Minimum Standards for Certification
- Be at least 21 years of age.
- Describe experience related to a minimum of three different NCG core competencies.
- Document one of the following requirements. Click here for acceptable degrees, certifications and coursework.
- Be a high school graduate or possess the GED equivalent and submit proof of 30 hours of CGC approved coursework within two years prior to the applicant applying for certification;
- Hold a licensure in guardianship or certification in a field related to guardianship (for example, CFP, CPA, CMC, CCM) and submit proof of 20 hours of CGC approved coursework within two years prior to the applicant applying for certification;
- Possess a two-year degree in a field related to guardianship (for example, social work, criminal justice, accounting, nursing) and submit proof of 10 hours of CGC approved coursework within two years prior to the applicant applying for certification;
- Possess a four-year or higher degree in a field related to guardianship (for example, law, medical, social work, psychology, finance, business) and submit proof of 10 hours of CGC approved coursework within two years prior to the applicant applying for certification.
- Submit to third-party verification and send proof of educational requirements.
- Not have been convicted of, or pled guilty or no contest to, a felony. The only two exceptions to this requirement will be court or state agency documentation of one of the following: a) expungement of the felony conviction; or b) that a court or state agency, with knowledge of the felony, has determined that the applicant or recertificant is eligible to serve as a guardian under state law.
- Submit to a criminal background check.
- Agree to comply with the NGA Ethical Principles and the NGA Standards of Practice.
- Not have been civilly liable or criminally convicted in an action that involved fraud, misrepresentation, material omission, misappropriation, moral turpitude, theft, exploitation, abuse or conversion.
- Not have been relieved of responsibilities as a guardian by a court, employer, or client for actions involving fraud, misrepresentation, material omission, misappropriation, theft, exploitation, abuse or conversion.
- Be bonded or obtain appropriate bonding insurance after certification in accordance with state statutes and local practice.
- Not have been found liable in a subrogation action by an insurance or bonding agent.
- Not have been disciplined by a state or national certification or licensing organization in any profession, unless administrative in nature (i.e. failure to renew).
- Agree to comply with CGC policies, requirements, and rules & regulations.
- Be in good standing with CGC and not have had CGC certification revoked.
- Not have provided false information through the application process.
National Master Guardian prerequisites:
- National Certified Guardian in good standing at time of submission of application.
- Graduate degree from an accredited college or university with three (3) years of professional guardianship experience OR Bachelor’s degree (to include a Registered Nurse) from an accredited college or university with five (5) years of professional guardianship experience OR twelve (12) years experience in the field of guardianship as defined below.
- Professional guardianship experience is defined to include all of the following:
- Serving in a position of making decisions (i) as a court-appointed guardian, (ii) as agent for a court-appointed guardian or (iii) in a supervisory capacity over a court-appointed guardian. In all three circumstances, the guardian must be serving two or more clients unrelated to each other; and
- Spending an average of at least 16 hours per week making decisions as set forth above during at least three (3) of the last five (5) years including the most recent year.
- Demonstrating experience in at least six of following, including #1:
- High degree of competence in managing complex issues.
- Manage significant financial estates.
- Conduct or arrange for comprehensive assessment of client’s needs.
- Provide consultation on a wide range of guardianship issues.
- Provide supervision and case oversight to less experienced guardians or staff in a guardianship program.
- Plan, implement, control, direct, fund a professional guardianship program.
- Have experience with more than one disability group.
- Provide training and mentoring to less experienced guardians.
- Provide educational opportunities by presenting topics related to guardianship.
- Provide consultation regarding medical procedures including use of psychotropic medications and evaluation of behavioral programs.
- Advance the profession through policy development, legislative action, advocacy or community outreach.
- Provide consultation or make decisions on end of life issues and other complex or controversial issues.
- Actively advocate for limited guardianship, alternatives to guardianship and restoration of client’s rights.