CIT™ Certification Program
A Credential Built on Demonstrated Competency
Three progressive tiers. Two distinct tracks. One rigorous, theologically grounded pathway for clinicians and pastoral caregivers who want to practice with confidence.
3 Credential Tiers
From foundational to supervisor/trainer
2 Parallel Tracks
Clinical and Soul Care / Ministry
45-Hour Curriculum
Mapped to the CIT™ Graduate Workbook
Two Tracks, One Model
Which Track Is Right for You?
CIT™ serves two overlapping but legally distinct populations. Both tracks share the same theoretical model — the distinction ensures every practitioner operates within their actual scope of practice.
For Licensed Clinicians
Clinical Track
Who It's For
Licensed psychologists, LPCs, LMFTs, LCSWs, and equivalent licensed or license-eligible mental health clinicians
Scope of Practice Certified
Delivery of CIT™ as psychotherapy, within the candidate's existing license
For Pastoral Caregivers
Soul Care / Ministry Track
Who It's For
Ordained clergy, chaplains, MDiv- or ThM-credentialed pastoral counselors, and lay soul care leaders operating under church or ministry oversight
Scope of Practice Certified
Delivery of CIT™ as pastoral soul care and spiritual direction — explicitly excludes psychotherapy, diagnosis, and treatment of clinical disorders
The Three Certification Tiers
A Progressive Pathway to Mastery
Each tier builds on the previous one — from foundational knowledge through supervised practice to the authority to train and supervise others.
| Tier | Credential | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | CIT™-Informed Practitioner Certificate of Completion | 6 months |
| Tier 2 | Certified CIT™ Practitioner CCIT-P™ | 12 months |
| Tier 3 | Certified CIT™ Supervisor / Trainer CCIT-S™ | 18 months |
Tier 1
CIT™-Informed Practitioner
Certificate of Completion — Foundational Knowledge
Tier 1 verifies that you have mastered CIT™'s theoretical architecture and treatment structure at the level of knowledge — the necessary foundation before any supervised application of the model with clients.
Core Requirement
Full 45-hour didactic curriculum + written competency examination
Curriculum (45 Didactic Hours)
Theoretical foundations: three evidentiary pillars; Reactor/Responder, identity reconstruction, Hardness of Heart Syndrome
8 hrsThe seven-module treatment structure: overview and the integrated spiritual toolbox
4 hrsThe seven treatment modules in depth, one module per unit, with technique demonstration
21 hrsIntegrative capstone case: full-course case walkthrough
4 hrsScope of practice, contraindications, and ethical considerations (APA / ACA standards)
6 hrsHours reflect didactic contact time and exclude reading and self-study time, which averages an additional 20–25 hours.
Assessment
Proctored 75-item written examination covering all thirteen units — minimum 80% to pass (two retake attempts permitted)
Written case-conceptualization exercise applying the three-pillar framework and HHS staging to a composite vignette, evaluated by CIT™-certified faculty
Tier 2
Certified CIT™ Practitioner
CCIT-P™ — Supervised Practice
Tier 2 is the working clinical or pastoral credential — the level most referral sources and hiring institutions will look for. It verifies that you can apply CIT™'s full seven-module structure with real clients, under supervision, to a demonstrated standard of competency.
Core Requirement
Tier 1 + 60 hours supervised practice + capstone case + oral case review
Requirements
- Supervised direct practice: 60 hours of direct client or care-recipient contact using CIT™, documented by session log
- Group case consultation: 20 hours of group case consultation with a Tier 3 CIT™ supervisor (typically biweekly across 6–12 months)
- Case presentations: Two full case presentations to the consultation group — one from early-module work, one spanning the full seven-module arc
- Capstone case: One complete written case study tracing a single care recipient across all seven modules with HHS staging documented at intake, midpoint, and closure
- Oral case review: A 60-minute oral defense of the capstone case before a two-member certification review panel
Tier 3
Certified CIT™ Supervisor / Trainer
CCIT-S™ — Advanced Standing
Tier 3 authorizes you to supervise Tier 2 candidates, lead group case consultation, and teach the Tier 1 didactic curriculum on the Institute's behalf. It is an advanced-standing credential built on sustained independent practice.
Core Requirement
Tier 2 + 2 years independent practice + 500 documented client-contact hours + supervision-of-supervision training
Requirements
- Supervision-of-supervision training: 20 hours covering adult learning principles, competency-based evaluation, and the ethical dimensions of the supervisory relationship
- Co-led consultation cohort: Co-leading one full Tier 2 case consultation cohort alongside a current CCIT-S™ mentor
- Supervisee evaluations: Submission of two supervisee case evaluations demonstrating your own supervisory feedback and rubric use
- Committee approval: Approval by the Certification Review Committee, chaired by Dr. Katherine L. Pang
Application Process
How to Get Started
01
Choose Your Track
Determine whether the Clinical Track or Soul Care / Ministry Track aligns with your licensure, ordination, or ministry standing.
02
Submit Your Application
Complete the application with proof of licensure, ordination, or ministry standing. Cohorts begin quarterly on a rolling admission basis.
03
Complete Tier 1
Work through the 45-hour didactic curriculum and pass the written competency examination to earn your CIT™-Informed Practitioner certificate.
04
Advance to Tier 2
Apply for supervised practice placement upon Tier 1 completion. Placement is confirmed once a qualified supervisor and consultation group are assigned.
05
Pursue Tier 3
Tier 3 candidacy opens automatically two years after Tier 2 certification, pending the hour and standing requirements.
Renewal & Maintenance
Certification Maintenance
Your credential reflects ongoing practice, not a one-time achievement.
| Tier | Renewal Cycle |
|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Does not expire |
| Tier 2 (CCIT-P™) | Every 2 years |
| Tier 3 (CCIT-S™) | Every 2 years |
Ready to Begin Your CIT™ Journey?
Cohorts begin quarterly. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Contact the program office with questions about eligibility, cohort scheduling, or supervisor assignment.