Opening doors in today’s competitive healthcare leadership field.
Since 1997, the Certified Physician Executive (CPE) credential has helped over 4,100 physicians achieve excellence in leadership with the education, expertise, and demonstrated skills to effectively lead healthcare organizations.
Adding CPE to your résumé indicates that you’ve reached the pinnacle of leadership
The CPE designation tells a compelling story of your business acumen to colleagues, current and future employers, recruiters and others. It endorses your ability to lead large groups, manage budgets, address HR challenges, and apply strategic business insights.
The CPE curriculum provides you with the knowledge, skills and core competencies in key areas to transition into a wide array of leadership roles.
The CPE curriculum provides you with the knowledge, skills and core competencies in key areas to transition into a wide array of leadership roles.
We all have letters after our names — MD, MMM, MBA, others. CPE might seem like another set of letters, but I learned how to identify my leadership strengths, and [the exercises] stick with me today.
Barbara Loeb, MD, MBA, CPE, FACP, FACPE
CMO, Chicago Health System, Illinois
CMO, Chicago Health System, Illinois
Learn at your own pace
The CPE program is built to provide a well-rounded set of knowledge, skills and core competencies. However, while rigorous, it accommodates learners of all styles and speeds by allowing you to complete on your own timeline. Here’s a quick overview:
Awarded by the Certifying Commission in Medical Management
The CPE demonstrates your commitment to quality, communication and excellence in healthcare. You will feel the personal satisfaction of achieving an exclusive pinnacle of professional distinction while signaling a benchmark for employers seeking the most accomplished and influential physician leaders.
Complete the CPE Streamline Curriculum
You’ll complete core and elective portions of the CPE curriculum where we’ve identified courses focused on management education. These courses are a combination of Self-Study, Online Facilitated, and Live in-person at AAPL institutes, to provide a balanced system of educational formats as befits each course’s content.
The culmination of your dedication and pursuit of leadership excellence
The Capstone is the final required step in the CPE Certification program and is completed at one of our live or virtual sessions offered four times a year. It is designed to provide you with additional CPE competencies education, while completing exercises in group sessions to allow you to hone your skills in preparation for your CPE Leadership Summary Presentation.
Upcoming CPE Capstone Dates
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August 14-17, 2025
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Live Online
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Pre-work: July 11, 2025
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November 6 - 9, 2025
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Live Online
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Pre-work: October 3, 2025
CPE Checklist
Eligibility
To be eligible for the CPE Capstone, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Be a licensed M.D. or D.O.
- Been an active AAPL member for at least one year.
- Have at least two cumulative years of healthcare leadership experience and significant managerial oversight as described in the Capstone leadership criteria. Candidates must attest to significant lessons learned, physician leadership position(s) and dates/time spent in each role(s).
- Be (or have been) board certified in a clinical specialty recognized by the ABMS or AOA, or an equivalent recognized board certification commission in the country in which they reside and are licensed to practice.
- Three years’ experience in clinical practice beyond residency and fellowship training.
- Complete the Certified Physician Executive curriculum OR have a qualifying graduate management degree program. ( MBA, MMM, MHA, MPH, MS-HQSM, MS in management, etc.) and have completed two of the following five core courses:
- Fundamentals of Physician Leadership – Negotiation
- Practical Principles of Change Management
- Resolving Conflict
- Managing Physician Performance
- Transforming Healthcare through Quality Improvement
- Once you meet all eligibility requirements, you apply online for the CPE Capstone. The Capstone is a 3 ½ day certifying program and is the final step in achieving the CPE credential. We offer the Capstone four times per year.
Maintenance of CPE Credential
Once you have completed your capstone, your Certified Physician Credential (CPE) credential is maintained through your active AAPL membership, ensuring that you continue to have access to the resources and industry-leading knowledge needed to stay at the top of your game.
Schedule a session with one of our advisors
Let us guide you through your leadership journey. Click on the calendar to book a brief online or phone conversation with one of our educational advisors. Together, you’ll create an individualized learning path that fits your schedule and goals.
If you prefer to talk directly to someone please call: