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nacp

National Advocate Credentialing Program (NACP) Resource Page

On this page you will find: 

  • NACP Pre-Approved Introductory Advocacy Trainings

  • How to Get Your Training Pre-Approved 

  • Continuing Education Guidelines for Renewing Credentials

  • Trainings Commonly Used for Continuing Education

  • Frequently Asked Questions

NACP Pre-Approved Introductory Advocacy Trainings

Effective August 1, 2025, all NACP applicants are required to complete an NACP Pre-Approved Introductory Advocacy Training to become credentialed. Each NACP Pre-Approved Training requires that the training be a minimum of forty hours and include the basic or foundation level topics outlined in our training pre-approval application. Trainings are listed below, broken down by category; Access a complete list of NACP Pre-Approved Trainings HERE.

Organizations with an NACP Pre-Approved Training status have submitted their forty-hour training curricula to the NACP Review Committee for review and pre-approval and are responsible for informing the NACP of any changes in their training hours and topics. Please note that NACP does not regulate how often the training is held, the training delivery or its quality.

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 through 2/2025 **Note: some training modules required to complete the course in its entirety, as required for NACP Credentialing, may not be available at this time.**

  • (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: TTAC@ovcttac.org/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

State Victim Assistance Academies

Arizona:

Delaware:

Georgia:

Illinois:

Indiana:

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

Kansas:

Kentucky:

Louisiana:

  • Louisiana State Victim Assistance Academy

Maine:

  • Maine Attorney General’s Office- Maine Victim Assistance Academy

Maryland:

Minnesota:

Missouri:

  • Missouri State Victim Assistance Academy

Montana:

Nebraska:

Nevada:

New Jersey:

New Mexico:

  • New Mexico Basic Victim Assistance Academy

New York:

Oklahoma:

Oregon:

Rhode Island

South Carolina:

Tennessee:

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

Utah:

  • Utah State Victim Assistance Academy

Vermont:

Virginia: 

  • Virginia Victim Assistance Academy (prior to 2021)
College Courses

California:

Maine:

  • York Community College- Introduction to Victim Advocacy course

Massachusetts: 

Missouri:

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

New Jersey:

  • Rider University- Introduction to Victim Advocacy

South Carolina: 

  • University of South Carolina Beaufort- Introduction to Victim Advocacy

Washington:

West Virginia:

Military/Service Specific 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)

Additional Pre-Approved Trainings A-Z

Alabama:

Arizona:

  • Arizona Center Against Sexual Assault

Arkansas:

Canada:

  • Integrated Experience Academy– Victim Specialist Training

Colorado:

Delaware:

Guam:

  • Teal and Purple Roses Victim Advocate Training Course

Idaho:

Indiana:

Maryland:

Massachusetts:

Michigan:

Mississippi

Montana:

Nevada:

New Mexico:

North Carolina:

Ohio:

Pennsylvania:

South Carolina:

Texas

Virginia:

Washington:

Get Your Training Pre-Approved by the NACP

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.

Initial Training Pre-Approval Application & Process

Deadlines for Submission of Applications:

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

 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 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.

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  credential@thenacp.org.

Renewing Your Training's Pre-Approved Status

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.

Continuing Education Guidance

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)

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 credential@thenacp.org  

Follow the NACP on Social Media for latest updates and resources!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I become NACP Credentialed?

Credentialing offers many benefits to those in the victim assistance field, including but not limited to:

  • Enhanced recognition, credibility and mobility in the victim assistance field
  • Professional identification with a group whose common ground is victim services and whose members abide by a Professional Code of Ethics for Victim Service Professionals
  • Credentialed advocates receive a certificate suitable for framing and a portable wallet card.
  • Credentialed advocates may use the designation “CA” after their names.
    • NACP credentialed advocates are encouraged to use the initials “CA” (Credentialed Advocate) after their names to exercise their professional standing in the victim advocacy field.  For example, Registered Nurses or “RNs” are immediately recognized as professionals signified by the initials after their names.  NACP promotes the use of the CA initials by credentialed advocates to move toward the same recognition and the professionalization of our field.  In addition to the NACP displayable credential certificate and wallet card, advocates should use the CA on their business cards and signature lines to further distinguish themselves among their colleagues.
When are applications accepted, and how do I apply?

Applications are accepted and reviewed quarterly.

Application Windows & Review Dates:

Application Window

Review Month

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.

 

Download and complete the application that best suits your direct service experience, AND Ensure that requirements are met based on the level you are applying for.

Once you're ready to submit, applications are accepted as follows: 

  • Email  (preferred): credential@thenacp.org 
  • Fax:  (703) 535-5500
  • Mail: National Organization for Victim Advocacy

℅ NACP Applications 

510 King Street, Suite 220

Alexandria, Virginia 22314

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.

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 is the application process and what do the different application statuses mean?
NACP Process (General)

  • 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

*Note: The NACP Committee reviews all completed/pending NACP Applications. If your application remains incomplete when the Committee convenes, their submission will not be reviewed. 

  • Post-review application status- within 5 business days from completion of each quarterly review, applicants will be notified of the status of their submission:
    • Approved- all requirements met
    • Approved if additional information is provided by specific deadline- most requirements met, but additional information or clarification may be required to ensure requirements are met
    • Denied- requirements were not met
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.

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. 

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.

Training

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.

All NACP Pre-Approved Trainings can be found HERE.

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.

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).

Applications & Forms

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.

Specialty Designations

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.

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" and "C" 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).

“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).

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])

Renewals

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.

Incomplete Applications

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, if not sooner. 

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

Your application can remain incomplete.. 
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)

Levels of Credentialing

How many levels of credentialing are there, and how do I determine what level I should apply at as a first-time applicant?

NACP Offers 4 levels of Credentialing: Provisional, Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced.

By calculating your direct service experience and ensuring that you meet all other requirements 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) 

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.

Lapsed Credentials

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 credential@thenacp.org 

Groups & Contracts

Does the NACP Offer Group Services or Contracts?

When contracting with groups (10 or more applicants)  for NACP credentialing, we offer the following services for an additional 20% fee.  Our Group Services plan was developed to offer better customer service to groups seeking credentialing and to cover our additional administrative costs associated with providing the following:
•    Scheduled Quarterly Reports
•    Option for bulk payment
•    Scheduled training on NACP and the application process, upon request
 The above list is not offered to the general public applying for NACP certification.
Please contact us for additional information.