Ordination Exams

The focus of ordination examinations is to determine one’s entry-level readiness for ministry in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). The exams present pastoral challenges whereby candidates can demonstrate how they integrate faith and theological education in practical ministry.

The standard ordination examinations consist of five exams described in the Book of Order (G-14.0431a-e): Bible Content, Open Book Bible Exegesis, Theological Competence, Worship and Sacraments and Church Polity. All five exams must be passed to satisfy the requirements for ministry set forth in the Book of Order.

The fee for written examinations is $90 per exam. For PC(USA) Inquirers/Candidates only, an early registration discount is available if application forms and payment are postmarked at least one month prior to the application deadlines.

Application deadlines are July 15 for the August 2009 exams and December 15 for the January 2010 exams. Early registration deadlines — for PC(USA) inquirers and candidates only — are June 15 for August 2009 exams and November 16 for January 2010.

Handbook on Ordination Examinations

The Handbook on Ordination Examinations is designed to serve as a resource for Inquirers/Candidates, Committees on Preparation for Ministry, Committees on Ministry and ministers of other denominations who may be taking the PC(USA)’s Ordination Exams.

The Handbook contains basic information about ordination exams — the purpose of the five examinations, how to register for exams, dates of administration, testing sites, fees, etc. It also offers helpful materials for those preparing to take the four written ordination examinations, such as instructions for the exams, tips on preparing for and writing exams, resources to be used, sample copies of grade sheets, an outline of the grading process and the process for appealing a grade on an exam.

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