CatechismClass.com offers a trusted, best-selling online Baptism Preparation Course designed specifically for parents and godparents preparing for a child’s Baptism in the Catholic Church. This course provides a clear, faithful, and convenient way to complete Baptism preparation and request a Certificate of Completion—on your schedule.

Preparing Families Since 2004

Written by Fr. James Zatalava, since 2004, our Baptism Preparation Program has certified more than 70,000 individuals preparing for a child’s Baptism at more than 1,000 distinct parishes across the United States and abroad. It is the #1 selling online Baptism preparation class in America, available 24/7 — most students finish in about one hour.

What You Receive With This Course

  1. Full online access to all 16 course modules (self-paced, available 24/7).
  2. Eligibility to request a Certificate of Completion after finishing the course.
  3. Certificate delivery by email and in your account when issued.
  4. Direct parish support — if your parish has questions, our team corresponds with them on your behalf.
  5. Optional personalized mentoring with certified catechists if you would like additional guidance.

Your Certificate of Completion

  1. After completing all 16 modules and earning the required passing score, submit the official certificate request form and pay the applicable processing fee. Your personalized Certificate of Completion verifies that you completed and passed the course.
  2. Standard processing: your certificate is generally prepared and emailed within 2–3 business days after your valid request is submitted and all requirements are met.
  3. Guaranteed 24-hour processing: select and pay for the expedited option when requesting your certificate. Your certificate is issued within 24 hours after your valid request is submitted and all requirements are met.
  4. Unlimited retakes at no additional cost. If you do not reach the required score on your first attempt, review the material and retake the quiz as many times as you need. There is no limit and no extra charge.
  5. Certificate processing is separate from course enrollment and carries a nominal fee. View current certificate processing fees and delivery options, including standard and guaranteed 24-hour processing.

Course Highlights

  1. Written by a priest: this course was written by Fr. James Zatalava and reflects faithful Catholic teaching presented clearly and concisely from the Catechisms of the Catholic Church.
  2. A real standard, not a checkbox: completion of this program requires a passing score on the final Baptism quiz, with unlimited retakes so that every student can review the material and reach the required score.
  3. Designed for busy parents and godparents: most students finish in about one hour — no scheduled sessions, no instructor, no need to drive to a class or miss work, and no set start date.
  4. Take it from anywhere: parents and godparents who live in different cities — or different countries — can each complete the course on their own schedule, without traveling to the parish twice.
  5. Optional personalized mentoring and correspondence with certified catechists is available for those who desire additional guidance.

In this course, you will learn the following across 16 concise modules:

  1. The role of Baptism, its necessity for salvation, and the meaning of original sin.
  2. Baptism in the Early Church.
  3. The essential Rite of Baptism.
  4. Who may serve as the minister of Baptism and the effects of the sacrament.
  5. Key teachings on infant Baptism, unbaptized infants, non-Catholic Baptisms, and adult Baptism through RCIA.
  6. The role of godparents and why it is both a true blessing and a serious responsibility.
  7. Additional practical and doctrinal guidance related to Baptism.

What Families Say

“This class made preparing for our son’s Baptism so easy. The lessons were clear and faithful — and our parish accepted the certificate right away.”

— Jennifer & Michael, California

“I learned so much about my faith while preparing to be a godparent. This program helped me rediscover the meaning of Baptism.”

— Robert, Florida

“Beautifully done and accepted by our church. The online option made it possible for our whole family to take the course together.”

— Maria, Texas

Enrolling More Than One Person?

Each person who needs a Certificate of Completion needs an individual enrollment and account and must complete and pass the coursework personally. If both parents or both godparents need certificates, each person should enroll separately.

If you are preparing for your own Baptism, this course is not intended for that purpose. We offer separate programs for children, teens, and adults preparing for Baptism. Please use our course selector to find the appropriate program for your situation.