Begin Your Chaplaincy Journey

400 CPE Hours · 27 Credits · Preparatory Chaplaincy Training

A comprehensive 12-month program combining academic coursework with 400 hours of supervised Clinical Pastoral Education — building the foundation to begin chaplaincy service and preparing you to pursue recognized professional certification (ACC / BCC).

Entry Requirement: High School Diploma

CPE Hour Requirements

400
Required
Total Hours
100
Instruction Hours
Classroom
200
Experience Hours
Clinical
100
Study Hours
Self-Directed

About the Program

The Assistant Chaplaincy Program with CPE is a 12-month, 27-credit preparatory program that combines academic training with supervised clinical pastoral education. Upon completion, graduates receive the CLSOD Chaplain Assistant (CCA) certificate of completion, confirming completion of foundational preparatory chaplaincy training and building the base to pursue recognized chaplaincy certification through BCCI/APC-approved providers.

12 Months
Program Duration
27 Credits
Academic Coursework
Preparatory CCA
CLSOD Certificate of Completion

Program Curriculum

6 modules · 400 total CPE hours · 27 credits

8 Core Competencies

Students must demonstrate all 8 competencies to graduate

Spiritual Assessment
Pastoral Presence
Crisis Intervention
Interfaith Competency
Professional Ethics
Team Collaboration
Documentation
Self-Awareness

Completion Requirements

All of the following must be fulfilled to complete the preparatory program and receive the CLSOD CCA certificate

Certificates are available after all lessons are completed.
Complete all 6 academic modules
Pass all module quizzes (minimum 70%)
Complete minimum 400 CPE hours
Receive satisfactory supervisor evaluations
Demonstrate all 8 core competencies
Complete 50+ reflective journal entries
Maintain professional ethics and conduct
Obtain faith tradition endorsement

Certification Pathways

This preparatory program builds the foundation to pursue recognized chaplaincy certification

CLSOD CCA
Preparatory Certificate (this program)
Cross Life School of Divinity
400 training hours + coursework
ACC
Associate Certified Chaplain (recognized)
BCCI / Association of Professional Chaplains
48 graduate credits + 2 accredited CPE units
BCC
Board Certified Chaplain (recognized)
BCCI / Association of Professional Chaplains
72 graduate credits + 4 accredited CPE units + 2 yrs experience

Find a CPE Clinical Site Near You

Use these national directories to locate accredited CPE sites in your area — including hospitals, hospice, VA, and corrections settings.

Most Comprehensive

ACPE Official Directory

The gold standard directory from the main CPE accrediting body. Search by state, city, and setting.

Search ACPE Directory →
Interactive Map

Chaplaincy Innovation Lab

Find CPE sites near you using an interactive map. Includes ACPE and non-ACPE accredited sites.

Find Sites on Map →
Residency Programs

CPEI Affiliate Directory

Clinical Pastoral Education International affiliates, including hospital chaplaincy residency programs.

Browse CPEI Affiliates →

Ready to Begin Your Chaplaincy Journey?

One-time fee of $799. Financing available — 12 monthly payments of $66.58.