There are four levels of catechist certification, preliminary certificate, catechist certificate, advanced catechist certificate and the professional catechist certificate.

Catechist Certificate
Requirements: 60 clock hours of formation (30 in addition to the Preliminary Certificate); 10 hours minimum in each Area of Growth
Length of Validity: 5 years
Persons expected to achieve this level of certification:
Parish Catechists: Catechists of adults, youth, children, persons with special needs, and RCIA candidates for Initiation.
Catholic School: Catholic teachers who teach Religion in Grades K-5. While the above persons are expected to achieve and maintain this level of certification, they are encouraged to advance to the next level. The clock hours gained through the reception of the above two certifications are accumulative to the next level.

Advanced Catechist Certificate
Requirements: 100 clock hours of formation; 40 beyond Catechist Certification
Length of Validity: 5 years
Persons expected to achieve this level of certification:
Parish Administrators of Religious Education, Religion, Curriculum Coordinators in Catholic elementary schools, Principals in Catholic elementary schools, Volunteer Coordinators of Sacramental Preparation, Volunteer Coordinators of RCIA, Volunteer Coordinators of Adult Faith Formation, Volunteer Coordinators of Persons with Special Needs
Although these individuals are expected to achieve and maintain this level of certification, they may choose to seek the Professional Catechist Certificate. The Professional Catechist Certificate level of certification requires academic credits, either graduate or undergraduate. These credits must be granted by colleges or universities which are recognized by the Division of Evangelization and Catechesis. When applying for this level of certificiation a transcript must be sent to the Coordinator of Catechist Formation.

Professional Catechist Certificate
Requirements: 18 academic credits; 2 credits minimum in each Area of Growth
Length of Validity: 10 years
Persons expected to achieve this level of certification:
Parish Directors/Coordinators of Religious Education, Parish Directors/Coordinators of Adult Faith Formation All individuals listed above are expected to achieve and maintain this level of certification.
Catechetical Specializations: Catechetical specializations include specialization in Adult Faith Formation and in serving persons with disabilities.

If you are interested in becoming a catechist in the Archdiocese of Baltiore, please contact your parish or school directly.