It is expected that participants will have completed previous tertiary study in areas that support this program (e.g. theology, Scripture, spirituality) or will have considerable pastoral experience. This study is a particular requirement for catholic participants in order to be formally listed by the Archdiocese of Adelaide as a spiritual director.

It is required that participants have spiritual direction themselves for at least 12 months before entering this program. It is helpful to have made at least one silent directed retreat before application is made.  Applications are welcome from people across Christian denominations.  Only up to twelve people are accepted into each program.