Victim Advocacy Certificate

 

Provide invaluable legal services

Whether you are just starting out on your career path or looking to build on your job skills, opportunities for trained victim advocates are on the rise. Our nation’s state courts see more than 100 million cases of victimization each year, and crime can have a devastating impact on those involved. Our intensive Victim Advocacy Certificate Course is designed to train and qualify you to provide assistance to crime victims.

Course topics include legal terminology, legal process, legislation regarding victims rights, jurisdiction and venue, ethics, effects of victimization on the victim, victim advocate skills, guardianships, and crisis intervention. Also covered are counseling skills for victims of assault, battery, robbery, domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, murder, and homicide.

The Victim Advocacy Certificate Course meets the training needs of busy professionals who are interested in assisting crime victims in progressing through the criminal justice system and toward successful recovery. 

Learning outcomes

Participants will be prepared to work in victim advocacy arenas, such as domestic violence shelters, crisis centers and crisis hotlines, and with state and county governments to assist crime victims in progressing through the criminal justice system and toward successful recovery.

Upon graduation from the course, you will be eligible for the Provisional Credential through the National Advocacy Credentialing Program (NACP) in affiliation with the National Organization for Victim Assistance (NOVA). Your prior experience in the field may also qualify you for the Basic, Intermediate or Advanced Credential through the NACP.

Career outlook

Victim advocates provide invaluable legal services, including advocating for victims’ rights and guardianship, reviewing related legislation, crisis intervention, and counseling victims of assault, battery, robbery, domestic violence, child abuse and other crimes. A career as a Victim Advocate could offer you an opportunity to work in a variety of places, such as domestic violence shelters, crisis centers and hotlines, or government agencies.

What you Earn

Successful graduates earn a certificate of completion from St. Cloud State University.

More Information & Register Online

2025 & 2026 Sessions

Cost:  $995

  • June 30 - Aug. 15, 2025
  • Aug. 25 - Oct 10, 2025
  • Oct. 20 - Dec. 5, 2025
  • Jan. 12 - Feb. 27, 2026
  • Mar. 9 - Apr. 24, 2026
  • May 4 - June 19, 2026
Materials: Order through CLS by BARBRI.

Interested in a payment plan?

  • Click Register Online above
  • Add the course to your cart
  • At checkout, check "Affirm Monthly Payments"
  • Click on "Continue with Affirm"
  • Answer a few questions (under 2 minutes)
  • Select a payment plan or
  • Register and pay with credit card

Contact: 
pace@stcloudstate.edu  
320-308-5759
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