Confirm Requirements
Review the Credentialing Manual and confirm the education, CPE, endorsement, professional experience and other requirements for your credentialing pathway.
CPEI Credentialing
CPEI credentialing uses a structured review process to assess professional preparation, demonstrated competency, ethical practice and readiness for chaplaincy or CPE supervisory roles.
Application & Review
Credentialing requirements vary according to the credential being sought, but each pathway requires candidates to document their preparation and demonstrate competency through an established review process.
Candidates should begin with the current Credentialing Manual. It contains the official educational requirements, competencies, application materials, review procedures and requirements for each credentialing pathway.
Credentialing Steps
Follow these steps as you prepare for CPEI credentialing.
Review the Credentialing Manual and confirm the education, CPE, endorsement, professional experience and other requirements for your credentialing pathway.
Gather the documentation required for your pathway. Materials may include transcripts, evaluations, recommendations, endorsement, a resume or CV, written competency materials and professional work samples.
Complete the appropriate CPEI credentialing application and submit all required supporting materials by the applicable deadline.
Qualified reviewers evaluate the candidate’s written materials in relation to the competencies and standards established for the credential being sought.
When required, the candidate meets by video with a reviewer and credentialing panel to discuss professional formation, competency, practice and readiness for credentialing.
Credentialing Pathways
These summaries provide a starting point. The current Credentialing Manual contains the complete requirements.
Chaplain Credential
BCAC
The educational foundation includes a bachelor’s degree or equivalent and four courses of Clinical Pastoral Education totaling 1,600 hours.
Candidates must also meet the applicable endorsement, documentation, competency and credentialing-review requirements.
Chaplain Credential
BCC
The educational foundation includes a 72-hour graduate theological degree or equivalent and four courses of Clinical Pastoral Education totaling 1,600 hours.
Candidates must also meet the applicable endorsement, documentation, competency and credentialing-review requirements.
Educator Credential
SE
Supervisor-Educator candidates must meet CPEI’s educational, professional and supervisory preparation requirements and demonstrate the applicable Supervisor-Educator competencies.
The review includes supervisory theory, educational practice, evaluation and evidence of competency in CPE supervision.
Advanced Educator Credential
TSE
Training Supervisor-Educator is an advanced credential for experienced Supervisor-Educators who meet additional requirements for preparing and mentoring supervisory candidates.
Candidates should review the current Credentialing Manual for experience, readiness and approval requirements.
Reciprocity
CPEI maintains reciprocity pathways for qualified chaplains, Supervisor-Educators and Training Supervisor-Educators holding applicable credentials from other recognized professional organizations.
Reciprocity is not automatic. Candidates must meet the requirements described in the current Credentialing Manual.
Credentialing Review
The specific competencies depend on the credential, but candidates are expected to demonstrate integration of professional knowledge, formation and practice.
The candidate’s self-awareness, formation, vocational development and understanding of their professional role.
Demonstrated ability to provide or supervise competent, responsible and contextually appropriate spiritual care.
Understanding and application of ethical practice, appropriate boundaries, confidentiality and professional responsibility.
Ability to integrate theology, behavioral and social sciences, experience, feedback, research and reflective learning into professional practice.
Credentialing panel members review the candidate’s written materials before the interview. When the candidate meets with the panel by video, reviewers explore the candidate’s written work, professional competencies, integration and readiness for the credential being sought.
Plan Ahead
Credentialing requires time to gather documentation, complete written materials, obtain transcripts and endorsement documents, and prepare for review. Candidates should begin well before the applicable deadline.
Applications Received By
January 1 Credentialing interviews:Applications Received By
May 1 Credentialing interviews:Applications Received By
September 1 Credentialing interviews:Candidates should consult the current Credentialing Manual and CPEI Credentialing resources for current requirements and scheduling information.
After the Review
Following review, candidates receive information regarding the credentialing decision and any requirements or recommendations that apply to their next step.
Candidates who do not yet meet the requirements may be asked to strengthen specified materials or complete additional work before a subsequent credentialing review.
CPEI also maintains an appeals process for credentialing decisions.
Take the Next Step
Confirm your pathway and requirements, then begin preparing your credentialing application materials.