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Best senior pastor certifications

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

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

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

3 best certifications for senior pastors

RankSenior pastor certificationOrganization
1Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE)ACPE
2Pastoral Counseling CertificationMt. Vision In...
3Certified Pastoral CounselorAAPC

3 best senior 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

What is the best certification for a senior pastor?

The best senior 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 senior 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 certifications can impact a senior pastor career and salary?

The Pastoral Counseling Certification certification will help you to secure a pastor position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. A pastor's average salary is $39,092 whereas senior pastors make an average salary of $45,556.

Best certifications

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

Online courses for senior pastors to earn certifications

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