CPEI Credentialing
CPEI provides reciprocity pathways for qualified professionals who have completed applicable education and Clinical Pastoral Education and who hold professional credentials from another recognized organization.
Reciprocity is not an automatic transfer of a credential. CPEI reviews each applicant's education, training, professional credentials, experience and supporting materials according to CPEI credentialing standards.
Understanding Reciprocity
Reciprocity is intended for professionals who have already completed comparable education and training and hold an applicable professional credential from another organization.
CPEI may consider credentials, education or training from organizations outside those specifically identified in the Credentialing Manual. Applicants should contact the Credentialing Committee when they are uncertain whether previous preparation qualifies for consideration.
Submission of a reciprocity application does not guarantee approval or the awarding of a CPEI credential. Additional documentation, clarification or review may be required before a credentialing decision is made.
Reciprocity Pathways
Review the summary below before beginning an application. The current Credentialing Manual contains the complete requirements and should be used as your official checklist.
This pathway is for qualified applicants seeking CPEI's Board Certified Associate Chaplain credential based in part on comparable prior professional credentialing and Clinical Pastoral Education.
This pathway is for qualified applicants seeking CPEI's Board Certified Chaplain credential based in part on comparable prior professional credentialing and Clinical Pastoral Education.
This pathway is for experienced, credentialed Supervisor-Educators seeking recognition through CPEI based on comparable prior professional preparation, supervisory education and practice.
Before You Apply
Reciprocity applications require more than evidence of an existing credential. Begin gathering your supporting materials before opening the application.
Board Certified Associate Chaplain and Board Certified Chaplain reciprocity applicants should be prepared to provide applicable materials including:
Supervisor-Educator Reciprocity
Supervisor-Educator reciprocity applicants must demonstrate supervisory preparation, experience and competency in addition to providing evidence of prior professional credentials.
What Happens Next?
Read the current Credentialing Manual and confirm that reciprocity is appropriate for your education, training and professional credentials.
Gather the required documentation and complete the written or professional materials required for your reciprocity pathway.
Complete the BCAC, BCC or Supervisor-Educator reciprocity application and provide the required supporting materials.
CPEI Credentialing will review your application and supporting materials. Additional information, documentation or professional review may be requested.
Credentialing will communicate the outcome of the review and any additional requirements or steps that apply to your application.
Current reciprocity fee and payment information will be provided as part of the application and review process. Contact CPEI Credentialing if you have questions before submitting your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Reciprocity provides a pathway for qualified professionals with applicable prior education, Clinical Pastoral Education and professional credentials from another recognized organization to be considered for a CPEI credential.
No. CPEI reviews each applicant's qualifications and supporting materials according to its credentialing standards. Holding a credential from another organization does not automatically result in a CPEI credential.
The Credentialing Manual identifies credentials and training from COMISS organizations while also allowing other organizations or programs to be considered. Contact CPEI Credentialing if you are uncertain whether your prior credential or training may qualify.
Yes. The current Credentialing Manual requires four courses/units of Clinical Pastoral Education for BCAC and BCC reciprocity applicants.
Yes. A current ecclesiastical or religious agency endorsement is included among the reciprocity requirements in the Credentialing Manual.
Background checks are required for applicants without previous CPEI training. Review the current Credentialing Manual for instructions and acceptable documentation.
CPEI may require additional professional review as part of the reciprocity process. Supervisor-Educator reciprocity includes review with the Credentialing Committee and Chief Academic Officer.
Other education, schools, credentialing organizations or training programs may be considered. Contact credentialing@cpei.edu before applying if you need guidance regarding equivalency or eligibility.
Current fee and payment information will be provided through the reciprocity application process. Contact Credentialing if you need current fee information before applying.
The Credentialing Manual includes additional requirements related to Training Supervisor-Educator status. Applicants interested in this advanced pathway should contact CPEI Credentialing for guidance before submitting an application.
Need Help Choosing a Pathway?
If you are unsure whether your education, CPE, professional credential or supervisory experience qualifies for reciprocity consideration, contact the Credentialing Committee before beginning an application.