Become a Celebrant
About Humanist Celebrants
A Humanist Celebrant plays a role similar to that of a traditional clergyperson with one difference: Humanist ceremonies express Humanism instead of traditional faith. Humanist Celebrants conduct Humanist, nonreligious, and interreligious weddings, commitment/same-sex unions, memorials, baby namings, and other life cycle ceremonies. Humanist Minister, and Humanist Chaplain are also accepted titles.
Every Humanist Society Celebrant is considered to be a special representative of the American Humanist Association. Continuous membership in the AHA is required and involvement in local and national Humanist groups and activities are encouraged.
Humanist Celebrants are legally recognized in all states and worldwide, being accorded the same rights and privileges granted by law to traditional clergy.
The Humanist Society does not grant counseling credentials-Humanist Celebrants may offer a listening ear, ethical counseling and provide an explanation of how the Humanist philosophy may apply to a particular situation. If any other kind of counseling is requested or required, Humanist Celebrants must refer individuals to properly qualified counseling or medical resources within the community. Of course, if Humanist Celebrants has obtained counseling or medical certification from another accredited agency, they can serve as that resource.
Application Process
Since Humanist Celebrants serve as special representatives for the American Humanist Association, applicants must be a dues-paying member of the AHA for a minimum of one year.
Each applicant is required to complete an application form by providing information about his or her background, qualifications, interests, and the names of four references that can attest to your ability to serve as a Humanist Celebrant. These people will be from non-relatives who know you well. At least one should be from another Humanist, or if there are no other Humanists in your locale, from community leaders. If none are available, the absence of these will be considered on a case-by-case basis, but we encourage our Celebrants to become involved in local AHA chapters and affiliates, and community affairs.
When the Humanist Society receives the completed application, a member of the Humanist Celebrant Certification Committee (HCCC) will contact you to arrange for an interview. A $40 non-refundable one time application fee is required to cover the cost of processing the application.
Yearly professional fees of $100 are required of each Humanist Celebrant. Certification may be withdrawn if a Humanist Celebrant fails to pay professional fees or make alternative arrangements with the HCCC.
The (HCCC), formerly known as the Division of Humanist Certification (DHC) conducts the review and certification of Celebrants. Evaluation, usually takes two to six months. The seven members of the HCCC examine each application and the interviewer's comments. The applicant is approved by majority vote.
Evaluation is based on the answers to the questions on the application form; the aptness and sincerity of the responses, the ability of the applicant to acknowledge their limitations as well as qualifications, the references, philosophical compatibility, and other considerations the HCCC may deem applicable. Of great interest to the HCCC are the values the individual holds and the ways in which the applicant actualizes those values.
To learn more about becoming a Humanist Celebrant please fill out the inquiry form or e-mail info@humanist-society.org.