CPEI Credentialing
Ecclesiastical or religious endorsement provides formal confirmation that a chaplain is in good standing and accountable to an endorsing denomination, faith group or religious organization.
Understanding Endorsement
An ecclesiastical or religious endorsement is a written statement from a designated endorsing or approving organization affirming that an individual is in good standing and accountable to their denomination, faith group or religious endorser.
Endorsement establishes a formal relationship between the chaplain and the religious organization responsible for endorsing that individual for professional ministry or spiritual care.
Important Distinction
CPEI credentialing may require both types of documentation, but they serve different purposes.
Professional Reference
A recommendation letter generally speaks to a candidate’s professional abilities, character, preparation or competency.
It may be written by a professional colleague, supervisor or another person familiar with the candidate’s work.
Religious Accountability
An endorsement is issued through a designated endorsing or approving organization associated with the candidate’s denomination, faith group or religious tradition.
It formally affirms the candidate’s standing and accountability to that organization.
Professional Chaplaincy
Religious endorsement provides an important connection between professional spiritual care and the community or tradition that endorses the chaplain.
Confirms that the chaplain remains in good standing with the endorsing religious organization.
Establishes a formal relationship of accountability between the chaplain and an endorsing body.
Endorsement is part of the documentation required for applicable CPEI chaplain credentialing pathways.
Employers, certifying organizations and institutional chaplaincy programs may establish their own endorsement requirements.
Endorsing Organizations
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs maintains information about ecclesiastical endorsing organizations recognized by the VA for VA chaplaincy.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
The VA National Chaplain Service maintains a current list of organizations recognized by the Department of Veterans Affairs as ecclesiastical endorsing organizations.
The VA page also explains its endorsement requirements and provides related ecclesiastical endorsement forms and resources.
Visit VA Endorsement ResourceOpens the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website in a new tab.
CPEI Credentialing
CPEI may consider endorsing agencies beyond those appearing on the VA list.
Candidates should contact the CPEI Credentialing Committee if their endorsing organization is not represented or if they have questions about whether their endorsement meets CPEI credentialing requirements.
An endorsing organization accepted for CPEI credentialing may not necessarily satisfy the requirements of every employer, certifying body, government agency or professional setting.
Candidates are responsible for confirming endorsement requirements with organizations where they plan to seek employment, certification or professional recognition.
Getting Started
Each religious organization establishes its own eligibility requirements, application process and standards for endorsement.
Determine which denomination, faith group or religious organization has authority to provide endorsement within your tradition.
Confirm that the organization provides formal ecclesiastical or religious endorsement for professional chaplaincy.
The endorsing organization may establish requirements involving membership, education, formation, ministry experience, standing or other qualifications.
Follow the organization’s application, documentation, interview or approval process.
Request the formal written endorsement needed for your CPEI credentialing application and retain documentation for other professional uses.
Maintaining Your Credential
Religious endorsement is not only an application document. CPEI credentialed professionals whose credential requires ecclesiastical or religious endorsement must maintain that endorsement.
The Credentialing Manual identifies failure to maintain ecclesiastical endorsement as a reason certification may be removed.
Questions About Endorsement?
If you have questions about whether an endorsement meets CPEI credentialing requirements, educational equivalency or an endorsing organization not represented on the referenced list, contact the CPEI Credentialing Committee.
Questions about obtaining endorsement or meeting the requirements of a particular faith tradition should be directed to that religious organization.
Preparing for Credentialing?
Review the Credentialing Manual, confirm your credentialing pathway and contact your endorsing organization early so you have the required documentation when you apply.