Meeting the Moment: NACP Expiration Date Extensions
Updates Effective November 1, 2025
10/31/2025
We recognize that survivors and the professionals who support them cannot always wait for external circumstances to settle. Victim services are essential, and we know this period of uncertainty caused by the government shutdown may be creating added challenges. Please know that our commitment to you and the communities you serve remains steady.
To make things a little easier, we’re offering options to extend your credentials so you don’t have to worry about missing renewal deadlines. Here’s what that looks like:
If your credentials expire on 12/31/2025 and…
- You have already submitted your application OR submit your application by 11:59 PM EST on 10/31/2025:
- Once the NACP Team screens your application and confirms that all requirements have been met, your submission will be reviewed during the December 2025 NACP Review, scheduled for December 10–11, 2025.
- If your application is incomplete at the time of screening, you will have until 11:59 PM EST on 12/5/2025 to submit the requested information.
- Applications completed by this deadline will remain eligible for the December 2025 Review.
- If you have been impacted by the government shutdown and are unable to meet renewal requirements and/or submit a renewal application:
- If you are due to renew and do not submit an application by the October 31, 2025 deadline for the December Review, we will provide a courtesy extension.
- You will receive an updated approval notification confirming your NACP Credentials have been extended through February 28, 2026.
Next Steps for Applicants Who Do Not Submit a Renewal Application by October 31, 2025:
- If we do not receive your application by 11:59 PM EST on 10/31/2025 for consideration in the December 2025 Review, your credentials will be extended through February 28, 2026.
- To complete your renewal, you must submit your digital application no later than 11:59 PM EST on 1/31/2026 for consideration in the February 2026 NACP Review.
If you have questions or need assistance, please contact us at credential@thenacp.org
We appreciate all that you do for survivors and the communities you serve. Please know that we are here to support you every step of the way and are committed to helping you maintain your credentials without disruption.
As part of our continued efforts to ensure a streamlined, inclusive, and meaningful process, we’re excited to share several important updates—designed with your experience and the evolving needs of the field of victim advocacy in mind.
Here's what's new:
- Introductory Advocacy Training
- All new applicants will be required to complete an NACP Pre-Approved Training course to become credentialed. This training must have been successfully completed no more than 10 years prior at the time of application submission.
- A Certificate of Completion or transcript is required.
- Ethics Requirement
- NACP will require two (2) hours of ethics within each renewal application
- We always offer ethics courses at NOVA’s Annual Training Event, both in-person and virtual!
- Redesigned Website & Fresh New Look:
We’re excited to share our refreshed webpage—designed to reflect the professionalism and impact of the credential, while increasing its visibility across the field. All NACP information is now housed on the NOVA website, where you’ll find a streamlined layout that makes it easier to access application materials, FAQs, and the latest updates. - Updated Application Forms coming November 1, 2025:
We’re launching new application materials that are clearer, more concise, and designed to better capture the information needed for assessment. These updates help simplify your submission process while maintaining high standards.- Digital Application Process:
This enhancement will provide a faster, more secure, and convenient experience throughout the application process.- Paper applications will not be accepted after October 31, 2025.
- If you are part of a group submission, please use the application link provided to you by your internal point of contact to ensure accurate and timely processing of your application.
- If you access the application from NACP's website, you will be prompted to provide a group code for payment and will need to reach out to your internal point of contact to obtain the payment code generated by NACP in order to submit your application.
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Removal of Specialty Designations:
Within the updated applications, and in recognition of the diverse, overlapping roles in victim advocacy, we’ve retired the specialty designation from the credential. This change promotes clarity, consistency, and inclusivity—ensuring your credential reflects the full scope of your experience.
- Digital Application Process:
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Modified Continuing Education Guidelines:
We’ve made thoughtful adjustments to our continuing education requirements to better support your professional growth. Details can be found on the NACP Resource Page.
- Additional Notifications:
You can expect extra reminders if your submission is at risk for being closed out due to not meeting program requirements timely (2 NACP Reviews from submission). We'll also let you know if your submission has been closed out and how to get your credentials back on track! - Meeting the Moment: Interim 40-hour NACP Pre-Approved Training Coming soon!
- We are developing an interim pre-approved training program to provide new applicants with timely access to required learning while other pre-approved training sources may not be available.
Prior NACP Updates
January 2025- New Year, New NACP
Last year, NACP completed field research in an effort to ensure that our program will continue to go hand in hand with the unique experiences of victim advocacy, and we are excited to begin rolling out meaningful changes to the program. We’re thrilled to share some exciting updates about NACP that we believe will make this experience even more incredible for you!
Here’s what’s new:
- NACP Scholarship Program
- Ethics Requirement
- NACP will require two (2) hours of ethics within each renewal application
- We always offer ethics courses at NOVA’s Annual Training Event, both in-person and virtual!
- Introductory Advocacy Training
- All new applicants will be required to complete an NACP Pre-Approved Training course to become credentialed. This training must have been successfully completed no more than 10 years prior at the time of application submission.
- A Certificate of Completion or transcript is required.
These changes will take effect beginning August 1, 2025.