of the examination
Professional & Legal Concepts
15% of the examination
Critical Incident Debriefing
20% of the examination
Family & Social Situations
15% of the examination
Certification Fees
| Certification Option | AJA Member | Nonmember |
|---|---|---|
| Initial CJC Application / Examination | $159 | $229 |
| Leadership Academy Graduate* | $110 | |
| Examination Retake | $120 | |
| Recertification by Points | $55 | $110 |
| Recertification by Examination | $130 | |
*Leadership Academy graduates must submit proof of graduation with their application. Fees are subject to change.
Maintain Your CJC Certification
CJC certification is maintained through recertification. Certified Jail Chaplains have two options for renewing their credential.
Option 1: Professional Points
Earn 200 professional points between your initial certification or previous recertification and your next recertification.
At least 20 points from Leadership activities must have occurred within the previous four years.
Option 2: Re-Examination
Certified Jail Chaplains may also maintain their certification by successfully completing the CJC examination again.
Ready to Become a Certified Jail Chaplain?
Review the CJC Handbook before completing your application. The handbook contains detailed eligibility requirements, certification policies, examination information, and recertification requirements.
Download Handbook Download ApplicationQuestions About CJC Certification?
Our Certification Department is available to assist you with questions about eligibility, the application process, or certification requirements.
American Jail Association – Certification Department
1135 Professional Boulevard
Hagerstown, MD 21740
Phone: 301-857-2373
Email: certification@aja.org
