Integration of Theory and Practice (ITP)

The competencies for BCCI are laid out in a rubric. The rubric is a recent development and has been used to clarify what is needed in order to demonstrate competency. The process before this was less transparent and somewhat inconsistent. The current rubric is used to “mitigate cultural and religious misunderstandings, implicit bias, and systemic injustice.”[1] A Likert scale measures the applicant from: Does not demonstrate the competency, needs clarification, demonstrates competency, and exceeds competency.

Each measurement expounds on what information needs to be met to give a response that demonstrates the competency. Integration of Theory and Practice (ITP) is the first section of competencies. One study that surveyed over 700 board-certified chaplains notes that ITP was discussed more frequently as the most difficult out of the sections with one participant noting, “The ITP ones are often a stumbling block.”[2]