1. Basic Catechist Certification (Foundation Certificate for Teachers)
    Complete the following courses:

• Foundational Principles and Practices for Catechists
• Foundations Course 1: Getting to Know Vatican II
• Foundations Course 2: An Introduction to the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
• Foundations Course 3: Catechesis - Passing on the Faith: An Overview of the General Directory for Catechesis

2. Intermediate Catechist Certification (Level 1 Certificate for Teachers)
    Complete the following courses:

• Foundations Course 4: Building A Culture of Life - The Church's Social Teachings
• Foundations Course 5: Living Vatican II Today

3. Advanced Catechist Certification: School of Christian Formation (SCF) Classroom or Online

One must first earn the Basic and Intermediate Catechist Certification and then enroll in the School of Christian Formation (a diocesan sponsored adult faith formation program) to earn the Advanced Catechist Certification.  The School of Christian Formation consists of 12 courses.  The courses are offered at various locations throughout the diocese.  Typically, a student completes four courses per year over a three year period.   Those who have already earned their Basic and Intermediate Certification through the Searchlight Virtual School automatically receive credit for the Vatican II and Social Doctrine courses upon enrollment in the School of Christian Formation, but must complete the remaining ten courses to obtain the Advanced Catechist Certification.

The School of Christian Formation has an online division provided by the Searchlight Virtual School, so Advanced Catechist Certification can also be earned via the internet.  Online courses require completion of online tutorials and submission of an electronic assessment of the course text.  For an overview of the School of Christian Formation's online courses (goals and objectives, tutorials, and required texts), click here. Cost: $30.00 per course, plus the purchase of the text.

The School of Christian Formation issues the Agent of Evangelization Certificate to all who complete the three-year, twelve-course cycle.  So Catechists who complete this advanced level will receive two certificates, one issued through the Office of the School of Christian Formation (Agent of Evaneglization) and one issued through the Office of Catechetical Leadership and Youth Ministry Formation (Advanced Catechist Certification).