Clinical Pastoral Education International (CPEI) and the Evangelical Board of Certified Chaplains (EBCC) are pleased to announce a new partnership designed to expand opportunities for chaplains pursuing Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) and professional certification.

This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to preparing chaplains for effective, compassionate spiritual care across diverse ministry and health care settings. Through this partnership, individuals seeking EBCC certification will be encouraged to complete their Clinical Pastoral Education through CPEI, while CPEI students and graduates will benefit from a recognized pathway toward EBCC certification.

“The partnership between Clinical Pastoral Education International and the Evangelical Board of Certified Chaplains represents an important step forward in strengthening the formation and credentialing of chaplains,” said Dallas E. Speight, chief executive officer of CPEI. “By working alongside EBCC, we are helping ensure chaplains have accessible, high-quality educational pathways that prepare them to serve with competence, compassion and integrity in a wide range of ministry settings.”

“We’re pleased to partner with Clinical Pastoral Education International as we continue to support evangelical chaplains in their vocation and professional development,” said Juliana Lesher, director of the Evangelical Board of Certified Chaplains. “Together, we are strengthening the connection between education and credentialing.”

As part of this partnership, both organizations will collaborate to:

  • Promote accessible, high-quality Clinical Pastoral Education and certification pathways;
  • Share resources and information to support chaplain formation and professional development; and
  • Strengthen connections between education and credentialing within the evangelical chaplaincy community.

CPEI and EBCC also plan to highlight this partnership across their respective platforms, encouraging prospective students and chaplains to take advantage of these aligned opportunities.

Clinical Pastoral Education International (CPEI) is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

About Clinical Pastoral Education International  

 Clinical Pastoral Education International (CPEI) provides innovative, accessible and high-quality Clinical Pastoral Education and Supervisory Education programs. With over 30 affiliate centers and flexible online and hybrid learning options, CPEI equips chaplains with the skills and competencies needed to provide compassionate, professional spiritual care. CPEI’s vision is to provide an unparalleled experience as the most trusted partner in Clinical Pastoral Education. For more information, visit CPEI.edu.  

About the Evangelical Board of Certified Chaplains  

The Evangelical Board of Certified Chaplains (EBCC), a ministry of the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE) Chaplaincy, provides certification for evangelical chaplains serving in a variety of ministry contexts. EBCC supports chaplains through professional standards, credentialing, and a commitment to excellence in spiritual care. For more information, visit EvangelicalChaplains.org.