Members of the Chicago reading group grade exams. Photo by John B. Severson.Bible Content Exam
The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) considers basic knowledge of the content of the Bible to be an essential prerequisite for ministry. The Bible Content examination is intended to assess one’s knowledge of stories, themes and pertinent passages in the Old and New Testaments.
This exam is ordinarily taken in the first year of seminary (Book of Order, G-14.0431). The two-hour examination contains 100 multiple-choice questions about the contents of the Bible, using the New Revised Standard Version for all quotations. The exam will be offered twice a year on announced Friday mornings in the fall and the spring. The questions vary in difficulty, but cover the entire Bible as required by action of the General Assembly in 1978.
The examination is available in English, Spanish and Korean.
A grade of 70 correct answers or better is required to pass this exam.
The Bible Content Examination is given at proctored sites using an Internet-based testing program. A list of test sites is available at the online registration site. The proctors for each site can provide information about the specific equipment availability and requirements for their location. Inquirers and candidates should confirm these requirements with the proctor at the site before registering.
Test results are displayed for test takers at the completion of the examination and emailed directly to the address provided at registration.
Candidates with learning disabilities or physical handicaps and those unable to travel to one of the regular testing sites should discuss special arrangements with their CPMs and proctors. Registrations for the Bible Content Examination involving any special arrangements must be made directly with the Office of Preparation for Ministry/Examinations. Contact Tim Cargal, (888) 728-7228, x5771.
Candidates not requiring special arrangements may register and pay online for the Bible Content Examination. The fee is $90 for the exam. An e-mail confirmation containing essential information required for taking the test is sent to each registrant. Visit the registration site.
A discount of $20 will apply only if application and payment are made online before June 16 for the fall administration and November 16 for the spring administration. Early registration discounts are not available for examinations requiring special arrangements.
If you have questions regarding the registration process, contact Cindy Ealy, (888) 728-7228, x5744. For other questions about the Bible Content Examination or to discuss special arrangements, contact Tim Cargal (888) 728-7228, x5771.
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