The process toward educator certification

The process for Christian Educator and Christian Education Associates in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

Certified Christian Educators in the PC(USA) . . .

• Are members of the PC(USA)
• Are employed in educational ministry in a PC(USA) congregation, governing body or agency or have confirmed volunteer status of at least ten (10) hours/week of volunteer service and have completed one year full-time (or its equivalent) work experience
• Have completed a bachelor’s degree (or master’s degree) or Christian Education Associate level
• Have requested and received an application and information for certification along with a listing of Certification Advisors appointed by the presbytery or a neighboring presbytery and have asked one of these Advisors to serve as the resource and support system as they go through the process
• Have completed the application, including current employment/service, work experience, and previous coursework with attached transcripts
• Have completed the required course credits (3 credits or 30 contact hours) in Biblical Interpretation, Reformed Theology, Religious Education Theory and Practice, Human Growth and Faith Development, Worship and Sacraments
• Have completed the required course credits (1.5 credits or 15 contact hours) in Presbyterian Polity and Presbyterian Program and Mission
• Have completed the certification exam process with a Reference Group containing colleagues, staff, and the Certification Advisor

Christian Education Associates in the PC(USA) . . .

• Are members of the PC(USA)
• Are employed in educational ministry in a PC(USA) congregation, governing body or agency or have confirmed volunteer status of at least ten (10) hours/week of volunteer service and have completed one year full-time (or its equivalent) work experience
• Have requested and received an application and information for certification along with a listing of Certification Advisors appointed by the presbytery or a neighboring presbytery and have asked one of these Advisors to serve as the resource and support system as they go through the process
• Have completed the application, including current employment/service, work experience, and previous coursework
• Have completed all four courses of Opening Doors to Discipleship, working alongside the Certification Advisor
• Have read six selected books and written reflection papers on each, responding to questions and submitted them for reading and approval by the Educator Certification Committee