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Best pastor certifications

The best certifications for a pastor are Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE), Pastoral Counseling Certification, and Certified Pastoral Counselor.

Pastor certifications demonstrate your competency as a pastor to employers. However, not all pastor certifications provide the same value.

Below is a list of the best pastor certifications. Obtaining a pastor certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.

4 best certifications for pastors

4 best pastor certifications

1. Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE)

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or written exam required? No
  • Renewal required? 
Certifying organization
The Association for Clinical...

2. Pastoral Counseling Certification

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? No

3. Certified Pastoral Counselor

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? No

4. Certified Professional Counselor

You entered this field in order to help people. When was the last time that an organization came along to provide any real help to you? The mission of the American Board of Professional Counselors, ABPC program is to be the nation's leading advocate for counselors. ABPC will champion counselors' right to practice. We will work with you to protect your right to practice, increase parity for your profession, and provide you with the recognition that you so richly deserve.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? Every 1 year(s)

What is the best certification for a pastor?

The best pastor certification is Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE). The Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) is awarded by the The Association for Clinical Pastoral Education, Inc. this certification is great to have as it shows an improvement in your competency to perform your role. You can earn this certification at the beginning of your career, as it often doesn't require a minimum education level and work experience.

Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this pastor certification:

  • To become a certified Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE), you don't need to pass the exam.
  • This certificate requires more than two years of work experience.
  • Renew certification every year.

What are some of the most in-demand certifications for pastors?

The most in-demand pastor certification is Clinical Pastoral Education based on all active job postings. Having this pastor certification will give you access to more pastor jobs with higher salaries.

What certifications can impact a pastor career and salary?

The Certified Professional Counselor certification will help you to secure a counselor position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. A counselor's average salary is $37,562 whereas pastors make an average salary of $44,787.

Best certifications

The most common combination of pastor certifications include: Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE), Pastoral Counseling Certification, and Certified Pastoral Counselor.

Online courses for pastors to earn certifications

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