Registration/Authorization to Take Ordination Exams
A member of the San Francisco reading group attends to exams. Photo by John B. Severson.

Candidates or inquirers are expected to take all four “senior” ordination examinations during the final year of seminary or after the equivalent of two full years of theological education (Book of Order, G-14.0431). The decision to authorize a person to write the examinations belongs solely to the presbytery. Without explicit authorization of the presbytery in writing, an applicant is not permitted to write the examinations.

When authorizing a person to write the examinations, the signature of the chairperson of the committee on preparation for ministry certifies that the applicant:

• is under the care of the presbytery as an Inquirer or Candidate,
  
• or at least two full years of theological education or its equivalent,
  
• is judged by the committee to be ready to write examinations, and
• is authorized to take exams as indicated on the form.

Application for the “senior” ordination examinations does not include applying for the Bible Content examination. Candidates who are writing for the first time are encouraged to write all four exams. Candidates and inquirers must submit an application form, along with appropriate fees, each time exams are to be taken.

The same application form is to be used by ministers of other denominations who are seeking admission to the PC(USA), and who have permission from a committee on ministry to take exams.

These four exams are available in Spanish. The theology, worship and polity exams are also available in Korean. Candidates whose primary language is Korean may write their exams in Korean.

It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure that:

• all necessary steps in the application/registration process have been fulfilled;
  
• all instructions have been followed carefully;
  
• close contact is kept with the links to the process, i.e., proctors and committee chairpersons from each candidate’s presbytery.
  

The deadlines for applications:

• for August 2009 exams: July 15; grades released to proctors Monday, October 26, 2009
  
• for January 2010 exams: December 15; grades released to proctors Monday, March 22, 2010

Applications and fees must be postmarked on or before the deadline.

Notification

Receipt of authorization(s) is confirmed by letter after the application is received in the Office of Examination Services. The letter includes information, preliminary materials, and the applicant’s I.D. number. This number is used throughout the exam process to insure anonymity in the grading process.

All subsequent materials, including grades, will be released to the exam proctors and presbytery committee chairs.

Fees

• For PC(USA) inquirers and candidates: $90 per exam.
  
• For ministers from another denomination: $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.

Fees are due when applications are submitted. Applications that do not include fees will be returned.

Cancellation

Inquirers/Candidates who have registered to take exams, but who, due to circumstances beyond their control, are forced to cancel, should notify their presbytery and call the Office of Examination Services as soon as possible. With adequate notice, or in the case of an illness or emergency, exam fees may be carried over. However, if a candidate decides not to take an exam (or exams) after the materials have been sent to proctors, exam fees will be forfeited.