Question 1

What does Buen Vivir CPE require from you as a student?

Accepted Answer

• Complete your application and admissions documentation (see Enrollment Process). 
 • Be aware of the time commitment required for the unit throughout its 12-week duration (see Time Commitment). 
 • Complete and submit your assignments through our educational platform, CANVAS. 
 • Remain active and attentive to your class schedule and email communications. As this is an online program, students are expected to maintain an appropriate and timely level of responsiveness. 
 • Attend all group sessions via Zoom without exception. 
 • Carry out your spiritual care practices ethically and honestly. 
 • Have a designated time and space available for group sessions (see Required Resources).

Question 2

Do you accept international students?

Accepted Answer

At this time, our program is available only at the national level within the United States. We invite you to explore the ACPE website to find CPE programs with international reach.

Question 3

Do I need to complete CPE to become a Certified Chaplain?

Accepted Answer

APC does require it as one of its requirements; however, there are other organizations, such as NACC and NAVAC. Please consult their respective websites for more information.

Question 4

What is the validity and credibility of the Buen Vivir CPE program?

Accepted Answer

All of our program and CPE units are certified and comply with ACPE standards. (www.acpe.edu)(http://www.acpe.edu)

Question 5

Can I transfer or receive credit for courses or hours from other units or from my work experience?

Accepted Answer

According to ACPE standards, the 100 and 300 hours must be completed in full during the duration of the unit. Courses cannot be transferred, and practicum hours completed before or after the unit are not accepted.

Question 6

What is the curriculum or course content covered?

Accepted Answer

1. The sessions are designed to address the topics within the five categories defined by ACPE: 
2.  Category A: Spiritual Formation and Integration 
3.  Category B: Self and Other Awareness 
4.  Category C: Relational Dynamics 
5.  Category D: Spiritual Care Interventions 
6.  Category E: Professional Development

Question 7

How is each CPE unit structured?

Accepted Answer

Each CPE unit has a duration of 12 weeks. 
During the 12 weeks, students must complete 100 hours of group sessions and 300 hours of clinical practice.

Question 8

Where can I complete my 300 hours of spiritual care practicum?

Accepted Answer

Spiritual Care practicum sites may be any setting that. 
1. Provides or requires spiritual care services 
2. Has a sufficient population for you to complete the 300 practicum hours as a chaplain. 
3. Has a qualified individual who can serve as your Preceptor and provide supervision.

Question 9

Do the hours I complete as a doctor or nurse count as practicum hours?

Accepted Answer

No. Practicum hours must be completed in a role that is 100% chaplaincy.

Question 10

How much time do I need to commit each week?

Accepted Answer

Generally, the time commitment is approximately 35 hours per week over a 12-week period: 
• 7 hours of group sessions: Two days per week from 6:00 to 9:30 p.m.

• 25 hours per week of individual spiritual care practice

• 30 minutes of individual education/supervision

• Approximately 3 hours to complete assignments

Question 11

What does a typical week look like for a CPE student?

Accepted Answer

You will have group sessions via Zoom two days a week, from 6:00 to 9:30 p.m. Throughout the week, you will complete 2 to 3 assignments, as well as required documentation and forms. You will also have a 30-minute individual session with your educator, with a variety of scheduling options so you can choose what best fits your availability.

You will be required to complete 27 hours of in-person spiritual care practice at your practicum site, distributed throughout the week at mutually agreed-upon times. During this time, you will apply what you have learned in class. You will prepare presentations based on your practicum experiences to share with the rest of the group.

In addition, you will complete an individual research project on a CPE-related topic of your choice, with the goal of contributing new insights to the group. You will engage in self-evaluation processes, opportunities to share feelings and reflections with the group, role-playing, and a variety of group dynamics. Reading CPE-related books and articles will also be encouraged.

Question 12

What are the benefits of completing a CPE unit?

Accepted Answer

Students may progress through up to four CPE levels: IA, IB, IIA, and IIB. 
Upon successful completion of a unit and in accordance with ACPE evaluation criteria, the educator awards one CPE credit per unit to the student. Ideally, each level corresponds to one CPE unit, unless the educator determines that the student needs to repeat the same level, in which case credit may not be granted.

Question 13

Who will be my CPE educator?

Accepted Answer

Buen Vivir CPE works exclusively with ACPE Certified Educators. To become an ACPE Certified Educator or a professional chaplain, individuals must earn both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from a nationally or regionally accredited university or seminary. The following websites can help determine whether an educational institution’s accreditation is officially recognized: 
 
 • Council of Higher Education Association (http://www.chea.org/)
 • Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (http://www.css.msa.org/)
 • New England Association of Schools and Colleges (http://www.neasc.org/)
 • North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (http://www.ncacihe.org/)
 • Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (http://www.sacs.org/)
 • Western Association of Schools and Colleges (http://www.acswasc.org/)
 • Association of Theological Schools (http://www.ats.edu/)
 • U.S. Department of Education (http://www.ed.gov/)

Question 14

Who is eligible to serve as my Preceptor?

Accepted Answer

Preceptor:The individual who serves in the role of supervising the student’s Spiritual Care practicum, providing guidance and feedback on their performance. For this reason, the Preceptor must be someone with advanced education or significant experience in their field. Their participation is active throughout the entire CPE unit.

Question 15

Who should serve as an Administrative Representative?

Accepted Answer

Administrative Representative: Their sole role is to authorize the Practicum Site Agreement. For this reason, this individual must hold a position of authority—such as a supervisor, manager, or senior leader within the institution—who has the ability to formally approve the student’s practicum at that site.

Question 16

The cost is much higher than other ACPE units. Is there is a reason for that?

Accepted Answer

• Program Value & Format The tuition reflects the specialized nature of our 12-week intensive online format. We’ve intentionally designed it to be as supportive as possible for working professionals: 
 • Professional Flexibility: Classes are held after work hours, so you can maintain your current job and income. 
 • Clinical Placement Freedom: You have the flexibility to choose your own site for practical hours, you can manage your clinical placement at your own pace and convenience 
 •   The online format requires more direct online attention and individualized support.

Question 17

Do you offer scholarships or financial assistance for CPE units?

Accepted Answer

• Some of our Spanish-language CPE units offer financial assistance. When this is the case, it will be indicated in the general unit information in the “Units” section. 
 • Students who receive financial assistance commit to successfully completing the CPE unit. In the event of withdrawal for any reason, penalties may apply

Question 18

How to access your ACPE transcript:

Accepted Answer

To view or print your official transcripts, please follow these steps: 
1. Access the Portal: Go to the ACPE Student Portal.(https://profile.acpe.edu/) 
2. Sign In: Log in using the email address and password you used to enroll in ACPE 
3. View Transcript: On the right-hand tab of the screen, you will see a button labeled "Print Transcript." 
4. Download: Click there to view, save, or print your official record of completed units.

Question 19

What digital or technological platforms are used to conduct the unit?

Accepted Answer

We use Canvas as our administrative management platform. 
 • Webpage: https://www.instructure.com/canvas (https://www.instructure.com/canvas)
 • Video:CANVAS- OverviewLinks to an external site.Z(https://youtu.be/PVfkFD45hL0)oom (https://canvas.instructure.com/courses/13137058/files/324598270?wrap=1)
We also use Zoom to conduct our group sessions. 
 • Webpage: https://zoom.us/signinLinks (https://zoom.us/signinLinks)to an external site. (https://zoom.us/signin)
 • Video: ZOOM - How To Use ZOOM From Start to FinishLinks to an external site. (https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKpRxBfeD1kGl3UM5cE6oOOFf67mZN0fg&si=86VNRTxGFsoCKqEU)