I’m Exploring Chaplaincy
Learn how Clinical Pastoral Education supports personal formation, professional growth and compassionate spiritual care.
Explore CPE →Education, Formation and Professional Growth for Spiritual Care Providers
Explore Clinical Pastoral Education and supervisory education from a DEAC-accredited institution, along with professional credentialing, membership, affiliation and lifelong learning opportunities for today’s chaplains and spiritual care professionals.
Accredited Institution
Accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission
CPEI is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC).
The Distance Education Accrediting Commission is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a recognized accrediting agency.
The Distance Education Accrediting Commission is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
Learn More About CPEI’s Accreditations and Recognitions →Recognized. Accredited. Connected.
Supporting education and professional advancement
IACET Accredited Provider
Approved for VA Education Benefits
CPE Recognized by Leading Chaplaincy Certification Organizations
Where Would You Like to Begin?
Find the path that fits your goals
Whether you are exploring chaplaincy, advancing professionally, seeking continuing education or building an educational partnership, CPEI can help you take the next step.
I’m Ready for Credentialing
Explore CPEI’s credentialing requirements and pathways for chaplains and spiritual care educators.
Get Credentialed →I Want Professional Development
Continue learning through continuing education, professional resources and opportunities for connection.
View Opportunities →Our Organization Wants to Partner
Learn how healthcare, ministry, educational and community organizations can become CPEI affiliates.
Partner with CPEI →
Why CPEI?
Accessible education grounded in relationships and practice
CPEI combines high academic and professional standards with supervised clinical experience, reflective learning and individualized educator support.
Flexible online and hybrid formats make meaningful formation and professional growth accessible to students serving in healthcare, ministry, corrections, hospice, military and community settings.
CPEI at a Glance
Education designed for today’s spiritual care professionals
Flexible Learning
Online and hybrid formats support students in diverse locations and professional settings.
International Reach
CPEI serves students, educators, chaplains and partner organizations in communities across the United States and internationally.
Relational Formation
Students learn through peer engagement, educator mentorship and reflective practice.
Professional Pathways
Education, credentialing, membership and professional development support continued growth throughout a career in spiritual care.
Student and Alumni Experience
“CPE was a life-giving experience. It pruned me in a way that allowed me to become much more productive.”
Rev. Amanda Blue
CPEI graduate and DEAC Outstanding Graduate and Distinguished Alumni honoree.
Read CPEI Stories
Connect and Belong
Grow with a community of spiritual care professionals
CPEI membership connects chaplains, educators, students and spiritual care professionals with a supportive international community.
Members gain access to professional resources, ongoing learning, collegial relationships and opportunities to contribute to the future of pastoral care.
Recent Milestones
Continuing to grow, connect and expand opportunity
CPEI continues to strengthen pathways for students, graduates, chaplains and spiritual care professionals.
VA Education Benefits
CPEI received approval supporting eligible veterans, active-duty service members and other qualified learners.
NACC Recognition
CPEI’s Clinical Pastoral Education units are recognized toward National Association of Catholic Chaplains certification.
APC/BCCI Approval
CPEI is an approved provider of Clinical Pastoral Education toward BCCI chaplain certification.
Graduate Recognition
CPEI celebrates the accomplishments and contributions of students and alumni serving communities across the field.
News, Reflection and Insight
Latest from CPEI Practice & Presence
Read CPEI news, organizational updates and perspectives on chaplaincy, education and spiritual care.
Partner with CPEI
Expand access to quality pastoral education
CPEI works with healthcare organizations, educational institutions, ministries and community partners to offer accessible, accountable clinical pastoral education.
Learn About PartnershipTake the Next Step
Begin or advance your journey in spiritual care
Find the education, credentialing, professional development and community resources that support your next step.