Basic Certification

The California Catechist Certificate is a basic-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 Catechist Certification. Because the standards for certification are by the Bishops’ Conference, certifications granted in one diocese may be recognized by another if the catechist moves to another diocese in the state.

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

Completion of the diocesan Parish Ministers’ Formation Program; OR the equivalent pathway offered through the Virtual Learning Community of Faith Formation (VLCFF) at the University of Dayton.
The 5-week course, Roman Catholic Catechesis for Faith Formation, offered through the VLCFF.
Those who take courses through the VLCFF must earn a minimum score of “Good” (6-8) in order for the course to count toward the formation requirement.

Diócesis de San Bernardino

Departamento de Formación Ministerial

Pautas para la certificación de catequistas de California

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

Completion of the diocesan Parish Ministers’ Formation Program; OR the equivalent pathway offered through the Virtual Learning Community of Faith Formation (VLCFF) at the University of Dayton.

The 5-week course, Roman Catholic Catechesis for Faith Formation, offered through the VLCFF.

Those who take courses through the VLCFF must earn a minimum score of “Good” (6-8) in order for the course to count toward the formation requirement.