Depending on the employer, a hospital chaplain must hold at least an undergraduate degree in a religious studies or counseling field. The process may take 4-6 years, in addition to completion of post-graduate clinical pastoral education credits and certification through one of the national chaplain organizations.

Chaplaincy requirements may include: Bachelor's degree or equivalent life experience. Graduate degree or completed graduate courses relevant to spiritual care (e.g., theology, behavioral sciences) Clinical training.

The process begins with completing an application for certification and meeting the required criteria with evidence of education, ordination, denominational endorsement, special training such as Clinical Pastoral Education, and experience in pastoral ministry.

Depending on the setting, chaplains can either be lay people currently employed by an organization who have completed the appropriate theological and ministerial training; or they may be ordained individuals who are recruited by an organization and appointed to chaplaincy.