Would you like to bring life to your Humanist values in a professional or volunteer role? Are you interested in being a listening ear for those struggling with life’s challenges? Do you relish the opportunity to engage in community building? If you are passionate about helping others and about advancing secular values, you might be well suited to become a Humanist Chaplain.

Step 1: Join Humanist Canada

The first step to becoming a Humanist Chaplain is to be a member of Humanist Canada. If you’re not already a member, you can enrol right here on our website.

Step 2: Inform Yourself

• Read the Humanist Chaplaincy Accreditation Program (HCAP) available here to find out if you meet the requirements needed for the program.
• Explore the Humanist Canada website and social media accounts.
• Learn more about Humanism and confirm whether this is a worldview/philosophy of life that resonates with you.

Step 3: Contact Us To Express Your Interest

Please note the following eligibility requirements:

• The program is open only to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.
• Applicants must intend to volunteer or work as chaplains in Canada upon completion of the program.
• Applicants must already have, or be actively exploring, an organization where they hope to serve (accreditation does not come with placement).
• Humanism is a non-theistic worldview. Humanist chaplains typically identify as atheists, agnostics, or hold other non-religious worldviews. If you believe in a god or gods, we encourage you to explore one of the many chaplaincy programs aligned with your beliefs.

Step 4: Successfully Complete Phase 1 – Initial Training

Suitable candidates remotely complete their part-time Phase 1 – Initial Training from September to May.

Step 5: Complete the Formal Application to Request Accreditation

Step 7: Successfully Complete Phase 2 – Core Training

Selected candidates remotely complete their part-time Phase 2 – Core Training during the summer months.

Step 8: Accreditation

Once training successfully completed, candidates will be accredited by the Humanist Canada Chaplaincy Committee. Accredited chaplains are required to uphold the standards of the HCAP to remain accredited by Humanist Canada.

Step 9: Mentorship

Once chaplains begin working/volunteering as a chaplain in an organization, they are assigned a  mentor for a year.  The mentor is an accredited senior Humanist Canada Chaplain who will help to guide the chaplain in their chaplaincy journey, provide advice, and share practical knowledge.