National Advocate Credentialing Program

About NACP

The National Advocate Credentialing Program (NACP)® professionalizes victim advocacy and upholds high standards, by providing credentialing services which evaluate and recognize standard training and direct service experience in victim services. Through our work, we are empowering advocates to be the best they can. 

Our History: The National Advocate Credentialing Program, developed through the cooperative effort of multiple national and state victim assistance organizations, was launched in 2003 as the first voluntary credentialing program available to crime victim advocates nationwide.

Discussion about a national credentialing program for victim assistance professionals began in the 1980’s.  By the early 90’s, several states had successful credentialing programs.  In 2000, NOVA invited representatives from state, federal and national victim assistance organizations to discuss the implementation of a national credentialing program.  At a meeting in 2001, although not all of the representatives reached consensus about co-sponsorship, NOVA’s members overwhelmingly supported the concept.  In 2002, the NOVA Board of Directors unanimously voted to develop a national credentialing program.  The Board introduced the NACP at NOVA’s 28th Annual Victim Assistance Conference in Nashville in 2002, and launched it in 2003.  In 2012, the framework of NACP was used as the model for the development of the Department of Defense-Sexual Assault Advocate Certification Program, also known as D-SAACP.

Our Mission

To professionalize the field of victim advocacy and maintain professional standards of  best practices for victim service providers through credentialing that recognizes standard training and direct service experience.


Application Windows and Review Dates

Application Window

Review Dates

Scheduled Review*

November 1st – January 31st

February

February 25-26, 2025

February 1st – April 30th

May/June

June 3 – 4, 2025

May 1st – July 31st

August

August 20 – 21, 2025

August 1st – November 30th

November/December

December 10 – 11, 2025

*Scheduled review dates are updated annually and are subject to change.

Benefits of Credentialing

Credentialing offers many benefits to those in the victim assistance field.

  • Increase recognition, credibility, and professional mobility within the victim assistance field.
  • Promote and recognize the implementation of standardized training.
  • Ensure that the standards and practices of the field are initiated and defined by victim assistance professionals rather than external professional groups.
  • Foster professional identity and unity among victim service professionals who adhere to a shared Professional Code of Ethics.
  • Provide credentialed advocates with a certificate suitable for framing and a portable wallet card to signify their achievement.
  • Enable credentialed advocates to use the designation “CA” after their names to reflect their professional status.

Apply to be a Credentialed Advocate

Direct service experience is assessed to determine the level of credentialing that applicants are eligible for and training experience is assessed based on the level being applied for.

New Applicants—All Levels of Credentialing:

  • Minimum Training Requirement- Successful completion of an NACP Pre-Approved Training within 10 years of applying for NACP Credentialing (certificates of completion or transcripts are required).
  • Code of Professional Ethics for Victim Service Providers
  • Certifications

Provisional Level of Credentialing: 

No direct service experience required (Not eligible for specialty designation)

  • Minimum training requirement met and documentation provided.

Basic, Intermediate or Advanced Levels of Credentialing:

  • Direct Service Verification (Memorandum of Confirmation)
    • Basic: 3,900 hours providing direct services to victims and survivors of crime are require
    • Intermediate: 7,800 hours providing direct services to victims and survivors of crime are required
    • Advanced: 15,600 hours providing direct services to victims and survivors of crime are required
  • Specialty Designation Training Log
    • Basic: 20 hours of introductory training per specialty designation(s)
    • Intermediate: 30 hours of training required per specialty designation(s)
      • (20 hours of introductory training + 10 hours of advanced training)
    • Advanced: 40 hours of training required per specialty designation(s)
      • (20 hours of introductory training + 20 hours of advanced training)
  • Client Contact Observation Form specific to specialty designation(s)
  • 3 Letters of Recommendation specific to NACP Credentialing

First Time Applicants

Applying for the first time? Review the training requirements and levels of credentialing for first time applicants.

Renewal Applicants

Already credentialed and need to renew? 

Note: You are continuing to build on the direct service and training requirements that were previously verified and approved in your prior submission(s).

