Clinical Pastoral Education International (CPEI) was founded in 2018 with the express intent of meeting educational standards set by the U.S. Department of Education.
CPEI is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), which is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a recognized accrediting agency and recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
CPEI is accredited by the International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) as a Continuing Education Unit provider and may offer IACET CEUs for eligible learning activities.
The Association of Professional Chaplains (APC) and its Board of Chaplaincy Certification, Inc. (BCCI) have approved CPEI as a provider of Clinical Pastoral Education toward BCCI chaplain certification (since January 2024).
The National Association of Catholic Chaplains (NACC) recognizes CPEI Clinical Pastoral Education units toward NACC chaplain certification (since January 2024).
Federal recognition:
- The National Association of Veterans Affairs Chaplains has confirmed acceptance of CPEI’s accredited Clinical Pastoral Education units within its professional chaplaincy pathway.
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. CPEI is approved to offer VA education benefits to eligible veterans, active-duty service members and other qualified individuals enrolled in approved CPE and SEC programs.
- See also DEAC accreditation which relates to recognition by the U.S. Department of Education.
- CPEI is incorporated in Florida and recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
CPEI is an active member of the COMISS Network, which supports collaboration among organizations committed to theological and clinical education and the competent practice of interfaith spiritual care.
