Statement of Purpose

The mission of the NCGR-Professional Astrologers' Alliance is to serve as a trade association to promote the common interests of astrologers and to improve the status of the profession of astrology primarily through the implementation of a certification program, the promotion of high ethical standards in the practice of astrology, as well as any other matters relevant to the professional astrologer.

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NCGR-PAA Education Program

The Four Levels
The NCGR-PAA Curriculum and Certification Program is divided into four progressive levels. The first three levels require testing supervised by NCGR-PAA teachers and exam monitors. Part of the third level and all of the fourth are take-home tests. Questions regarding professional ethics are covered for all levels, becoming more comprehensive as the student progresses.
 
Level I provides the foundation for an understanding of Western astrology. In order to pass a proficiency examination at this level the student must comprehend the building blocks of astrology: signs, planets, houses, personal points, major aspects and their configurations, hemisphere and quadrant emphases, and other fundamentals. Students are expected to be able to calculate a chart by hand for any geographical location in the world. Some knowledge of classical astrology is required, such as dignities and debilities, planetary sects, and benefics and malefics. The astronomy covered on this level includes the solar system, eclipses, retrograde motion, and the solstices.
 
Level II reviews natal delineation and introduces various techniques, among them the dynamic elements of transits, progressions, and solar arc directions. Also covered are minor aspects, lunar phases, derived houses, asteroids, and fixed stars. Calculations required for this level include progressions, solar arc directions, antiscia, declinations, the vertex, and the equatorial ascendant. An understanding of planetary cycles, relocation charts, house divisions, and more detailed astronomy is expected on this level, such as the Great Circles, celestial latitude and longitude, declination, right ascension, precession, and the lunar nodes. Additional knowledge of classical astrology is also included, such as essential dignities and disposition.
 
Level III includes having basic knowledge of Mayan, Chinese, and Vedic astrology, as well as the history of Western astrology. Uranian astrology is also covered on this level, where the student must master the 90 degree and 360 degree dials, as well as have a thorough understanding of planetary pictures, midpoints, antiscia, and Arabic parts. Students must also be able to interpret two charts for synastry, construct both a composite and relationship chart, and be able to discuss these on paper. Other techniques comprising this level include horary and electional astrology, solar and lunar returns, as well as mundane astrology.
 
Once the proctored exam is passed, the student must complete a take-home exam to complete this level of proficiency. Here a comprehensive, in-depth mundane essay is required, as well as a short essay discussing a given electional chart.
 
Level IV includes an extensive rectification essay, which incorporates several advanced techniques. Once the rectification exercise is passed, the student may specialize in one or more of the following areas: consulting, technical research, general studies, and instruction, each with its own special requirements.
 
The Four “Majors” of Level IV
 
Consulting Astrologer
Technical Research
General Studies
Instructor
 
Each Level IV area has its specific requirements. It is believed that completion of the NCGR-PAA curriculum is the equivalent of a four-year program in astrology.
 
Certification: Students who have passed the requirements of Level IV in any one of the four "majors," and have agreed to uphold NCGR-PAA’s ethical standards as spelled out in the NCGR-PAA Code of Ethics, are entitled to use the letters C.A., NCGR-PAA after their name on publications, stationary and promotional items.
 
Learning & Testing: All the required material for each level of proficiency is covered in the NCGR-PAA Education Curriculum and Study Guide for Certification Testing. The NCGR-PAA curriculum is taught by many qualified teachers throughout the astrological community.  Testing is available at specified astrological conferences, and can be arranged through contacting NCGR-PAA's Education Director at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . 

 

Your Path to Certification

NCGR-PAA Education Curriculum and Study Guide

NCGR-PAA's Curriculum & Study Guide

Our new and updated study guide encompasses all four levels of NCGR-PAA's Certification Program. It includes new material on traditional, Hellenic, Vedic, Chinese and Mesoamerican schools of astrology.

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Equivalency Program

Guidelines for Schools in NCGR-PAA's Equivalency Program

As part of NCGR-PAA's equivalency requirements, all schools and organizations included in our program have submitted documentation on their overall curriculum, specific courses of study, number of instructors, students enrolled, and other pertinent information.

We are pleased to list below those distinguished schools and organizations currently included in our Equivalency Program.

A detailed explanation of our equivalency standards and how we implement them can be found here.
 

Equivalency Members

The American Federation of Astrologers:
With proof of AFA's Professional certification, an applicant may apply directly for NCGR-PAA's Level III testing.
 

The Avalon School of Astrology:
With proof of graduation from Avalon, an applicant may apply directly for NCGR-PAA's Level IV testing.
 

Kepler College Of Astrological Arts & Sciences:
With proof of completion of Kepler's Certificate Program (including courses M101 and M201 - Chart Mechanics), an applicant may apply directly for NCGR-PAA's Level IV testing.
 

International Academy of Astrology (formerly Online College of Astrology):
With proof of a Professional Training Diploma, an applicant may apply directly for NCGR-PAA's Level IV testing.