How It Works

Step 1: Apply and Enroll

Students begin by completing the CPEI application and interview process. Admission decisions are based on readiness for this form of learning, including spiritual and emotional maturity, motivation, ability to engage the peer group and educator, and willingness to serve persons from diverse faith and cultural backgrounds.

Once accepted, students enroll through CPEI and prepare to begin a structured course of study with a CPEI educator. The institution publishes admissions standards, student verification requirements, and clear policies related to tuition, refunds, and satisfactory academic progress. (Policies and Processes Manual; Student Handbook)

Step 2: Participate in a Structured Learning Process

CPEI offers two certificate programs:

• Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE): four courses, CPE 100–400, totaling 1600 hours
• Supervisory Education (SEC): four courses, SEC 600–900, totaling 1600 hours

CPE includes small group learning, “individual supervision,” online lessons, and internship engagement. Supervisory Education includes supervision practice, leadership development, theological and theoretical integration, and the development of supervisory competencies. Both programs are designed for completion within 24 months and are described by CPEI as largely distance-based educational models. (Student Handbook; CPE/SEC program materials)

In plain terms, students learn through action, reflection, and guided feedback. This includes discussion, reading, written work, case presentations or verbatims, self-awareness work, and regular interaction with peers and educators.

Step 3: Complete Practice Hours and Evaluations

CPEI’s model depends on supervised practice in real ministry or clinical settings. For CPE students, internships may take place in hospitals, hospice programs, congregations, correctional settings, law enforcement contexts, nursing facilities, and other approved sites. Students submit logs of hours, receive site-based feedback, and complete formal evaluations.

The handbook and policies explain that learning is assessed through assignments, participation, surveys, rubrics, mid-course evaluations, and final evaluations. CPEI also emphasizes that evaluations are not just administrative; they are part of the learning process and measure both accomplishments and areas for further growth.

Step 4: Develop Competence for Professional Practice

CPEI’s educational and credentialing materials are competency-based. Students are expected to develop in areas such as self-awareness, theological reflection, diversity, ethics, crisis and trauma care, grief support, spiritual assessment, collaboration, communication, and professional identity.

For supervisory candidates, that development extends into group leadership, teaching, supervision, and the ability to guide others responsibly. The goal is not only to complete a course, but to become a more competent pastoral clinician or educator.

Step 5: Consider Credentialing, Reciprocity, and Career Pathways

After completing CPEI education, students may pursue additional professional steps depending on their goals. CPEI’s materials note that its training is recognized in multiple professional contexts, including the National Association of Catholic Chaplains (NACC), the Board of Chaplaincy Certification Inc. (BCCI) through APC approval, and the Veterans Affairs context through VA educational benefits and NAVAC acceptance.

CPEI also publishes reciprocity requirements for chaplain, Supervisor-Educator, and Training Supervisor-Educator credentials. For many students and employers, this matters because it shows how CPEI education can connect to broader credentialing and employment pathways while still respecting the standards of each certifying body.