FAQ’s

Where and when will I submit the NACP application packet?

Applications are accepted quarterly as follows:

November 1- January 31 (February Review)

February 1- April 30 (May Review)

May 1- July 31 (August Review)

August 1- October 31 (November Review)

Make sure all documents are dated, signed where appropriate; please note that the dates must be current.  Also, please ensure all attachments (where applicable) are attached. When completed, please email, fax, or mail your application and supporting pages to:

Email address: credential@thenacp.org 

Fax number: (703) 535-5500

Mailing address:

NACP Applications

National Organization for Victim Assistance

510 King Street • Suite 220

Alexandria, VA 22314

 Ensure that your email address is correct and legible on Page 1 of your application. You will receive confirmation of receipt and updates on the status of your NACP application via email.

How much will it cost to become credentialed?

 Effective February 2016, the fees for the NACP applications were set as follows:

– Provisional $70

– New Basic, Intermediate or Advanced $140

– Renewal (at current level) $100

– Renewal with Upgrade to next Level $140

– D-SAACP to NACP Bridge application $40

How many levels of credentialing are available and how do I determine which level is appropriate for me?

 Four levels of credentialing are offered – Provisional, Basic, Intermediate and Advanced.  Eligibility for each is based upon minimum requirements.  The Levels and minimum requirements for each are as follows:

Provisional – No experience in the field is required.  Applicants must have completed a NACP Pre-Approved forty-hour basic training program.  Completion of one of these NACP Pre-Approved training programs is also acceptable to meet the “A” Level Introductory Advocacy training requirement for all other NACP credential levels.

Basic

  • Completion of 40 hours “A” Level Introductory Advocacy training;
  • A minimum of 20 hours of “B” Level Basic training for each area of specialty;
  • A minimum of 3900 hours (2 years) verified experience;
  • Client Contact Observation Form(s); and
  • Three (3) letters of recommendation

Intermediate

  • Completion of 40 hours “A” Level Introductory Advocacy training;
  • A minimum of 20 hours of “B” Level Basic training for each area of specialty;
  • A minimum of 10 hours of “C” Level More Advanced training for each area of specialty;
  • A minimum of 7800 hours (4 years) verified experience;
  • Client Contact Observation Form(s); and
  • Three (3) letters of recommendation

Advanced

  • Completion of 40 hours “A” Level Introductory Advocacy training;
  • A minimum of 20 hours of “B” Level Basic training for each area of specialty;
  • A minimum of 20 hours of “C” Level More Advanced training for each area of specialty;
  • A minimum of 15,600 hours (8 years) verified experience;
  • Client Contact Observation Form(s); and
  • Three (3) letters of recommendation
  •  

What are the specialty areas and what do I choose if I serve multiple populations?

 Applicants for the Basic, Intermediate or Advanced NACP credentialing levels may select their specialty area(s) listed below:

Comprehensive (Serving three (3) or more of the populations listed below)

  • Comprehensive
  • Sexual Assault
  • Domestic Violence
  • Child Abuse
  • Homicide
  • Campus Advocacy
  • Program Management (For program directors/managers and should be in addition to one or more of the populations above.)

If you serve three or more populations, you should select the Comprehensive specialty area.  This might be the case if you work in a prosecutor-based program or if you serve multiple populations (e.g.; Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse) in a domestic violence shelter or rape crisis center.  Still not sure?  Contact us by email at credential@thenacp.org and we’ll be glad to help!

How do I know if my state victim assistance academy or other introductory training is NACP pre-approved? 

Please visit our NACP pre-approved training list  for a current list of Preapproved Trainings by State.  All NACP Pre-Approved training programs offer a minimum of 40 hours of training and include the NACP required 10 basic topics.

Must I attend a NACP Pre-Approved Training program to receive my credential?

 Any applicant applying for the Provisional credential MUST have completed a NACP Pre-Approved training program.   Applicants for Basic, Intermediate or Advanced may have completed a NACP Pre-Approved training program to meet their “A” Level Introductory Advocacy training (Option 1) or they may select Option 2 on the application form to itemize the approximate number of hours they have had in each of the NACP required 10 basic topics.

Training-  How do I determine the total number of hours of training I have had in each topic

(A, B and C Levels)?

The easiest way to understand the difference between the A, B and C level training areas is this:

  • “A” Level Introductory Advocacy training includes the basic topics ALL advocates should have training in regardless of the population(s) they serve. (e.g. crisis intervention, trauma of victimization)
  • “B” Level Basic training includes any topics considered basic and necessary for advocates to have based upon the population(s) they serve. (e.g. domestic violence law, temporary protective orders)
  • “C” Level More Advanced training includes any topics considered more advanced and necessary for advocates to have based upon the population(s) the serve. (e.g. strangulation, ID theft in DV)

If you have attended one of the NACP Pre-Approved training programs, simply list that training program under Option 1 of the Introductory Advocacy Training and attach a copy of your certificate of completion.

If you have not, attended a NACP Pre-Approved training program, you must select Option 2 under the Introductory Advocacy Training and itemize the number of hours of training you have had under each of the NACP required ten basic topics.  We know that it is difficult for experienced advocates to try to determine all their hours in the topics they have received training on throughout their career, so we are asking that you “guesstimate” the average number of hours you believe that you’ve had rather than sending us all your documentation.  If for example, you know that you took a course that included the topic “crisis intervention,” and that topic was discussed for approximately 1 hour; and you know that the victim assistance academy also included 3 hours on crisis intervention in its curriculum, you can just record 4 hours there under the Option 2, “A” Level Introductory Advocacy training.  We realize that you may have had many more trainings, college classes, workshops, etc. that might have included “crisis intervention,” and therefore, if you want to estimate that you have had an approximate total of 20+ hours in crisis intervention over the years, that is acceptable. Some people have kept their certificates and if so, may add up their hours by subject, too. We are not asking for documentation because we, too, would find it very difficult to determine what, if any, of the topics from the “A,” “B” or “C” Levels might have been included in any of the documented training you’ve had.

Therefore, you are asked to do your best to estimate the number of hours in each topic of the “A” Level Introductory Advocacy training and the total number of hours in any of the topics listed or related topics that may not be listed, from both the “B” and “C” Levels.  Training documentation on the application form described above is required for Basic, Intermediate and Advanced applicants only; however, Provisional applicants must provide a certificate of completion from a NACP Pre-Approved 40-hour training program.

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.

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. 

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 

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.