How to Become a Chaplain
Are you interested in becoming a professional chaplain? With five accredited centers in Central Florida, Chicagoland, Kansas and Texas, we offer high-quality, graduate-level education with master’s degree programs in spiritual care and divinity. Get to know AdventHealth University’s Master of Science in Spiritual Care and learn about professional chaplaincy requirements, CPE programs and more on this page.
We also invite you to download this guide to mapping your path to chaplaincy.
Professional Chaplaincy Qualifications and Competencies
In general, professional chaplains have:
- Graduate-Level Theological Education
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Typically, professional chaplains have a master’s degree in spiritual care, a Master of Divinity or a 72-credit hour equivalent. Learn about AdventHealth University’s Master of Science in Spiritual Care degree program.
- Four Units of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE)
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This takes about one and a half years to complete if you do an initial unit and then engage in a CPE clinical residency.
- Professional Chaplaincy Practice
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Upon completion of your academic and CPE requirements, you’re typically ready for a professional ministry. Some contexts have different requirements for CPE completion before you are hired, and others will hire chaplains as needed before completion of academic or CPE preparation.
- Faith Community Endorsement
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This is a chaplain’s acknowledgment that they are affirmed and acknowledged as a representative of the faith community, ministering in a specialized context outside of a denomination or community of faith. Endorsement is an important connection for the chaplain, as a support and professional accountability partner in ministry.
- Board Certification
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After completing the academic and CPE requirements, along with a minimum of 2,000 hours of professional ministry practice, the chaplain is eligible to seek board certification by the Association of Professional Chaplains. Board certification of chaplains is a peer-reviewed process that affirms one’s gifts, skills, training and competencies for basic chaplaincy practice.
What to Know About Chaplaincy and CPE Programs
If you’re beginning this journey or discerning a call to chaplaincy, taking a part-time, extended or summer-intensive unit of CPE is a great way to experience chaplaincy as an internship. Explore the ACPE website to find CPE programs in the context where you’re called to minister.
Explore the Program Context
While many CPE programs are based in health care systems, other contexts are available across the United States. All ACPE CPE programs use the same outcomes and objectives for structuring their programs in ways that are unique to each context, their educational leaders and their students.
Learn About the Accreditation
When choosing a CPE center or program, take time to explore what’s involved in their program’s accreditation, how educators are trained and what safety measures are in place for educator accountability for professional practice.
All CPE centers and programs sponsored by AdventHealth are accredited by ACPE. ACPE is recognized by the Department of Education (DOE) to offer accreditation. ACPE-accredited CPE is therefore eligible for VA benefits and recognition by colleges, universities, seminaries and divinity schools for academic credit according to each institution’s policies.
Frequently Asked Questions Answered
We’re here to answer your questions about CPE and becoming a chaplain so you’re informed and confident.
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Q:Question: Can I Take a First Unit of CPE if I Haven’t Completed My Graduate Theological Education?
A:Answer:Yes. While theological education is encouraged and preferred, you may take your first unit since CPE focuses on how your theological perspective informs your ministry. An initial unit of CPE will provide you with the opportunity to learn and practice important skills and opportunities for self-awareness that will inform any ministry you are called to.
Continue ReadingCollapse AnswerCPE is meaningful learning for all types of ministers, not just chaplains, as it focuses on skills specifically related to spiritual care. Many students who complete one unit of CPE do not sense a calling to chaplaincy. Maybe you are one of the deacons, Stephen’s Ministers, elders, Bible study leaders or many others who want to learn more about providing care in times of crisis and grief, or to really listen as part of your personal ministry.
Those sensing a call to professional chaplaincy are encouraged to have completed or be engaged in theological education while completing CPE. This allows for the important integration of theology and ministry that is key to becoming a professional chaplain.
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Q:Question: Do Units of CPE That Are Not ACPE-Accredited Count?
A:Answer:To apply to AdventHealth Orlando’s CPE System Center residency programs, you need to have completed at least one ACPE-accredited unit of CPE.
Continue ReadingCollapse AnswerFor board certification, inquire with the Association of Professional Chaplains (APC) or other certification organizations about which CPE programs they will include as completion of requirements to be considered for board certification.
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Q:Question: How Do I Know if My Seminary or University Is CHEA-Accredited?
A:Answer:The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) has a searchable online database of institutions and programs accredited by recognized accrediting organizations in the United States. Learn more about CHEA-accredition here.
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Q:Question: How Do I Know if My Program Meets the 72-Hour Equivalency for Board Certification?
A:Answer:The Association of Professional Chaplains (APC), along with its affiliate, the Board of Chaplaincy Certification, Inc. (BCCI), have established common qualifications and competencies for professional chaplaincy. APC can review your program and coursework to advise if it meets the equivalency.
Continue ReadingCollapse AnswerThe Neshama: Association of Jewish Chaplains (NAJC) and National Association of Catholic Chaplains (NACC) also have certification handbooks and information on their websites.
Learn more about the Association of Professional Chaplains here.
Level 1, 2 and Certified Educator Clinical Pastoral Education at AdventHealth Orlando CPE System Center is accredited by: ACPE: The Standard for Spiritual Care and Education, 1 Concourse Parkway Suite 800, Atlanta, GA 30328 www.acpe.edu Call404-320-1472