What Is CPE?

Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) is interfaith professional education in the field of pastoral care. It is intended for theological students and ministers of all faiths for learning pastoral care skills and working within a pluralistic and clinical setting. CPE has been described as an ‘in-depth study of the living human document’ – meaning that while we seek to understand others, we inevitably learn about ourselves.  This program offers a rich environment for learning pastoral care skills, understanding end-of-life care issues and understanding the overall duties of a hospice chaplain.

CPE also is described as an opportunity for spiritual and educational renewal—although it can be intensely demanding, emotionally and intellectually.

CPE is offered in three levels (Level I, Level II, Supervisory), each with distinct objectives and outcomes. A single unit of CPE requires a minimum of 400 hours of training (300 clinical and 100 educational).

At least one unit of CPE is required for ordination; VITAS also requires its hospice chaplains to complete one unit of CPE, with encouragement to do more. Many faith bodies are now requiring a minimum of one unit of ACPE accredited CPE to be considered for ordination while a minimum of 4 units of CPE are required to qualify for board certification as a professional chaplain.

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