All catechists in Catholic schools and parish programs are to be certified either through the diocesan certification program or through accredited theological/religious education institutions.

Before a catechist begins working, she or he must become a "Commissioned Catechist" This entails participating in an interview with the catechetical leader, signing a covenant, participate in a discussion/presentation on the meaning and nature of the catechetical ministry, and be commissioned at a ceremony at the parish or school level. Upon signing the covenant, the catechist agrees to participate in on-going catechist formation.

The catechist then begins "Foundational Certification," a selection of approximately 30 introductory level courses (each 2 hrs. in length). Some are theological, some pedegological. So are specific to certain catechetical ministries (sacraments, youth, adults, etc.). A person has up to 3 years to complete the Foundational Certification and is expected to take a minimum of 10 hrs (5 classes) every two years.

Upon completion of Foundational Certification, a catechist begins "Masters Level" courses. These are primarily theological and cover the contents of the diocesan religion curriculum. There are sixty 2-hour courses and the same rules apply to the minimum number of courses a person should take over two years.