All chaplains are pastors, though not all pastors are called to be chaplains.  Just as medical doctors require graduate school and licensing before they can practice medicine, pastors require professional training and credentialing.  To become a specialist in any medical field requires advanced professional training, residency and certification.  To become a chaplain, pastors must have advanced training, pastoral experience verified by current credentials and ecclesiastical endorsement.

CHAPLIANCIES REQUIRING ENDORSEMENT
The Seventh-day Adventist Church is committed to endorsing only qualified clergy in chaplaincy ministries.  Ecclesiastical endorsement is granted only to individuals who qualify for appropriate ministerial credentials, and who have applied to serve or are serving as chaplains in one of the following chaplaincies: