You are here: Home / Certifications /
Certified Thanatologist Pastoral Specialist (CTPS)
A need has been expressed for excellence, competency, integrity and established professional qualifications in almost every field and discipline. Professionals, paraprofessionals and technicians have each taken up this challenge and responsibility.
CCPC Global Inc., a recognized certifying body, is responding to both social expectation and professional need, to certify those qualified individuals who are engaged in the counselling ministry of Thanatology. (Death, Dying, Grief and Bereavement)
Those wishing to be certified and requesting the designation of Certified Thanatologist Pastoral Specialist (CTPS) will provide information to the CCPC indicating their education, supervised internship and specialized training in the field of Thanatology.
Purpose of Certification
The Purpose of Certification for the Thanatologist Pastoral Specialist is to recognize, by way of the certification process, those who have acquired an acceptable standard of training, skills, and effectiveness as a Thanatologist Pastoral Specialist.
CCPC Global extends the professional credentials CTPS to individuals indicating the minimum skill level reached.
CCPC encourages everyone having the required qualifications to apply regardless of age, race, nationality, sex or handicap.
Our focus is:
- To provide the avenue for qualified persons who have studied, worked and developed skills in the field of Thanatology to receive professional recognition.
- To provide the public with the confidence that Thanatologists have attained an acceptable level of competency.
- To provide Certified Thanatologists Pastoral Specialist with encouragement for continual spiritual awareness, education and professional development.
Who may be certified?
Any person may apply for credentials as a Certified Thanatologist Pastoral Specialist (CTPS). However, he or she must be able to meet the “Standards Criteria” set by the CCPC Examining Board. The application process provides the opportunity for the applicant to demonstrate adequate skill, knowledge and competence as a Thanatologist.
Education Required
The CCPC has set the following Education standards for the CTPS certification process.
An applicant applying for certification must have a master’s degree from a recognized accredited institution with a focus in biblical, theological studies and a minimum of six courses in thanatology.
Experience Required
The applicant must complete a minimum 260-hour internship that is approved by your academic institution. At the end of the internship period, the applicant’s supervisor is asked to complete a Supervisors Evaluation and Endorsement Form accompanied by a letter on official stationery.
Professional Responsibilities
CCPC Global expects its applicants to:
- Adhere to the established code of ethics to preserve a high standard of professionalism and to secure the client’s best interest.
- Maintain federal, provincial and agency regulations concerning confidentiality by following proper procedures to preserve the client’s rights.
- Identify the importance of the diversity of clients by attaining knowledge about character, cultures, lifestyles, and other elements that are dominant to a client’s behaviour, in order to advise services that are sensitive to the client.
- Set up and maintain a program of self-assessment of professional conduct (strength and weakness) using ethical and legal standards.
- Continue the process of professional growth and development by assessing one’s training needs and attaining the necessary education.
Professional References
Applicants are asked to obtain two letters of reference from qualified professionals indicating the applicant’s personal integrity and suitability. All references are treated with STRICT PROFESSIONAL CONFIDENTIALITY.
All references are for the purpose of assisting the CCPC Examining Board to make a fair and complete evaluation of the competency of the applicant.
The written references should include the following information as well as a recommendation for or against the candidate’s certification.
How does the applicant demonstrate sensitivity toward others particularly those who are grieving?
- How has the applicant demonstrated reliability in carrying out their responsibilities in their ministry setting?
- Does the applicant have an acceptable level of competency in the field of thanatology?
- Give examples of the applicant’s ability to work with others.
- Comment on the communication skills of the applicant.
- Comment on the applicant’s ethical (professional/personal) conduct.
The CCPC reserves the right to request additional information if required.
Keep a Record of your Application
It is recommended that all applicants maintain a personal file for their records. This file should contain copies of all of the following documents: the completed application; all past and current training-related transcripts, diplomas, and certificates; and a record of hours worked both in education and training and in work experience. The CCPC performs periodic checks of those certifications which require continual training or minimum hours worked.
Certification Renewal Requirements
To keep your certification in good standing it must be renewed every two years on the anniversary of your official certification approval date. Failure to renew on time will result in late fees and or expiration of your certification.
We ask you to demonstrate ongoing development by attaining 10 CEU’s in the field of Thanatology over the period of two (2) years. You will be required to submit documentation of all CEU’s that apply to your renewal application.
How to Apply
If you are interested in applying for this certification, please go to the manuals page and download a copy of the CTPS manual or simply CLICK HERE and follow the steps. If you need more help or direction, contact us.