Educator Certification Courses
There are a total of seven course areas required for educator certification (Presbyterian Polity and Presbyterian Program and Mission are typically taught together as one course). Although taught by a variety of instructors and in different settings, there is standard content for each. These standards for each course area are available here.
Educator Certification Readiness Summary
In order to successfully complete the requirements for educator certification in the PC(USA), educators should be prepared to meet these expectations prior to beginning the educator certification exam.
Approved Courses
These courses have been approved by the Educator Certification Committee as meeting the requirements for educator certification:
| PRESBYTERIAN PROGRAM & MISSION (ONLINE) | |
|---|---|
| Instructor: | Cheryl Carson |
| Dates: | September 5, 12, 19, 26 |
| Course Provider: | Association of Partners in Christian Education (APCE), in partnership with the Office of Christian Formation of the PC(USA) Presbyterian Mission Agency |
| Contact: | Billie Sutter |
| Registration: | Available online |
| PRESBYTERIAN POLITY (ONLINE) | |
|---|---|
| Instructor: | Joyce MacKichan Walker |
| Dates: | October 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 |
| Course Provider: | Association of Partners in Christian Education (APCE), in partnership with the Office of Christian Formation of the PC(USA) Presbyterian Mission Agency |
| Contact: | Billie Sutter |
| Registration: | Available online |
| HUMAN GROWTH & FAITH DEVELOPMENT (online) | |
|---|---|
| Instructor: | Lakisha Lockhart |
| Dates: | October 8 – November 12, 2024 |
| Course Provider: | Union Presbyterian Seminary (online) |
| Contact: | Theda Wortman |
| For More Information: | Available online |
| WORSHIP & SACRAMENTS (in person and hybrid) | |
|---|---|
| Instructor: | Lis Valle |
| Dates: | January 25 – 27, 2025 |
| Course Provider: | Association of Partners in Christian Education |
| Contact: | Billie Sutter |
| For More Information: | apcenet.org |
| Biblical Interpretation (online) | |
|---|---|
| Instructor: | John Carroll |
| Dates: | February 3 – March 29, 2025 |
| Course Provider: | Union Presbyterian Seminary (online) |
| Contact: | Theda Wortman |
| For More Information: | Available online |
Projected Courses
While the course designs and instructors have not yet been approved by the Educator Certification Committee, the following information is the anticipated course schedule listed for your planning purposes. Please keep in mind that the courses listed below are not official until the Educator Certification Committee has approved the course design.
2025 Projected Courses:
Religious Education Theory & Practice—Union Presbyterian Seminary (spring)
Reformed Theology—Union Presbyterian Seminary (summer)
Presbyterian Polity, Program, & Mission—Union Presbyterian Seminary (fall)
2026 Projected Courses:
Religious Education Theory & Practice—Association of Partners in Christian Education (winter)
Worship & Sacraments—Union Presbyterian Seminary (winter)
Human Growth & Faith Development—Union Presbyterian Seminary (spring)
Biblical Interpretation—Union Presbyterian Seminary (summer)
Religious Education Theory & Practice—Union Presbyterian Seminary (fall)
In addition to the approved courses, please be aware that the corresponding required courses in degree programs from PC(USA)-related seminaries will be accepted as meeting educational requirements for certification at CCE level. Electives will be considered on a course by course basis. For PC(USA) Ministers of Word and Sacrament, passing an ordination exam will meet its respective knowledge and skill area requirement in certification.
Requirements for the Christian Education Associate level (formerly Enrolled Educational Assistant) have changed as of February 2021. Click here to learn more about the process.