National Advocate Credentialing Program (NACP) Archived News & Updates!

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.

  • 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.

• 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.