Education FAQs
Answers to common questions about Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) and Supervisory Education (SE) at CPEI.
Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) is a structured, experiential form of education that prepares individuals to provide spiritual care in real-world settings. At CPEI, students learn through supervised practice, group learning, reflection, and written work designed to strengthen self-awareness, pastoral identity, and care skills.
View Student Handbook
View Student Handbook
CPEI’s Certificate in Clinical Pastoral Education includes four courses, CPE 100 through CPE 400, totaling 1600 hours. Each course includes small group learning, individual supervision, online lessons, written assignments, and internship or ministry-based practice. The program is generally designed to be completed within 24 months.
Student Handbook | Academic Catalog
Student Handbook | Academic Catalog
Supervisory Education is CPEI’s advanced educational program for experienced chaplains preparing to become educators and supervisors. The Certificate in Supervisory Education includes SEC 600 through SEC 900 and focuses on teaching, supervision, evaluation, theory, theology, and leadership in Clinical Pastoral Education.
Supervisory Education | Credentialing Manual
Supervisory Education | Credentialing Manual
A typical week may include ministry or clinical hours at an approved site, participation in peer group sessions, one-on-one supervision with an educator, and written reflection or course assignments. The exact rhythm depends on the student’s schedule, course format, and internship setting, but the program is built around action, reflection, and feedback.
CPEI offers online and hybrid learning options. CPEI’s policies define hybrid and online distance education as involving at least 51% distance education, and current program information describes the overall delivery model as 88%+ distance education.
Student Handbook | Policies & Governance
Student Handbook | Policies & Governance
Often, yes. Many students complete CPE on a part-time basis while balancing employment, ministry, or family responsibilities. Scheduling depends on the educator, course structure, and internship setting, but CPEI’s model is designed to support learners in a variety of contexts.
Tuition is $1,375 per 400-hour course. The full 1600-hour certificate in CPE or Supervisory Education totals $5,500. CPEI publishes clear tuition, fee, and refund policies.
Academic Catalog | Policies & Governance
Academic Catalog | Policies & Governance
CPEI does not participate in federal student aid programs, but students may have other options. Some may qualify for VA education benefits, employer tuition reimbursement, support from faith group endorsers, or affiliate-based discounts where applicable.
Student Services | Policies & Governance
Student Services | Policies & Governance
Yes. CPEI is approved by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to offer education benefits for eligible students in its preparatory CPE and SEC programs. Students are responsible for determining eligibility and for following the VA reimbursement process.
Accreditations & Partnerships
Accreditations & Partnerships
Students complete ministry or internship hours in approved settings that provide meaningful opportunities for pastoral care. These may include hospitals, hospice programs, congregations, correctional facilities, law enforcement agencies, nursing homes, community organizations, and similar environments. CPEI approves the site and requires documentation of hours and site-based assessment.
Student Handbook
Student Handbook
Supervision is central to the learning process. CPE students participate in peer group learning and individual supervision with an educator. Supervisory students move further into the practice of supervision, teaching, group leadership, and evaluation as they progress through SEC 600–900.
Clinical Pastoral Education | Supervisory Education
Clinical Pastoral Education | Supervisory Education
Students are evaluated through participation, written assignments, supervision, group process, internship documentation, and formal mid-course and final evaluations. CPEI’s materials make clear that evaluation is part of the educational process and is meant to support both learning and growth.
Student Handbook | Policies & Governance
Student Handbook | Policies & Governance
Yes. Students who complete CPE or Supervisory Education can obtain an unofficial transcript through Populi from the student profile and transcript area.
Student Handbook
Student Handbook
CPEI uses a published time-based refund schedule. Transcript outcomes also depend on when a student withdraws. In many cases, early withdrawal results in no transcript entry, mid-course withdrawal may result in a “W,” and later withdrawal may result in the grade earned.
Policies & Governance
Policies & Governance
Students need a computer, webcam, microphone, internet access, and the ability to participate in video conferencing. CPEI uses Zoom as its primary web-based video conferencing platform and publishes minimum technology requirements for students.
Student Handbook
Student Handbook
They may be. Some students complete their training in hospital-based settings through approved affiliates or site placements. CPEI also provides guidance for hospitals exploring accredited CPE programs, including information relevant to Medicare pass-through funding and hospital-based training models.
Affiliates | Find an Educator
Affiliates | Find an Educator
CPEI’s education and credentialing framework is competency-based. Students develop in areas such as self-awareness, theological reflection, ethics, spiritual assessment, crisis and trauma care, grief support, communication, diversity, collaboration, and professional identity. Supervisory students also develop competencies in teaching, group leadership, supervision, and evaluation.
Standards | Credentialing Manual
Standards | Credentialing Manual
Yes. CPEI is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). CPEI also publishes standards, academic policies, and student support information to guide its educational work.
Accreditations & Partnerships
Accreditations & Partnerships
CPEI’s education may support several professional pathways. CPEI’s CPE units are recognized by the National Association of Catholic Chaplains (NACC), approved by APC/BCCI toward chaplain certification, accepted in the VA context through VA educational benefits and NAVAC, and connected to additional opportunities through partnerships such as EBCC.
Credentialing Manual | Accreditations & Partnerships
Credentialing Manual | Accreditations & Partnerships
No. CPEI’s published handbook and policy materials state that completing a course or certificate does not guarantee employment or credentialing. Additional requirements may apply depending on the certifying body, endorsing agency, reciprocity process, or employer.
Student Handbook | Standards
Student Handbook | Standards
Looking for full policies and documentation? Visit our Governance Documents page .
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