Master Certification

California Master Catechist Certification Guidelines

The California Master Catechist Certificate is an advanced-level catechetical certification. The formation and certification standards are set by the California Catholic Conference and periodically revised. Each Diocese in California is responsible for issuing and renewing the California Master Catechist Certification. Because the standards for certification are established by the Bishops’ Conference, certifications granted in one diocese may be recognized by another if the catechist moves to another diocese in the state.

Any person seeking a Master Catechist Certificate must have been a certified California Catechist for at least one year. This certification is especially appropriate for Catechetical leaders in parish settings (for all age groups) or those discerning a leadership position; Catholic school administrators; Catholic school teachers in Catholic elementary and middle schools; and Theology/Religion teachers in Catholic high schools.

The Diocese of San Bernardino requires the following coursework in order to meet the formation standards for the California Master Catechist Certification:

Completion of the ministerial leadership track in the diocesan Continuing Ministry Formation Program or the equivalent coursework from an accredited university.
Completion of the following five courses offered by the Virtual Learning Community of Faith Formation (VLCFF) at the University of Dayton, earning a minimum score of “Good” (6-8) in each: Sacraments; Vocation, Spirituality and Discipleship of Catechists; Faith and Human Development; Introduction to Practical Morality; Designing a Parish Catechetical Plan.

After having completed the required formation coursework, those seeking the California Master Catechist Certification should request and complete the required application form from the Ministry Formation Institute. Once the application is received, a time will be scheduled to observe the applicant facilitating two different catechetical classes/experiences. In addition, an interview with a diocesan team will be scheduled before the decision to grant the Master Catechist Certificate is made.