ACPE USDE recognition in trouble

ACPE is in danger of losing its USDE recognition. I don't feel bad for them. The chaplain industry has gotten ridiculous, and ACPE almost has a monopoly. The biggest chaplaincy board only recognizes CPE accredited by ACPE, NACC (Catholic), and CASC (Canadian). Unless you're Catholic or Canadian, ACPE-accredited programs are your only option.

ICPT and CPEI are accredited by organizations recognized by USDE, but because the chaplaincy industry is nonsensical and all about gatekeeping, CPE units earned under these organizations aren't always recognized.

https://acpe.edu/detail-pages/news/2024/11/04/a-message-from-rev.-dr.-cecelia-ann-walker-acpe-board-chair

USDE might be eliminated soon, but this won't fix the gatekeeping within the chaplaincy industry.

 

You're right, ACPE has a monopoly on most hospital, hospice, and prison chaplaincies. ACPE has become what ATS used to be for seminary education.