D-SAACP to NACP Bridge Applicants

A Bridge Application is for those moving from military to civilian advocacy or those who wish to be dual credentialed by D-SAACP and NACP. Complete the NACP Bridge Application to become a Credentialed Advocate at the equivalent level of your D-SAACP certification.

  • A copy of most recent D-SAACP Credential to verify your direct service and training experience.
  • D-SAACP credentials must be active or less than 6 months expired at the time of applying with a Bridge Application.

What to do if your credentials are expired at the time of applying. >>>

D-SAAACP Level I = NACP Provisional

D-SAAACP Level II = NACP Basic

D-SAAACP Level III = NACP Intermediate

D-SAAACP Level IV = NACP Advanced

NACP Scholarship


We are committed to the professionalization of all crime victim advocates and allied professionals. NACP offers need-based scholarships to victim advocates who are new to the field of advocacy.

  • Advocates with two (2) or less years of direct service experience specific to victims and survivors of crime 
  • Advocates with who can convey a financial need or organization restrictions to securing funding to apply for NACP Credentialing
  • Completed Application submitted by 11:59pm EST on the deadline indicated below (specific to Review Committee schedule) 
  • Resume

Application Windows:

  • Nov. 1st-Jan. 31st (February Review)
  • Feb. 1st– April 30th (May/June Review)
  • May 1st– July 31st (August Review)
  • Aug. 1st– Oct. 31st (Nov./Dec. Review)

                              Apply today!

Training and Continuing Education

Introductory Advocacy Training (Required for all new applicants regardless of level and/or experience)

National trainings

CLS by Barbri (previously) The Center for Legal Studies – Victim Advocacy Certification Course (online)

National Organization for Victim Assistance (NOVA)- National Victim Assistance Academy (NVAA)

The National Domestic Violence Hotline Training

OVC – VAT Online Training  (NACP requires a Certificate of Completion for the training in its entirety or a full transcript from OVC indicating successful completion of all modules – individual module certificates and/or badges will not be accepted. Please see the OVC tutorial video for information on accessing required documentation (the Transcripts section beginning at 4:33) or contact OVC directly for assistance- Email: [email protected]/Phone: 1–866–682–8822)

RAINN Online Hotline Training

ReInventU– Victim Advocacy Certificate Course

Shamsaha Women’s Center- Crisis Advocacy Certification Training

Strand2 Squared- 45-hour Victim Advocacy Online Course

Strand2 Squared- Child Abuse Advocacy (Foundations & Deep Dive)

The School of Purpose- Victim Advocacy Fundamentals Course

Alabama

The Crisis Center Inc. Rape Response Program (Birmingham, Alabama)

Alaska


Arizona

Arizona State Victim Assistance Academy- AVAA Basic Victim Assistance Academy

Arizona Center Against Sexual Assault

 

Arkansas

The Center for Advocacy and Awareness- National Emotional Abuse Advocate Certification

California

The Victim Services Certificate – California State University, Fresno 


Colorado

Adam’s Co., CO Sheriff’s Office Volunteer Advocate Training Program

17th Judicial District Adams County, CO Basic Advocate Academy

University of Northern Colorado- ASAP Advocate Training

Connecticut


Delaware

Delaware Victim Assistance Academy

Sexual Offense Support (S.O.S) at the University of Delaware


District of Columbia

 

Florida

 

Georgia 

Georgia Victim Assistance Academy


Guam

Teal and Purple Roses Victim Advocate Training Course

Hawaii

Idaho

Idaho Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence


Illinois

Illinois Victim Assistance Academy

Indiana

Indiana Coalition Against Sexual Assault INSVAA Academy (2011-2012 only)

Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence- Basic Academy (2017- current)

Iowa

Kansas

Kansas Academy for Victim Assistance

Kentucky

Kentucky Victim Assistance Academy– (training completed from 10/19/2020- 7/16/2023 will not be accepted)

Louisiana

Louisiana State Victim Assistance Academy

Maine

Maine Attorney General’s Office- Maine Victim Assistance Academy

York Community College- Introduction to Victim Advocacy course

Maryland

Community Advocates for Family & Youth (Capitol Heights, MD)

