Certificate in Chaplaincy (Level 5) at Tenwek Hospital College is an introductory, competency-based pathway for men and women preparing to serve as chaplains in hospitals, schools, colleges, uniformed services, and other institutions. The qualification is examined by the Curriculum Development, Assessment and Certification Council (CDACC) and sits within Kenya’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) framework, alongside the School of Chaplaincy’s wider mission to integrate spiritual care with real-world clinical and community contexts.
Who this programme is for
This Level 5 certificate is designed for applicants who meet the published entry threshold and want a structured foundation in chaplaincy before progressing to the Diploma. It suits:
- Applicants with KCSE D (Plain) and above who feel called to institutional chaplaincy
- Church workers and volunteers moving into hospital, hospice, or school-based pastoral roles
- Anyone seeking a CDACC-examined credential that signals credible, assessed competency in spiritual care
What you will learn
Competency-based chaplaincy training focuses on what you can do in context—not only what you know. While exact unit titles follow the approved curriculum, learners typically grow in areas such as:
- Pastoral presence, listening, and crisis response in fast-paced environments
- Ethical and respectful engagement across diverse faith backgrounds and worldviews
- Collaboration with clinical, educational, and security-sector colleagues
- Scripture-informed care that honours both doctrine and the dignity of each person
The Certificate is designed as a build-up to the Diploma in Chaplaincy (Level 6), so you can deepen formation and responsibility over time.
Why study at Tenwek
The School of Chaplaincy is embedded in the Tenwek Hospital College ecosystem—minutes from bedside realities, multidisciplinary rounds, and the spiritual needs of patients, families, and staff. That proximity shapes case-based learning, supervised reflection, and a community where theology meets the stress, grief, and hope found in African healthcare and education settings.
Entry requirements and intakes
Standard entry for the Certificate is KCSE D (Plain) and above. Admissions typically follow January, May, and September intakes; confirm current dates and any document checklist on our admissions page.
Fees and finance
Tuition and trimester-related charges are published on the fees page. The school uses designated bank and M-Pesa channels—plan ahead so you can secure your place before each intake closes.
How to apply
If you are ready to begin, complete the online registration for the Certificate stream. For broader questions—documents, prerequisites, or campus life—browse FAQs or contact the School of Chaplaincy office using the details in the site header.