CERTIFIED PHYSICIAN EXECUTIVE
Healthcare Leadership Development That Opens Doors in Today's Competitive Field.
Since 1997, more than 4,400 physicians have earned the Certified Physician Executive (CPE) credential, gaining the education, expertise, and demonstrated skills to lead healthcare organizations. Today there are two ways to get there: move at your own pace, or join a cohort of physician colleagues on a structured 18-month path.
Adding CPE to your résumé indicates that you’ve reached the pinnacle of leadership as a physician executive
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 including positions that require physician leadership training and advanced physician executive coaching support.
There are now two ways to earn your CPE. Move through the curriculum at your own pace, starting with the Fundamentals Micro-Credential, or join the 2027 Annual CPE Cohort, a structured 18-month path with a group of physician colleagues. The next cohort begins January 2027. Enroll by December 15, 2026.
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
The CPE Journey
Learn at your own pace
The CPE program is built to provide a well-rounded set of knowledge, skills and core competencies for physician leaders. 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:
ENDORSED BY AAPL
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 executives and healthcare leaders.
VARIED COURSE FORMATS
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-Paced, Hybrid Online, and Live in-person at AAPL institutes, to provide a balanced system of educational formats as befits each course’s content and supports ongoing healthcare leadership coaching.
CPE Capstone
The culmination of your dedication and pursuit of leadership excellence
The Capstone is the final required step in the Certified Physician Executive Certification program and is completed at one of our live or virtual sessions offered multiple 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 physician leadership and executive-decision making skills in preparation for your CPE Leadership Summary Presentation.
Upcoming CPE Capstone Dates
November 2026 — NOW FULL
Live Online
Pre-work: Oct. 1, 2026 - Nov. Capstone Now Full
April 22 - 25, 2027
Live Online
Pre-work: March 18, 2027
August 5 - 8, 2027
Live Online
Pre-work: July 1, 2027
November 4-7, 2027
Live Online
Pre-work: September 30, 2027
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.
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Complete the Certified Physician Executive curriculum (opens in a new tab) 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 Executive (CPE) credential is maintained through your active AAPL membership, ensuring that you continue to have access to the resources, physician executive coaching, and industry-leading knowledge needed to stay at the top of your game as an effective leader in modern healthcare.
Have additional questions?
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 including access to physician leadership coaching tailored to your career path as a physician executive.