Roper Maryland State Victim Assistance Academy

University of Maryland- Victimology (CCJS360) and Victim Advocacy (CCJS498)

Massachusetts

Assumption University- Victim Advocacy: Working with Survivors of Violence (HRS/SOC/CRM
301)

Pathways for Change, Inc. Rape Crisis Training Program

Michigan

Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan – Victim Rights Training Program (June 2009-)

Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan – Victim Advocate Basic Training

Minnesota

Minnesota State Victim Assistance Academy

Mississippi

University of Southern Mississippi/Administration of Justice

Missouri

Missouri State Victim Assistance Academy

University of Missouri – Kansas City (UMKC) Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology- Advocacy & Crisis Intervention (CJC 381)

Montana

Montana Law Enforcement Academy

Montana Victim Advocate Academy

Nebraska

Nebraska State Victim Assistance Academy

Nevada

Victim Assistance Academy of Nevada (VAAN) 

SafeNest Domestic Violence Academy

Signs of HOPE- Advocacy University  (previously The Rape Crisis Center- The Rape Crisis Center Advocate University)

University of Nevada, Las Vegas- Care Advocate Training Institute

University of Nevada, Reno- 40-Hour Hope Advocacy Training

New Hampshire 

New Jersey

New Jersey Victim Assistance Academy

Rider University- Introduction to Victim Advocacy

New Mexico

New Mexico Basic Victim Assistance Academy

Rape Crisis of Central New Mexico Volunteer Advocate Training

New York

New York State Victim Assistance Academy

North Carolina

North Carolina Victim Service Practitioner Certification Academy

North Dakota

Ohio

Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Violence- The OAESV Training Institute

Summit Victim Assistance Academy

Rape Crisis Center of Medina & Summit Counties Training

OhioHealth Sexual Assault Response Network of Central Ohio

Oklahoma

Oklahoma Victim Assistance Academy (OVAA)

Oregon

Oregon State Victim Assistance Academy

Pennsylvania

PAAR Sexual Assault Counselor Training

Sexual Assault Counselor Training provided by PCAR Centers

Rhode Island

Rhode Island State Victim Assistance Academy

South Carolina

South Carolina Victim Assistance Academy

Restoration & Purpose Training Academy, LLC- Basic Victim Advocacy (BVA) Training

University of South Carolina Beaufort- Introduction to Victim Advocacy

South Dakota

Tennessee

Senator Tommy Burks Victim Assistance Academy (in-person & virtual curricula) 

Texas

I Am BOLD, LLC- BOLD Academy

Center Against Sexual & Family Violence-Victim Advocacy Training

The Rape Crisis Center Sexual Assault Training Program, San Antonio, TX

Utah

Utah State Victim Assistance Academy

Vermont

Vermont Victim Assistance Academy 

Virginia

City of Alexandria Sexual Assault Center Advocate Training

Virginia Victim Assistance Academy (prior to 2021)

Domestic Violence Program – Volunteer Training (City of Alexandria)

Washington

Working With Crime Victims: Saint Martin’s University, Department of Social Work

Family Support Center & Kids First CAC Victim Assistance Training (Colville, WA)

Core Victim Advocate Academy – Victim Support Services (2018 or later)

WAPA Core Advocacy Program

West Virginia

Blue Ridge Community & Technical College- Victim Advocacy Course

Wisconsin

Wyoming

Canada

Integrated Experience Academy– Victim Specialist Training

Military Pre-Approved Trainings

U.S. Air Force Sexual Assault Training Program
U.S. Army SHARP Foundation Course (80 hours)
U.S. Army SHARP Basic Course
U.S. Army SARC/VA Career Course (7 week)
U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Sexual Assault Prevention, Response & Recovery Program (with 10 hours OVC VAT Online modules supplemented as directed by USCG)
U.S. Marine Corps- Sexual Assault Prevention & Response Program Uniformed Victim Advocate Training
U.S. Navy Sexual Assault Victim Advocate Training (40 hours)
National Guard Bureau Sexual Assault Response & Prevention (SAPR) Training (2022 Update)

These organizations have submitted their forty-hour training curricula to the NACP Review Committee for review and pre-approval and are responsible to inform NACP of any changes in their training hours and topics. NACP does not regulate how often they hold their training, the training delivery or its quality; NACP requires that each pre-approved training be a minimum of forty hours and include the basic or foundation level topics outlined in its “Introductory Advocacy” training area.

 

Any program providing Introductory Victim Advocacy training may submit its curriculum for pre-approval by the National Advocate Credentialing Program (NACP) as meeting the minimum standards for a basic advocacy training.  Your training must include a minimum of forty (40) hours and all of the basic or foundation level topics listed below.  We understand that some topics will be covered throughout the training or within a module with a different topic heading.

If your training program meets all of the criteria, the program will be included among the other NACP pre-approved forty-hour training programs and will be added to the list of NACP Pre-Approved Training Programs.  The training will be listed as it appears on this application unless you tell us otherwise.  When available, the NACP list will include a link to your training website, as provided by the applying agency/organization.

Deadlines for Submission of Applications:

  • March 1st – 31st (March/April Review*)
  • June 1st – 30th (June/July Review*)
  • September 1st – 30th (September/October Review*)
  • December 1st – 31st (December/January Review*)

*please note that review timeframe is contingent upon application submission.  If we are able to process and review your application within the same month it is received, we absolutely will.

 One-Time Fee for Review of Introductory Victim Advocacy Training for NACP Pre-Approval: $200.00 *

*Fee waiver requests are accepted (refer to the payment page of the training pre-approval application for additional information)

Please be advised that all trainings pre-approved by NACP prior to August, 2016 will be grandfathered in and will not need to pay this fee.  However, ALL NACP Pre-Approved Training Programs will be asked to complete and submit this form for our records.  The status of each training program will be verified and/updated during our renewal period every two years thereafter.

Renewal of your training’s Pre-Approved status is at no cost to you providing the training is maintained at the minimum requirements (40 hours including the 10 core topics) and a renewal application update form is submitted every two years.  Failure to renew might result in your program being removed from our pre-approved training list, a re-assessment of your training program and an additional review fee.

Please Note:  If your program does not meet the NACP criteria, the NACP Review Committee will work with you to ensure your training meets NACP minimum standards.

NACP Basic Introductory Training Topics

  1. Advocacy/Role of the Advocate
  2. Cultural Sensitivity/Competency
  3. Case Management/Coordination
  4. Ethics/Confidentiality
  5. Civil/Criminal Justice System
  6. History of Victim Services
  7. Crime Victims Compensation
  8. Trauma of Victimization
  9. Crisis Intervention
  10. Victims’ Rights

Successful graduates of NACP pre-approved training programs will be eligible, at minimum, for the Provisional credential. Interested training program coordinators should submit their program’s curriculum with the completed training pre-approval application  to NACP for review and approval by email to  [email protected].

Thirty-two (32) hours of continuing education are required to renew your credentials and must be completed within two years of the application you are currently submitting. (e.g. if you submit your application by April 30th, you have from May 1st until April 30th – 2 years later – to obtain your 32 hours of continuing education)

The continuing education must be in victim assistance-related topics.  Applicants are encouraged to seek continuing education in more advanced topics, including new developments or emerging issues in the field.   Additionally, when you choose to upgrade your credential or change your Specialty, it is required that you include topics related to your Specialty area(s).

Continuing Education Training does not need pre-approval.  If you have a question about whether a training is acceptable, please send us an email at [email protected]  

Continuing Education Resources

General

Office for Victims of Crime Training and Technical Assistance Center

NOVA Victim Assistance Academy

NOVA’s Monthly Webinars

Sam Houston State University – Seminar in Victimology and Elder Crime & Victimization 

Child Abuse

National Children’s Advocacy Center

National Children’s Alliance

CRIJ 5384 Child Abuse and Neglect, Sam Houston State University’s Master of Science in Victim Services Management Program.

Domestic Violence

The Battered Women’s Justice Project

The National Center on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault has a listing of upcoming trainings around the country, including webinars

State Domestic Violence Coalitions

CRIJ 5383 Family Violence, Sam Houston State University’s Master of Science in Victim Services Management Program.

End Violence Against Women International (EVAWI)

Drunk Driving

Mothers Against Drunk Driving

Homicide

Survivors of Homicide

National Parents of Murdered Children’s 

Sexual Assault

The National Sexual Violence Resource Center

The National Center on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault has a listing of upcoming trainings around the country, including webinars

State Sexual Assault Coalitions

Program Management

The Foundation Center 

Nonprofit Resource Center

Victim Advocacy Ethics

The Office for Victims of Crime Training and Technical Assistance Center offers a 1-hour on-line Confidentiality and a .75-hour Ethics training module that counts towards the NACP Victim Advocacy Ethics CEU requirement (as part of their VAT Online Core Competency & Skills catalog). Please note the Ethics training module is only .75 CEUs, it cannot be rounded up and that if OVC’s VAT Online was used to satisfy the “Introductory Advocacy Training” requirement, the module will not be applicable.

The Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape & National Sexual Violence Resource Center offers a 1-hour on-line Ethical Practice and a 1-hour on-line Confidentiality training module that counts towards the NACP Victim Advocacy Ethics CEU requirement. Document completion of the course by listing it on page 3 of your submission and have your supervisor sign off on a corresponding NACP CED Form. We do not require you to pay the $20 to obtain the certificate of completion.

Texas Victim Assistance Training Online offers a 1-hour on-line ethics training that counts towards the NACP Victim Advocacy Ethics CEU requirement.  

The Washington Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs offers a 1-hour online Ethics of Confidentiality training that counts towards the NACP Victim Advocacy Ethics CEU requirement.  Document completion of the course by listing it on page 3 of your submission and have your supervisor sign off on a corresponding NACP CED Form.

Please refer to the NACP application forms for the continuing education requirements for your specific level and designations. These are examples of available training’ however, you are not limited to this list. Please seek training that is victim-assistance related from other sources as well.

NACP Continuing Education Information Sheet (Log)

Continuing Education Documentation (CED) Form

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Who should apply for NACP Credentialing?
    Aspiring victim advocates and/or those provide direct service victim assistance specifically to victims and survivors of crime. 
  • What Level of Credentialing should I apply for?
    Your eligibility for credentialing is based on the number of verified hours you have spent providing direct services to victims and survivors of crime. 
  • Where do I submit an NACP Application?
    Applications are accepted as follows:
    • Email  (preferred): [email protected] 
    • Fax:  (703) 535-5500
    • Mail: National Organization for Victim Advocacy
      ℅ NACP Applications
      510 King Street, Suite 220
      Alexandria, Virginia 22314
  • When are applications accepted?
    Applications are accepted and reviewed quarterly [jump to “Application Windows and Review Dates” section]
  • Why should I become NACP Credentialed
    [jump to “Benefits of Credentialing” section]
  • How do I apply for NACP Credentialing?
    • Download and complete the application that best suits your direct service experience [jump to “Apply to be a Credentialed Advocate” section]
    • Ensure that requirements are met based on the level you are applying for [jump to “Levels of Credentialing & Requirements” section]
  • Is there a fee to become NACP Credentialed?
    Yes, an application fee is required to process and prepare your submission. A military rate is available for all Active Duty members, Reserves, Veterans, Retirees or DOD Contract/Civilian Employees (note: the D-SAACP to NACP Bridge Application is not eligible for additional discounted rates)
    • Provisional Level Application: 
      • $70.00 standard rate
      • $55.00 military rate
    • Basic Intermediate or Advanced Level Applications: 
      • $140.00 standard rate
      • $100.00 military rate
    • D-SAACP to NACP Bridge Application: $40.00
    • Renewal at Current Level Application: 
      • $100.00  standard rate
      • $55.00 military rate
    • Renewal and Upgrade Application: 
      • $140.00  standard rate
      • $55.00 military rate
  • What are the stages of the NACP application process? Link to NACP Process Info Graphic 
    • Notification of application receipt- within 10 business days of application submission, applicants will receive a notification from our automated system indicating formal receipt of their application
    • Pre-review application screening- the NACP team will review all information provided by the applicant and provide feedback and advisement, as needed, to ensure the application is complete for Committee approval (first notification within 30 business days of submission).
      • Potential Pre-review status:
        • Awaiting Committee Review (pending)- no additional updates provided until after Committee Review
        • Incomplete- additional information or clarification required to complete submission
  • Is college coursework accepted toward my NACP Application:
    • New Applicants:
      • Effective August 1, 2025, all new applicants are required to successfully complete an NACP Pre-Approved Training to become credentialed; If the college course work you have completed is one of our pre-approved trainings and you have passed the course with a C or better, you may use that to satisfy NACP’s Introductory Advocacy Training requirement.
    • Renewal Applicants:
      • Coursework must be specific to victim advocacy to be accepted toward NACP’s continuing education (CE) renewal requirement. Please provide the NACP Team with a formal description of the coursework you are inquiring about for advisement prior to submitting your application to ensure that it meets NACP requirements. (note: college coursework is assessed as CEUs offered as opposed to contact hours).
  • After I receive my credential, what do I do next?

You will need 32 hours of continuing education during the two-year period after you receive your credential from NACP.  You should attend workshops, conferences, seminars, in-service training or webinars which are relevant to providing direct services to crime victims.  Special attention should be given to training which is specific to your specialty area(s), like domestic violence, sexual assault or child abuse.  College courses specific to crime victimization, the impact of crime on victims or victimology are relevant and are applicable either in part (one class in a course on Women’s Studies is devoted to the topic of rape, for example; therefore the entire course wouldn’t count, but the hours spent on the topic of rape would) or in its entirety (the course is Violence Against Women and discusses domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse).

You will need a certificate of attendance reflecting your name and the date, hours and topic documenting your attendance at the training.  If no certificates are offered, you should use the NACP Continuing Education Documentation (CED). This form should be printed out prior to the training and taken with you to document the date, hours and name of the training and the trainer. You should obtain the signature of the trainer, the workshop monitor or the sponsor of the training for each workshop, seminar or training program you attend IF no certificate of attendance reflecting the number of hours of training is offered.  You will not need both.  Continuing education is required for all levels of NACP credentialing – Provisional, Basic, Intermediate and Advanced.

  • May I apply to upgrade my credentials prior to them being scheduled to renew?

No. Unfortunately, we do not have enough room in our offices to store applications for future renewal periods. Please note that the quarterly reviews are set up to review the people who are expiring that term, so that their credentials will not expire prior to new credentials being approved. 

  • What is the Memorandum of Confirmation and when is it needed?

The Memorandum of Confirmation (M.O.C.) must be completed and signed, by someone in a position of authority to verify your employment, volunteer, internship or practicum experience, and returned to you for inclusion in your application packet.  Make copies of the form as needed.  NOTE: You should only provide the experience necessary to meet the credentialing level hours required for which you are applying. Documentation of ALL prior relevant experience may not be necessary.  The M.O.C. is required for Basic, Intermediate or Advanced applicants only.

  • What is the Client Contact Observation form and who completes it?

The Client Contact Observation form is required for all Basic, Intermediate or Advanced applicants.  This form is completed by someone who has had the opportunity to observe your interaction with victims of crime.  The form is a questionnaire and may be answered by checking yes or no, and the person completing it may add comments if she or he chooses.  The person completing the form returns it to the applicant for inclusion in the application packet.

  • The application requires three (3) letters of recommendation.  May I use general or employment recommendation letters which attest to my skills and abilities?

No, please do not send employment or general letters of recommendation with your application.  Letters should be recent and related to your application for NACP credentialing.  For example, your letters of support should be addressed to the NACP Review Committee and speak to your skills and abilities as an advocate as well as recommendation for credentialing by NACP.

  • Why am I required to sign the Code of Professional Ethics for Victim Assistance Providers?

Any profession’s members are accountable for their professional conduct and behavior with those they serve and with their colleagues.  Our profession is no different and as you become a part of the growing field of victim advocacy, NACP credentialing requires your agreement to adhere to the Code of Professional Ethics for Victim Assistance Providers.  When applying for your NACP credential, you must be familiar with the Code of Ethics, read and sign the document and, once approved, you will be held accountable to follow the Code in your daily interaction with those whom you serve, your colleagues and in your professional conduct.

  • If approved, how long will it be before I receive my credential certificate?

Once approved, your credential should arrive within 6-8 weeks after the end of each deadline period.  You will, however, receive an email notifying you that the Committee has approved your application shortly after the Committee makes its determination.  If you apply in April, the NACP Review Committee reviews and approves applications in May; approved applicants will receive their credentials 6-8 weeks from the April 30th deadline.   October applicants will receive their credentials 6-8 weeks from the October 31st deadline.

  • Once I receive my credential, how should it be used or how do I let others know I am a NACP credentialed advocate?

Your credential will be suitable for framing and may be displayed on your office wall.  You will also receive a wallet-sized card to carry with you.  In addition, you are encouraged to use the initials “CA” after your name on your business card and on your signature line for letters, email, etc.  An example would be:  Jane M. Doe, CA   Using the initials after your name indicates your membership in our growing profession as well as your professional recognition as a NACP credentialed victim service professional.

  • How many levels of credentialing are there?

NACP offers 4 levels of credentialing [jump to “Levels of Credentialing & Requirements” section]

  • How do I determine what level of credentialing I should apply at as a first time applicant? 

By calculating your direct service experience and ensuring that you meet all other requirements [jump to “Levels of Credentialing & Requirements” section] for the level that corresponds with the direct service hours calculations (see the NACP Memorandum of Confirmation for details on how to calculate your direct service hours)

  • Am I required to complete an NACP Pre-Approved Training to become credentialed? 

Effective August 1, 2025, all applicants will be required to successfully complete an NACP Pre-Approved Trainings and provide the corresponding certificate of completion or transcript to indicate they have met the minimum training requirement to be credentialed. 

  • How do I know if the training I completed is NACP Pre-Approved?

Please visit our NACP pre-approved training list [jump to “NACP Pre-Approved Training” section] for a current list of NACP Pre-Approved Trainings by State. 
(note: pre-approved higher education programs where a transcript is provided in lieu of a certificate of completion, require that the applicant has successfully completed the course with a C or better at the time of applying for NACP Credentialing.)

  • How long is the NACP Pre-Approved Training I completed valid when applying as a new applicant?

Effective August 1, 2025, an NACP Pre-Approved Training is required to be successfully completed within 10 years of applying as a first-time applicant with NACP.

  • Who can apply for a specialty designation?

Applicants applying at the Basic, Intermediate or Advanced Levels are encouraged to apply for a specialty designation within their NACP Credential.
(Note: Applicants applying with a D-SAACP to NACP Bridge Application are not eligible for a specialty designation).

  • What are the requirements for applying for a specialty designation?

Requirements for specialty designation depend on the level of credentialing you are applying for, and assess both the training experience (NACP Specialty Training Log) and direct services provided to the specified populations (Client Contact Observation Form).

  • What are “B” Level Training hours?

“B” level training is any foundational training that includes topics considered basic and necessary for advocates to be trained in, specific to the populations and/or crime types served (example: domestic violence “B” level training could be a training on temporary protective orders).

  • What are “C” Level Training hours?

“C” level training is any in-depth training that includes topics considered more advanced and necessary for advocates to be trained in, specific to the populations and/or crime types served (example: domestic violence “C” level training could be a training on strangulation).

  • How many specialty designations can I apply for?

You may apply for a maximum of 2 individual specialty designations OR a comprehensive service specialty designation. 

  • What is the difference between individual specialty designations and a comprehensive specialty designation? 
    • Individual specialty designation(s): 
      • Can apply for a maximum of 2
      • Require that the training requirement, depending on level, be met by providing training hours specific to the population/crime type
    • Comprehensive specialty designation:
      • Comprised of 3 or more of the indicated populations/crime types
      • Requires that the training requirement, depending on level, be met by providing training hours specific to the 3 or more populations/crime types indicated are independent to comprise your comprehensive specialty designation 

(Note: when applying at the Intermediate or Advanced Levels, the training hours logged in both “B” and “C” Levels should be within the same 3 or more populations/crime types).

  • How do I determine what specialty designation I should apply for?

Your specialty designation should be comprised of populations you serve on a daily basis and that you complete training [jump to “Levels of Credentialing & Requirements” section]  and continuing education (CE) specific to.

  • Can I modify or change my specialty designation?
    Yes, you can apply to change or modify your specialty designation when renewing your NACP Credentials.
    • When applying to renew your credentials at their current level: 
      • Indicate that you would like to change/modify your designation (page 1 of Renewal at Current Level Application) 
      • Complete an NACP Specialty Modification Packet [link to NACP Specialty Modification Packet]
    • When applying to renew and upgrade your credentials:
      • Indicate that you would like to change/modify your designation (page 1 of Renewal and Upgrade Application [link to Renewal/Upgrade Applications on Application and Forms section]
      • Complete the appropriate Specialty Training Documentation page(s) for the designation you would like to apply for (pages 4-8; Note: you are only required to complete the pages that coincide with the designation(s) you are applying for)
      • Client Contact Observation Form completed by a professional who can evaluate your interaction with and services provided to designation specialized population (pages 10- 12 of Renewal and Upgrade Application [link to Renewal/Upgrade Applications on Application and Forms section]
  • Why should I apply for a specialty designation within my NACP credential?

To highlight the specialized training and direct service experience you have in serving specific populations and/or crime types.

  • Am I required to apply for an upgrade to the next or higher level when I renew my credential after two years?

No, you are not required to apply for the next or higher level after two years.  You may renew at the same level if you choose but you must provide documentation of your required 32 hours of continuing education.

  • What if I want to upgrade to the next or higher level when it is time for me to renew?

If you choose to renew and upgrade to the next or a higher level, you must provide an additional Memorandum of Confirmation to verify your experience meeting the minimum number of hours required for that level,  You must also submit all other required documentation.  Additional Client Contact Observation forms and letters of recommendation are not necessary unless you add or change specialty areas.

  • May I apply to upgrade my credentials prior to them being scheduled to renew?

No. Unfortunately, we do not have enough room in our offices to store applications for future renewal periods. Please note that the quarterly reviews are set up to review the people who are expiring that term, so that their credentials will not expire prior to new credentials being approved.

  • When will I be notified of the “incomplete” status of my application?

You will be notified via email within 30 days from submission of the status of your application. You will receive a second notification of your incomplete status within 10 business days of the first, if the status remains incomplete.

  • How do I resolve the “incomplete” status of my application? 

The notifications you receive regarding the incomplete status of your submission will indicate the information required to complete your submission.

  • What timeframe can I provide the requested information to the NACP Team for processing and still be reviewed by the NACP Committee for the quarterly review I applied for?

It can take our team up to 5 business days to process in supplemental documentation, so it should be provided at least 5 business days prior to the scheduled Committee Review [jump to “Application Windows and Review Dates” section] , if not sooner. 

  • How long can my submission remain in an “incomplete” status before it is closed out?

Your application can remain incomplete.. Provide examples

Incomplete- through NACP Review application was submitted for 

Abeyance- incomplete for 1 full NACP Review (approximately 3 months)

Closed- incomplete for 2 full NACP Reviews (approximately 6 months)

  • What if my credentials have expired? Do I need to start over?
    No.  You do not need to and should not start over.  You may bring your credential status up-to-date and renew at your current level by providing the Renewal Application and the required CEU’s (Continuing Education Units).  If you are interested in upgrading your credential, you will need to fill out the Renewal/Upgrade Application and provide the documentation which supports your required Continuing Education Units as well as your additional hours of victim services.  If you have questions about your specific situation, please send us an email at [email protected]
  • I want to apply for the D-SAACP to NACP Bridge by my credentials are expired. What do I do?

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