Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE)
CPE is the nationally recognized standard for training professional chaplains. Here is everything you need to know about the process — from first inquiry to board certification.
What is Clinical Pastoral Education?
Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) is a graduate-level, supervised clinical education program for those pursuing professional chaplaincy. It was developed in the early 20th century in the United States and is now the gold standard for chaplaincy training worldwide.
CPE takes place in a clinical setting — most commonly a hospital — where students provide direct spiritual care to patients, families, and staff under the supervision of a Board-Certified CPE Supervisor. It combines hands-on pastoral care with theological reflection, peer learning, and intensive self-examination.
Two major accrediting bodies oversee CPE in the United States:
ACPE
Association for Clinical Pastoral Education
The primary accrediting body for CPE programs in the United States. ACPE-accredited units are the most widely recognized pathway to professional chaplaincy credentialing.
NACC / APC / BCCI
Other Certifying Bodies
The National Association of Catholic Chaplains, the Association of Professional Chaplains, and the Board of Chaplaincy Certification Inc. each offer professional certification after CPE completion.
Why We Chose CPE
CPE is not merely a credential — it is a transformative educational experience that prepares chaplains to serve at the highest level.
We chose CPE as the foundation of our chaplaincy development model because it is the recognized, evidence-based standard of spiritual care and education in the United States. Hospitals, prisons, universities, and the military all look for CPE-trained chaplains. Without it, doors remain closed.
Beyond employment requirements, CPE produces something that no online course or weekend seminar can: reflective practitioners. The combination of direct patient care, supervised feedback, and theological reflection shapes chaplains who are not only competent but deeply self-aware and resilient.
Nationally and internationally recognized credential
Required for employment at most hospitals, prisons, and military
Develops deep reflective and interpersonal skills
Supervised hands-on training in real clinical environments
Foundation for board certification and career advancement
Interfaith framework that honors and preserves Islamic identity
Your Step-by-Step Path to Chaplaincy
Assess Your Call & Background
Begin by honestly reflecting on your calling to chaplaincy. Most CPE programs require a bachelor's degree (often in religious studies, Islamic studies, theology, or a related field). Many also prefer or require some form of community or religious leadership experience.
Obtain Endorsement from a Religious Authority
CPE programs and chaplaincy employers require a formal ecclesiastical endorsement — a letter from a recognized Islamic organization or authority affirming that you are in good standing and suitable for chaplaincy ministry.
For Muslims, endorsing organizations include ISNA (Islamic Society of North America), which has an established chaplaincy endorsement process. This endorsement is essential for employment as a chaplain in healthcare and corrections.
Apply to a CPE Unit (Level 1)
A CPE "unit" is approximately 400 hours of supervised clinical pastoral education, typically completed over a semester or summer. Your first unit is Level 1 — the introductory stage.
Applications typically require:
- A personal statement
- Your educational transcripts
- Three letters of reference
- Your ecclesiastical endorsement
- An autobiographical essay
- An interview with the CPE Supervisor
Complete Level 1 & Level 2 CPE Units
Each unit involves direct pastoral care work on hospital floors, weekly small group supervision with peers, individual supervision with your CPE Supervisor, written theological reflections (called "verbatims"), and Interpersonal Relations (IPR) sessions.
For board certification, most bodies require at minimum four units of CPE (two Level 1 and two Level 2). Some specialty certifications require more.
Pursue a Residency (Optional but Recommended)
After completing initial CPE units, many aspiring chaplains pursue a CPE Residency — a full-time, year-long immersive clinical experience in a hospital or other institutional setting. Residencies are paid positions and offer the deepest professional formation.
Two of our founders are current Chaplain Residents at Northshore University Hospital — they can speak directly to what this experience involves.
Apply for Board Certification
After completing the required CPE units and gathering professional experience, you can apply for board certification through an accrediting body. This typically involves:
- Submission of a portfolio including verbatims and reflections
- Verification of CPE hours and units
- A peer review or committee interview
- Continued endorsement from your religious authority
Becoming a Board-Certified Chaplain (BCC) is the professional pinnacle — recognized by employers nationwide and internationally.
Enter the Field & Continue Growing
With your certification, you are equipped to work as a professional chaplain. Most certified chaplains pursue roles in healthcare, corrections, higher education, or the military. Many continue to develop specialty skills in areas like trauma care, end-of-life care, or Islamic bioethics.
Ongoing education, peer consultation, and community remain essential throughout a chaplain's career — and this organization continues to walk alongside you every step.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a seminary or Islamic studies degree?
Not necessarily. Many CPE programs accept any bachelor's degree, though a background in theology, religious studies, Islamic studies, or a helping profession (social work, counseling) is beneficial. What matters most is your religious background, character references, and your personal statement demonstrating readiness for clinical pastoral work.
Can I practice my Islamic beliefs as a chaplain?
Yes. CPE and professional chaplaincy operate in an interfaith framework, meaning you serve people of all backgrounds — but you do so as a Muslim, and your Islamic identity is respected and valued. You are never asked to lead prayers of another faith or act against your beliefs.
How long does the full process take?
From starting your first CPE unit to board certification, the process typically takes 2–5 years depending on how many units you complete per year, whether you pursue a residency, and your educational background. Many people complete their first CPE unit within one year of deciding to pursue chaplaincy.
Is CPE paid or do I pay for it?
Initial CPE units (Level 1) are typically not paid — you may pay a tuition fee ranging from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. CPE Residencies, however, are paid positions, usually offering a stipend and sometimes benefits. The investment in initial units is repaid by the employment opportunities that follow.
What does a typical CPE unit look like day-to-day?
In a clinical CPE unit, you typically report to a hospital floor (or other institution) and conduct patient visits, respond to referrals from nurses and social workers, attend code calls, and provide support in the ER or ICU. Several hours per week are spent in group supervision, individual supervision, and writing theological reflections on your encounters.
I have questions that aren't answered here. Who can I talk to?
Reach out to us directly on our Contact page. Our founders are active chaplaincy professionals who are happy to answer specific questions about the process, programs to consider, and what to expect.
Take the First Step
You do not have to figure this out alone. We have walked this road and we are here to guide you.