Process for certification
You could be a certified Christian educator in the PC(USA) if . . .*
- You are a PC(USA) member and you are employed in educational ministry in a PC(USA) congregation, governing body or agency.
- You have completed the online request form and received your application and instructions along with a listing of Certification Advisors appointed by your presbytery or a neighboring presbytery. You have asked one of these Advisors to serve as your resource and support system as you go through the process.
- You have completed your application, including your current employment, work experience, and previous coursework with attached transcripts.
You have a master’s degree . . .
in Christian education or a related field, or a master of divinity degree OR you have previously received certification at the associate level of the process.
- You have work experience in PC(USA) educational ministries (the equivalent of one year full-time).
- You have completed the required course credits in each of the seven knowledge and skill areas.
- You have completed the certification exam while participating in the Reference Group process, containing colleagues selected by you, the session of the congregation, and your Certification Advisor.
You have a bachelor’s degree . . .
in Christian education or in another field OR you have previously been approved as an Enrolled Educational Assistant by the denomination.
- You have work experience in PC(USA) educational ministries (the equivalent of two years full-time).
- You have completed the required course credits in each of the six knowledge and skill areas.
- You have completed the certification exam while participating in the Reference Group process, containing colleagues selected by you, the session of the congregation, and your Certification Advisor.
You have an associate degree or do not have any college training . . .
- You have work experience in PC(USA) educational ministries ( the equivalent of two years of full-time). At least one year may be in verified volunteer service in Christian education.
- You have accumulated 20 contact hours, within the past ten years, in Biblical and Theological Foundations; Religious Education Theory and Practice / Human Development, and age-group skills; Administration and Leader Development.
- You have read six selected books and written reflection papers on each, responding to questions and submitted for reading by the Educator Certification Council.