MACA / Chaplain Endorsement
California Correctional Chaplaincy
Chaplain Endorsement
Understand religious endorsement, prepare for the review process, and take the first step toward service as a Muslim chaplain.
What it means
What is religious endorsement?
Religious, or ecclesiastical, endorsement is formal recognition from an endorsing organization that a chaplain is qualified and authorized to represent their religious community in professional service. It affirms religious standing and accountability; it is not a government job offer, professional license, or substitute for state hiring qualifications.
Religious Recognition
An endorsement communicates MACA's recognition of your individual religious qualifications and ability to represent the tradition in institutional chaplaincy.
Independent State Hiring
California's Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) separately determines examination eligibility, employment qualifications, and appointment decisions. Endorsement does not guarantee a CDCR position.
How to begin
How to request endorsement
A practical starting path for prospective applicants. Final MACA procedures and fees are subject to leadership approval.
Understand the role
Review MACA's endorsement information and California's published requirements for Muslim chaplains.
Prepare your background
Gather information about your mosque, resident Imam, Islamic studies, ministry experience, and/or supervised field or clinical training.
Open the application
Select Apply for Endorsement to open MACA's application on a separate website. Complete and submit your request there, following the instructions provided.
Follow MACA's review process
MACA will communicate any additional documentation, interviews, applicable fees, and decision requirements according to its approved procedures.
California Corrections
What does CDCR require?
As stated in the publicly available Muslim Chaplain examination bulletin, CDCR candidates must demonstrate:
- Good standing in the American Muslim community, verified by a local resident Imam, with a letter of certification of good standing attached to the state application.
- At least two years of Islamic religious studies, including Islamic history, the Qur’an, and principles and articles of faith.
- The equivalent of one year of full-time supervised clinical or community field training relevant to religious counseling, education, and family welfare.
- At least two years of experience as an Imam or Instructress in a masjid or public or private institution.